Requirements for using Zenjob

At Zenjob, you work within the framework of temporary employment. There are strict legal requirements for this type of employment, which is why not everyone can use Zenjob.

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A young woman is sitting on her bike looking at the Zenjob requirements for signing up.

General requirements

  • Minimum age: 18 years
  • Good German or English language skills
  • Valid identity card or passport
  • (if necessary, a valid residence title and work permit in Germany)
  • German or European health insurance
  • German tax ID and social security number
  • A place of residence in Germany

Who can use Zenjob?

  • Allowed to use Zenjob

    Students

    • who are enrolled at an officially recognised university in Europe
    • who study full-time
    • who have a valid certificate of enrolment

    Side jobbers

    • who have a job subject to social insurance contributions (full-time or part-time)
    • who are doing a dual study programme, vocational training (Berufsausbildung or betriebliche Ausbildung), voluntary social year or who are in short-time work or tenured
  • Not allowed to use Zenjob

    • You are studying part-time or at a vocational college (Berufsfachschule).
    • You are doing a doctorate or taking a leave of absence (Urlaubssemester).
    • You are a pupil.
    • You are doing an in-school apprenticeship (schulische Ausbildung).
    • You are self-employed.
    • You are on parental leave.
    • You are registered as unemployed.
    • You are retired.
    • You have a Working Holiday Programme visa.

What students need to consider

As a student working in Germany, you should be aware of a few basic rules and regulations. Please note that regulations may differ for students without German or EU citizenship who are studying and working in Germany.

  • Max. weekly working hours

    If you are employed as a working student (Werkstudent), you may only work up to 20 hours per week during the lecture period to avoid paying social security contributions. At Zenjob, you usually don’t have to worry about this, as our employment is usually short-term (kurzfristige Beschäftigung). There is no weekly cap for students in short-term employment.

  • summer jobs

    Working full-time

    During the semester break, working students may work more than 20 hours per week without having to pay social security contributions because there are no classes or lectures to attend.

  • Earnings limits

    In principle, there is no general income limit for students in Germany. However, if you want your annual income to remain tax-free, or if you receive BAföG or have family insurance, you must observe certain limits.

Rules side jobbers need to consider

If you have a job subject to social security contributions, consider the following rules and regulations for a stress-free start at Zenjob.

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    Non-competition clause

    In principle, you have the right to have a second job besides your main job. Ideally, you inform your main employer about your plans for a second job. Doing so will ensure you comply with the non-competition clause and any other clauses in your employment contract.

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    Working Hours Act in Germany

    When you book a job with Zenjob, you should make sure that you comply with the Working Hours Act. This stipulates how much rest you must have after finishing your daily working hours and the maximum number of hours you can work per day and week.

Any other questions?

Learn how to sign up at Zenjob, what your employment relationship with Zenjob looks like, and how to master your first job.

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