Looking for the best ways to make money in Germany in 2025? Whether you’re a student, expat, freelancer, or just looking for a side hustle, Germany offers plenty of opportunities to earn income legally and effectively. Here are 20 tried-and-true methods to earn money in Germany, from online side gigs to traditional jobs.
1. Internships in Germany for Students and Graduates
Paid internships in Germany are a popular way to earn while gaining experience. Many companies, especially in Berlin, Munich, and Frankfurt, offer paid internships in tech, finance, and marketing. Internship salary in Germany varies from company to company, & sector to sector.
2. Work as an Academic Assistant (HiWi Job)
A HiWi or academic assistant supports university professors or researchers. These jobs are often reserved for enrolled students and offer flexible hours with competitive pay. Academic assistant jobs in Germany might give you good income at an initial stage. You can search “HiWi jobs for international students” online to find out more details.
3. Earn Money as a Translator in Germany
If you’re fluent in multiple languages, translation jobs in Germany are in high demand. Work with publishing houses, businesses, or legal firms either as a freelancer or part-time employee. Don’t forget to search “how to become a translator in Germany” to get more insight on it.
4. Start a Blog in Germany
Blogging is a great passive income stream. Focus on niches like life in Germany for foreigners, travel, study guides, or language learning. Monetize through affiliate marketing and sponsored posts. “How to start a blog in Germany” this should be your first question and thereafter blogging for income in Germany second question. If you can able to make a good traffic, you might earn good income in Germany through blogging.
5. Become a YouTuber in Germany
If you have a question; How to make money on YouTube in Germany? then don’t worry because YouTube offers monetization via ads, sponsorships, and affiliate links. Share vlogs, tutorials, or cultural experiences in Germany to build your audience. There are several German vlogging ideas like life in Germany as a foreigner, life of a foreign student, etc.
6. Work as a Social Media Influencer
Influencer marketing is booming in Germany. Whether on Instagram, TikTok, or LinkedIn, you can earn by promoting products and collaborating with local German brands. In this social media era, you might find influencer jobs in Germany in various companies. If you don’t know how to become a social media influencer in Germany, search it on Google.
7. Waiter or Waitress Jobs in Germany
Restaurant jobs are widely available, especially in tourist cities. Tips plus hourly wages can provide a stable income. Part-time waiter jobs in Germany are available in plenty numbers. If you have a question; how much do waiters earn in Germany? it depends on your location, and hotel/restaurant.
8. Babysitting Jobs in Germany
Babysitting is ideal for students and expats. Sites like Betreut.de help you connect with families looking for part-time caregivers. Babysitting jobs in Germany are available in plenty numbers. Please search “nanny work for foreigners in Germany” on Google to find more jobs based on your location.
9. Freelance Writing for German or Global Clients
Freelance writing is one of the top online jobs in Germany. Write blog posts, SEO content, or marketing copy for companies across the globe. If you’re looking for “freelance writing jobs in Germany”, please check out LinkedIn, and other local job websites.
If you have foreign clients, you can also do remote writing work from Germany if your work permit/visa allows it.
10. Delivery Person Jobs (Lieferando, Uber Eats)
Become a delivery rider in Germany with companies like Lieferando, Uber Eats, or Wolt. Flexible hours and good tips make it a popular job among students and newcomers.
Don’t forget to search “Food delivery jobs in Germany” on Google to find a plenty of jobs based on your location. Lieferando rider salary can be negotiated based on your location.
11. Private Tutoring in Germany
Teach school subjects, university-level courses, or music lessons in person or online. Popular subjects include math, physics, English, and coding.
You can use these keywords on Google to find your job, “private tutor jobs in Germany”, “tutoring English in Germany”.
12. Warehouse Jobs in Germany (Lagerarbeiter)
Many large companies like Amazon offer warehouse jobs in Germany with competitive wages. No advanced skills required. Due to large number of stores, you might find plenty of warehouse jobs in Germany.
