Are voluntary internships paid in Germany?

Usually yes, and often the minimum wage is legally required.

Under the Minimum Wage Act (§ 22 MiLoG) interns are treated as employees and are entitled to the statutory minimum wage (€13.90 per hour since 1 January 2026), unless the internship is one of these exceptions:

• a mandatory internship required by your study regulations, school regulations or a training regulation;
• a voluntary internship of up to three months for orientation before training or studies;
• a voluntary internship of up to three months accompanying your studies or training, provided you have not done such an internship with the same employer before.

So: a voluntary internship that lasts longer than three months must be paid at least the minimum wage for the entire period, from the first day. Mandatory internships and short voluntary ones may be unpaid, although many companies pay something anyway.

Practical points:

• The contract should state whether the internship is mandatory (then attach the study regulation) or voluntary, and its length.
• Non-EU students on a study residence permit must also count internship days against their working-time allowance unless the internship is mandatory under the study regulations; check with the Ausländerbehörde.

Sources: § 22 MiLoG (gesetze-im-internet.de); Federal Government announcement of the 2026 minimum wage (bundesregierung.de). The rate rises to €14.60 on 1 January 2027.