Your Journey to
Germany starts here.
Work, earn, grow — and discover a new country. Everything you need to know about your Ferienjob, step by step.
Start Your Application →Everything included. Zero guesswork.
The Ferienjob program is designed to make your experience in Germany as smooth, safe, and rewarding as possible.
Competitive Wage
€14.96/hour — the German minimum wage. Weekly advance payments of €125 from week 2. All by bank transfer.
Accommodation Arranged
Housing is organised by your employer. You don't need to search for a place — just arrive and settle in.
Full Insurance Coverage
Accident insurance from day one — at work and on the way. Fully covered. No extra cost for you.
Personal Coordinator
Sophia supports you throughout the program. Always reachable during office hours — Mon–Fri.
Academy Training
Access the full Ferienjob Germany Academy before and during your stay. Know exactly what to expect.
Freedom to Explore
Travel all across Germany with the Deutschlandticket for €63/month. Discover cities, nature, and culture.
Work Reference Letter
At the end of the program you receive an official Arbeitszeugnis — valuable proof of your work experience.
Tax Refund Possible
After returning home, you may claim back several hundred euros via the German tax return (ELSTER).
Real International CV
Work experience in Germany sets you apart from other graduates. A genuine boost for your career.
Visa requirements — check yours first.
Not every country requires a visa to work in Germany. The requirements depend entirely on your nationality. Before you apply, find out which rules apply to you.
📋 ZAV Work Permit — required for everyone
Every participant — regardless of nationality — needs an official work permit from the German Federal Employment Agency (ZAV). This is not optional. Your employer applies for this permit on your behalf after you submit your documents.
🛂 Visa — depends on your country
Whether you need a visa to enter Germany depends entirely on your nationality. EU/EEA citizens do not need one. Most non-EU participants — for example from Indonesia, India, or Thailand — will need a visa in addition to the work permit.
ZAV Work Permit (everyone) — Your employer applies for your Arbeitserlaubnis from the ZAV once your profile and documents are complete. This is the first and mandatory step for all participants, regardless of nationality.
Visa (if required for your country) — once the ZAV approval is confirmed, you check whether your nationality requires a visa. Your employer will inform you and provide the employer documents needed for your visa application.
Book your visa appointment — at the German embassy or consulate in your home country. Bring all required documents including your work permit confirmation. Processing times vary — apply as early as possible.
Only then book your flights — never book travel before your ZAV approval is confirmed and your visa (if required) is granted. Your coordinator will tell you when you are cleared to travel.
From application to departure — the full picture.
Here is everything that happens from the moment you apply until you fly home.
Apply & Complete Your Profile
Register on ferienjobgermany.de, complete your personal profile, and upload all required documents. Your coordinator will guide you through every step.
Work Permit & Contract
Your employer and ABAX prepare your work permit and employment contract. You will receive everything before your departure date.
Fly to Germany
Travel to your assigned city. Your accommodation is already organised — just move in and settle in. Register at the city office (Einwohnermeldeamt) within 14 days.
First Steps in Germany
Open a German bank account, buy a SIM card, get your Deutschlandticket, and complete your city registration. Your coordinator will guide you through everything.
Work, Earn & Explore
Work up to 8 hours per day, earn €14.96/hour, and receive weekly advance payments. Explore Germany on weekends with your Deutschlandticket.
Salary & Payslip
Full monthly salary arrives between the 18th and 22nd. You receive a payslip (Lohnabrechnung) showing your earnings and deductions each month.
End of Program & Going Home
Deregister at the city office (Abmeldung), collect your Arbeitszeugnis and Lohnsteuerbescheinigung, clean your room, return your key, and cancel your Deutschlandticket.
Tax Refund & Final Salary
File your tax return online via elster.de and receive a refund of potentially several hundred euros — directly to your bank account, even from abroad.
How the application works
From checking your university to arriving in Germany — our step-by-step guide walks you through every stage of the process.
See the full step-by-step guide →What to expect during your stay
A snapshot of what your daily life in Germany will look like.
Working Hours
Up to 8 hours per day, maximum 10 hours occasionally. Breaks are a legal right — 30 min after 6h, 45 min after 9h of work.
Work Locations
Warehouses, factories, hotels, or hospitality positions across Germany. Your Einsatzbetrieb is assigned by ABAX.
Accommodation
Shared housing arranged by ABAX. Monthly cost deducted as Mietabzug. €200 deposit — returned at end if no damage.
Support Always Available
WhatsApp group for daily questions. Direct line to Sophia. Mon–Thu 08:00–17:00, Fri 08:00–14:00.
Travel & Free Time
Explore Germany on weekends. Deutschlandticket (€63/month) gives you unlimited travel by bus and local train across the whole country.
Health & Safety
Accident insurance from day one. Pharmacy (Apotheke) in every city. Find doctors via jameda.de or doctolib.de.
Ready to start your journey?
Join hundreds of international students who have already worked, earned, and grown through the Ferienjob program. Your adventure begins with one click.
