Understand your tax number, student work rules, payslip and tax return without mixing up tax and immigration rules.
Last checked: September 2026
Your tax identification number (Steuer-ID or IdNr) has 11 digits and stays with you for life. It normally arrives by post after your address registration (Anmeldung). A tax number (Steuernummer) is different and is mainly used for self-employment or a tax office case.
For many students with a residence permit for study, the immigration rule is up to 140 full days or 280 half days in a calendar year. Some university jobs and mandatory internships are treated differently. Read your residence permit and ask the responsible authority when unsure.
Your main job is often calculated with tax class I (Steuerklasse I). A second regular job is often calculated with tax class VI, so more wage tax may be withheld. Tax class VI is not a fine. A tax return may correct the yearly result.
You may receive money back if too much wage tax was withheld, especially after working only part of a year or having a second job. A refund is never guaranteed. Some people must file and others may file voluntarily. ELSTER is the official online service.
A minijob has a legal earnings limit that can change. The contract, your other jobs and how the job is taxed all matter. Check the current limit and rules directly with the Minijob-Zentrale before you accept the job.
Yes. Your regular income and working hours can affect family insurance (Familienversicherung), student insurance and employee contributions. The details depend on your case and can change. Ask your health insurer before increasing your hours or income.
This is general information for students, not individual tax, legal, immigration or insurance advice. Rules and personal situations differ. Ask your Finanzamt, health insurer, immigration authority or a qualified adviser about your case.
