Part-Time Work Rules on Germany Opportunity Card: Check Hours, Salary & Tax Rules for Indians
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During your 12-month job search, the part-time work rules on the Germany Opportunity Card shape how you work 20 hours a week, earn around EUR 950 in hand, and use paid trial jobs to reach full-time work. Read on to know more.
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Table of Contents
- Germany Part-Time Work Hours on Opportunity Card
- Minimum Wage for Part-Time Workers on Germany Opportunity Card in 2026
- Germany Part-Time Work Income on Opportunity Card
- Tax Rules for Germany Part-Time Job on Opportunity Card
- Trial Employment Rules on Germany Opportunity Card
- Income Trends for Part-time to Full-Time Work on Germany Opportunity Card
- Monthly Living Costs for Part-time Jobs on Germany Opportunity Card
- Find the Right Role for You on German Opp Card
If you’re interested in working Germany on the Opportunity Card, part-time work can help you manage your expenses while you search for a full-time job. You get 12 months to find qualified work and during this time, you are allowed to work part-time and also try out employers through trial jobs, for up to 20 hours per week in a regular job, with trial jobs allowed separately and paid at the German minimum wage of EUR 12.82 per hour. This makes the Opportunity Card a practical option, not just a job search permit.
Let’s break down the part-time work rules on Germany Opportunity Card and how hours, salary, and taxes actually work, including social security deductions, the monthly take-home pay, and what happens if you switch to full-time work.
Germany Part-Time Work Hours on Opportunity Card
With the Germany Opportunity Card, you are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week in a regular job during your 12-month stay. Along with this, you can also take part in trial employment with different employers, which helps you test job roles before committing to a full-time position. Let’s find out more about the part-time work hours on Germany Opportunity Card:
|
Work Type |
Hours Allowed |
Notes |
|
Part-Time Work |
20 hours per week |
Can be distributed across multiple employers |
|
Trial Employment |
2 weeks per employer |
Unlimited trials, separate from 20-hour limit |
|
Job Search Duration |
12 months maximum |
Extension requires secured employment offer |
Check Out: Top Germany Jobs for Indians Without German Language
Minimum Wage for Part-Time Workers on Germany Opportunity Card in 2026
One important thing about Germany Opportunity Card part-time work rules is that you are fully protected by Germany’s minimum wage law. As of February 2026, the minimum wage stays at EUR 12.82 per hour, and no employer is allowed to pay you less than this, whether it’s a part-time job or a trial role. Check below in detail:
|
Year |
Hourly Rate |
Status |
|
2024 |
EUR 12.41 |
Previous rate |
|
2025 |
EUR 12.82 |
Current rate |
|
2026 |
EUR 12.82 (confirmed) |
No increase scheduled |
Germany Part-Time Work Income on Opportunity Card
The part-time work income on Germany Opportunity Card can vary. If you use the full 20-hour limit under Germany Opportunity Card part-time work, your monthly earnings come out roughly like this:
Calculation: 20 hours/week × 4.33 weeks/month × EUR 12.82/hour = EUR 1,110.54 gross per month
|
Component |
Amount |
|
Weekly Hours |
20 hours |
|
Monthly Hours |
Approximately 86.6 hours |
|
Hourly Rate |
EUR 12.82 |
|
Gross Monthly |
EUR 1,110.54 |
|
Net Monthly |
EUR 950-1,000 |
Tax Rules for Germany Part-Time Job on Opportunity Card
In Germany, your part-time salary deductions on the Opportunity Card mainly include social security contributions such as health insurance, pension, and unemployment insurance. Income tax is applied separately and is usually very small at this income level. This will help you understand why your take-home pay is lower than your gross salary and what you’re really paying for.
|
Deduction Type |
Rate |
Monthly Amount (on EUR 1,110 gross) |
|
Health Insurance |
7.3% |
EUR 81.05 |
|
Pension Insurance |
9.3% |
EUR 103.27 |
|
Unemployment Insurance |
1.3% |
EUR 14.44 |
|
Care Insurance |
1.7% |
EUR 18.87 |
|
Income Tax |
Minimal |
EUR 10-20 (if applicable) |
|
Total Deductions |
Approximately 20% |
EUR 217.63-227.63 |
Compare: Opportunity Card vs Work Visa vs Study Route
Trial Employment Rules on Germany Opportunity Card
Trial employment provides opportunities to evaluate potential employers without affecting regular work hours. Check below how:
|
Aspect |
Details |
|
Duration |
Maximum 2 weeks per employer |
|
Number of Trials |
Unlimited throughout 12-month period |
|
Counts Against 20 Hours? |
No |
|
Payment |
Minimum wage required |
|
Purpose |
Assessment of potential full-time positions |
Income Trends for Part-time to Full-Time Work on Germany Opportunity Card
Check here how your monthly income can jump from around EUR 950 to EUR 2,550+ when you move from part-time to full-time work on a German Opportunity Card:
|
Employment Type |
Hours |
Gross Monthly |
Net Monthly |
|
Part-Time (OC) |
20/week |
EUR 1,110 |
EUR 950-1,000 |
|
Full-Time Entry |
40/week |
EUR 2,220 |
EUR 1,550-1,650 |
|
Full-Time Skilled (EU Blue Card minimum) |
40/week |
EUR 3,828+ |
EUR 2,550-2,700 |
Must Read: Work Visa for Germany in 2026
Monthly Living Costs for Part-time Jobs on Germany Opportunity Card
Earning is one part of the plan, but managing expenses is just as important when you work part-time on a German Opp Card. Here you will get a realistic idea of your monthly living costs and whether part-time income is enough or not:
|
Expense |
Monthly Cost |
|
Rent (shared apartment) |
EUR 400-600 |
|
Food & Groceries |
EUR 200-300 |
|
Health Insurance |
EUR 110 (mandatory) |
|
Transport Pass |
EUR 50-80 |
|
Phone & Internet |
EUR 30-50 |
|
Miscellaneous |
EUR 100-150 |
|
Total Monthly |
EUR 890-1,290 |
Find the Right Role for You on German Opp Card
The Opportunity Card in 2026 provides financial support during your German job search, which allows you to earn between EUR 950 and 1,000 monthly through 20 hours of work while you use trial jobs and networking to achieve a full-time skilled position within 12 months.
Ready to start your Germany journey with the Opportunity Card?
GetGIS helps Indian professionals navigate the entire Opportunity Card application process, from points calculation to CV optimization to finding part-time work opportunities. Our experts understand the 2026 regulations and can guide you through every step of securing your Opportunity Card and transitioning to full-time employment in Germany.
Also Read:
Limited-time offer : Access a free 10-Day IELTS study plan curated for you
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work more than 20 hours per week on Opportunity Card?
Do I pay taxes on Germany part-time income under EUR 1,091 monthly?
Can I combine part-time work in Germany with trial employment simultaneously?
What happens if I don't find full-time work in Germany within 12 months?
Is EUR 950 net monthly enough to live in Germany?
How long can I stay in Germany after finding a job?