Amazon is available across Germany, and don’t forget to find jobs on Germany with this keyword “Amazon warehouse jobs Berlin/Munich”.
13. Shelf Stacking Jobs (Regalauffüller)
Retail chains often hire part-time shelf stackers for grocery and convenience stores. No German language fluency is required in most cases. Don’t forget to check with your local supermarket for shelf stacker jobs in Germany.
Many of these supermarkets hire students, so you can also checkout online for supermarket jobs for students in Germany.
14. Cashier Jobs in Supermarkets and Retail
Work at popular supermarket chains like Lidl, Aldi, or REWE. Cashier jobs offer stable part-time employment with benefits. Many supermarkets like Aldi, REWE, etc. hires people for cashier jobs in Germany.
They don’t discriminate based on nationality but check yourself for supermarket jobs Germany for foreigners on their official website or local HR manager.
15. Sell Digital Products Online in Germany
Create and sell eBooks, online courses, stock photos, or design templates. Use platforms like Gumroad, Etsy, or your own Shopify store.
Selling digital products in Germany is one of the best ways for passive income in Germany.
16. Get Paid for Market Research and Online Surveys
Join market research panels or survey sites like Toluna, Swagbucks, and MeinungsOrt to earn extra cash in your free time.
17. Teach Your Native Language in Germany
Language teaching is a top side hustle in Germany. Offer lessons in English, Spanish, French, or other native languages either online or face-to-face.
If you are good in language teaching, there’re plenty of language teacher jobs Germany. If you’re a native English speaker, you should try to teach English in Germany without degree.
18. Work as a Virtual Assistant (VA)
Offer administrative or technical help remotely to businesses and entrepreneurs. VAs are in high demand across Europe and the U.S.
19. Minijobs in Germany (Up to €538/month)
Minijobs are tax-free part-time jobs in Germany offering up to €538 per month. Perfect for students, homemakers, and retirees.
20. Freelance Graphic Designer
If you have skills in Photoshop, Illustrator, or Canva, you can offer your design services to clients worldwide. Freelancing platforms like Fiverr or Upwork are great starting points.
Final Thoughts: How to Make Money in Germany Legally & Efficiently
Whether you’re looking for a part-time job in Germany, want to earn from home, or explore online freelance work, this list of 20 money-making ideas covers something for everyone. From traditional side jobs like waiting tables to digital income streams like selling products online or freelancing, the German job market offers ample opportunity.
✅ Bonus Tip: Always check visa requirements and job eligibility rules for international students and expats in Germany.
FAQs
❓ What are the best side hustles in Germany?
The best side hustles in Germany include freelance writing, tutoring, food delivery jobs (like Lieferando), remote virtual assistant work, and dropshipping businesses. Many side hustles in Germany are available to both locals and expats, especially in major cities like Berlin, Munich, and Frankfurt.
❓ What are the best online jobs for foreigners in Germany?
Top online jobs for foreigners in Germany include content creation, remote customer support, online English teaching, virtual assistance, and digital marketing freelancing. These jobs are ideal for non-German speakers and can be done remotely or with flexible hours, making them popular for expats and students.
❓ How can I make money as a student in Germany?
To make money as a student in Germany, consider working part-time as a tutor, intern, babysitter, or research assistant. You can also explore online freelance platforms, gig economy apps, and blogging. International students in Germany are legally allowed to work 120 full days or 240 half days per year.
❓ What freelance opportunities are available in Germany?
Popular freelance opportunities in Germany include web development, graphic design, copywriting, translation services, and video editing. Websites like Upwork, Fiverr, and Malt.de offer platforms where both German and non-German speakers can find freelance gigs legally.
❓ How can I legally earn money in Germany without speaking German?
You can legally earn money in Germany without speaking German by working in English-speaking online jobs, such as freelancing, remote tech support, content writing, or IT services. Many startups and international companies in cities like Berlin and Hamburg hire English-speaking professionals. Make sure you have the right residence permit or freelance visa to work legally.