Frequently Asked Questions

The entire process typically takes 2–4 months depending on your country, embassy waiting times, and how quickly you submit your documents. We recommend starting your application at least 3–4 months before your desired start date.

Yes, applying through Ferienjob Germany is completely free. You may however incur costs for visa fees at the German embassy and travel expenses, which are your own responsibility.

Ferienjob Germany (operated by SHB Personalservice GmbH) coordinates your placement and guides you through every step. Your actual employer in Germany is Abax Personaldienstleistungen GmbH, which provides and signs your work contract.

Typically a valid passport, a current enrollment certificate (Immatrikulationsbescheinigung) from your university, and confirmation of your semester break dates. The German embassy may request additional documents for your visa.

Good English skills are required. Basic German knowledge is helpful but not mandatory for most positions. The level required depends on the employer and industry.

We recommend it. In many cases you need official confirmations such as semester dates or an enrollment certificate. Clarify early what documents your university can provide.

If you are not an EU/EEA citizen, you will usually need an appropriate visa to take part in the Ferienjob. You apply at the German embassy in your country once you have your job confirmation and required documents. Visa fees and appointments are your own responsibility.

No. The Ferienjob is a structured holiday-employment program tied to your studies and semester break (§14 Abs. 2 BeschV), with a fixed employer and a work contract — not a flexible Work & Travel scheme.

It is your official certificate of enrollment from your university, confirming that you are a registered student. It is a key document for the Ferienjob and usually needs to be issued in German.

You will earn at least the German minimum wage of €14.96 per hour. Depending on the employer and sector, higher rates are possible. Your exact wage and working hours will be stated in your contract.

The maximum duration is 90 calendar days per year under the Ferienjob regulation (§14 Abs. 2 BeschV). This applies to your entire stay in Germany within one calendar year.

Working hours are set in your contract and depend on the employer and sector. Full-time schedules are common during the holiday period, as this is a seasonal job.

It depends on the sector. Logistics and production can be physically demanding, while hospitality is more moderate. You can indicate your preferences or limitations in your registration form.

As a short-term seasonal worker your deductions can differ from regular employment. The exact amounts depend on your individual situation and are shown on your payslip. We are not able to give individual tax advice.

In most cases accommodation is organized and provided near the workplace. Shared housing costs around 25–30 € per night per person (only rarely cheaper) and is usually deducted directly from your salary. Exact conditions depend on the employer and will be clearly stated in your contract.

Typical costs include document preparation, visa application fees at the embassy, and your flight to Germany. Accommodation (usually 25–30 € per night per person) is organized for you and deducted from salary. The application itself is free.

Your salary is paid by your employer according to the schedule in your contract. Accommodation costs are typically deducted directly from your pay, so what you receive is your net amount after those deductions.