Make employment in Germany easy. Let us handle payroll, benefits, taxes, compliance, and even stock options for your team in Germany, all in one easy-to-use platform.
Employment law in Germany is not contained under a single law. Instead it is governed by statutory regulations codified in (among other laws) the German Civil Code, then furthermore governed by various federal acts such as the Part-time and Fixed-term Work Act, Employee Leasing Act, Holidays Act, Act on Maternity Protection and the Dismissal Protection Act. Furthermore, collective labour law through codetermination, trade unions and collective bargaining plays a role.
German employment law provides strong labor conditions and protections for employees, so employing people will generally be an important investment and commitment.
Temporary agencies are popular options for more flexible workforce arrangements. For these and many other reasons, the following are only guidelines in the broadest sense, and professional legal services are recommended when employing in Germany.
In Germany, the legal minimum wage is mandated on an hourly basis. The current minimum hourly wage is €13.90 gross per hour (rising to €14.60 in January 2027).
However, depending on the sector of employment and type of employment, a higher minimum wage can apply. For Remote's AUG workforce, the minimum wage is currently set at €19.78 per hour.
For further information, speak to our team.
For customers of Remote, all employee payments will be made in equal monthly installments on or before the last working day of each calendar month, payable in arrears.
We can help you get a new employee started in Germany fast.
Our team ensures your employees are onboarded and paid as quickly as possible while keeping your business compliant with all local employment legislation. The minimum onboarding time begins after the employee submits all required information onto the Remote platform. The onboarding timeline is also dependent upon registration with local authorities.
For all non-nationals of the country of employment, the Right to Work assessment (if applicable) will add three extra days to the total time to onboard. There may be extra time required if we need to follow-up on the right to work assessment.
Please note, payroll cut-off dates can impact the actual first day of employment. Remote has a payroll cut-off date of the 10th of the month unless otherwise specified.
Date | Holiday |
|---|---|
2026-01-01 | New Year's Day (Neujahr) |
2026-04-03 | Good Friday (Karfreitag) |
2026-04-06 | Easter Monday (Ostermontag) |
2026-05-01 | Labor Day (Tag der Arbeit) |
2026-05-14 | Feast of the Ascension of Jesus Christ (Christi Himmelfahrt) |
2026-05-25 | Pentecost Monday (Pfingstmontag) |
2026-10-03 | German Unity Day (Tag der Deutschen Einheit) |
2026-12-25 | First Day of Christmastide (Erster Weihnachtsfeiertag) |
2026-12-26 | Second Day of Christmastide (Zweiter Weihnachtsfeiertag) |
Germany (German: Deutschland), officially the Federal Republic of Germany (German: Bundesrepublik Deutschland), is located in Central and Western Europe. The country is an economic heavyweight: Europe’s largest economy, the world’s fourth-largest by nominal GDP and fifth-largest by PPP. As a leader across multiple industrial and technological sectors, Germany ranks among the world’s top exporters and importers of goods.
Capital
Official language
Currency
Population
Cost of living index
GDP real growth rate
Payroll frequency
VAT rate
Ease of doing business
Want to employ people in Germany? Companies hiring in Germany are typically required to either own a local legal entity or work with global employment services like Remote that can legally provide employment services in the country.
Remote can employ team members in Germany and help you stay compliant. Remote can hire, onboard, and pay your Germany team so you don't need to establish local HR services in the region. Remote also simplifies paying contractors in Germany. Sign up now to get started or talk to an expert for more details.
Germany, like many other countries, treats self-employed individuals or contractors and full-time employees differently. Misclassification of contractors in Germany may lead to fines and penalties for the offending company.
Employer
0.00%
Pension
0.00%
Private medical insurance
0.0%
Nursing Care Insurance
0.0%
Unemployment Insurance
0.00%
Accident Insurance
0.00%
Sickness/maternity leave allocation
Employee
0.00%
Pension
0.00%
Private medical insurance
0.00%
Nursing Care Insurance
0.0%
Unemployment Insurance
0.00%
Income tax up to €9,744 per annum
0% – 42%
Income tax for €9,744 – €57,918 per annum
0 %
Income tax for €57,918 – €274,612 per annum
0 %
Income tax for over €274,612 per annum
All full-time workers are entitled to 9 paid public holidays per years. Full-time workers are also entitled to at least 20 days of paid time off if they work five-day work weeks or 24 days of paid time off if they work six-day work weeks. Employers may offer additional paid vacation days at their discretion.
Expecting mothers are entitled to 6 weeks of pregnancy leave (before the due date) and at least 8 weeks maternity leave (after childbirth).
In addition to maternity leave, the parents can take extended parental leave for up to 36 months until the child turn 3 years. Parents can choose to work part-time or up to 30 hours per week during parental leave.
