Do I need a work permit if I want to do an internship in Germany?

This is a question most foreign students ask themselves. Since 01.01.2005, German law no longer recognizes the term "work permit". Instead, a foreigner is permitted to take up gainful employment if this is stipulated in the Residence Act or if his or her residence title expressly permits the pursuit of gainful employment. In principle, an internship is considered gainful employment. This means that the regulations of the Minimum Wage Act as well as social security also apply to internships.

Exceptions: However, the following internships are not considered gainful employment, provided their duration does not exceed three months in any twelve-month period:

1. internships arranged by the Federal Employment Agency as vacation employment.

2. compulsory internships, provided that they are included in the study plan and without which the studies cannot be completed.

3. internships within the framework of a program financially supported by the EU or bilateral development cooperation (such as Promos and Erasmus ⁺ ).

One can also complete the internship in Germany  or abroad  .