- Adoption: the same rules as for maternity leave applies for adoptions.
Germany employers in general can provide any fair reasons for termination of an employee. Any dismissal from the end of the employer for an employee that has been employed longer than six months has to be "socially justified" by the following:
Person-related reasons;
Termination with consent of the employee through a termination agreement; or
Conduct-related reasons, for example repeated breaches of employment terms after prior warning or serious misconduct
The statutory notice period for an employer depends on the duration of employment, with a two-week notice during a six-month probation period, and after probation period, a minimum of four weeks for those employed within 2 years of service and up to 7 months for those employed more than 20 years.
The maximum length of a probationary period is 6 months.
During the probationary period, the applicable statutory notice period can be reduced to a minimum of two weeks, except as otherwise provided in other applicable regulations (e.g. a collective bargaining agreement). During the probationary period, the employer does not need a reason for termination to dismiss the employee. A termination during the probationary period is only ineffective if it is immoral or contrary to faith.
At Remote, we provide tailored benefits to ensure that all Remote employees receive comprehensive coverage from top providers.
Remote provides a flexible occupational pension scheme (bAV) for employees in Germany. This contemporary offering streamlines pension administration while delivering adaptable options and broad financial protection.
Employee contributions: Employees may elect to contribute 1%–4% of gross salary, or choose a fixed amount up to €302 per month (2024 limit).
Employer contributions: Employers grant a 15% subsidy on employee contributions, and may offer matching schemes or fixed contributions of 1%–8% of salary, depending on employer preference.
Effortless digital management: An online portal lets employees customise their contributions, access contracts, and monitor pension growth. The interface is clear and user-friendly, enabling real-time management.
Transferability: Employees may transfer existing pension savings into the new plan, or retain them in separate funds.
Eligibility: The plan is available to any employee on request, offering additional flexibility and financial security.
Remote’s Global Business Travel Insurance program is designed for teams on short trips or those travelling frequently. It offers five plan levels—Basic, Standard, Premium, Premium Plus, and Standard Plus—so team members can select coverage suited to their health, safety, and well‑being while on business travel.
Available in more than 90 countries, the program delivers broad international coverage at competitive rates, giving reassurance wherever work takes your team. This optional benefit is flexible, enabling you to tailor protection to the varied needs of your people. Offering business travel insurance helps protect your team against unexpected events such as medical emergencies, trip interruptions, or loss of business equipment while travelling for work.
Coverages (values in USD):
Emergency & Accidental Medical: $1,000,000
Repatriation for Medical Treatment: 100% per trip
Emergency Medical Evacuation: $100,000
Repatriation of Mortal Remains: $25,000 per trip
Pre-existing Medical Conditions: For stable pre-existing medical conditions up to $50,000
Business Equipment: Up to $1,500
Computer Equipment (single item limit): $500
Business Money: $100 per day up to $500
Domestic business travel: Trips within the country of residence qualify when they exceed 70 miles from the usual residence and include at least one overnight stay in paid accommodation. In‑country trips exclude medical treatment and evacuation benefits.
Coverages (values in USD):
Excludes medical and evacuation
Baggage Delay: $100 per day up to $700 per trip *Does not apply to one-way trips
Personal Liability: $100,000 per trip
Accidental Death & Permanent Total Disability: $100,000 per trip
Loss of Passport: $250 per trip
Legal Expenses: $10,000 per trip
Hijacking: $1,000 per trip
Business Equipment: Up to $1,500
Computer Equipment (single item limit): $500
Business Money: $100 per day up to $500
Domestic business travel: Trips within the country of residence qualify when they exceed 70 miles from the usual residence and include at least one overnight stay in paid accommodation. In‑country trips exclude medical treatment and evacuation benefits.
Coverages (values in USD):
Emergency & Accidental Medical: $1,000,000
Repatriation for Medical Treatment: 100% per trip
Emergency Medical Evacuation: $100,000
Repatriation of Mortal Remains: $25,000 per trip
Pre-existing Medical Conditions: For stable pre-existing medical conditions up to $50,000
Baggage Delay: $100 per day up to $700 per trip *Does not apply to one-way trips
Personal Liability: $100,000 per trip
Accidental Death & Permanent Total Disability: $100,000 per trip
Loss of Passport: $250 per trip
Legal Expenses: $10,000 per trip
Hijacking: $1,000 per trip
Business Equipment: Up to $1,500
Computer Equipment (single item limit): $500
Business Money: $100 per day up to $500
Domestic business travel: Trips within the country of residence qualify when they exceed 70 miles from the usual residence and include at least one overnight stay in paid accommodation. In‑country trips exclude medical treatment and evacuation benefits.
Coverages (values in USD):
Emergency & Accidental Medical: $1,000,000
Repatriation for Medical Treatment: 100% per trip
Emergency Medical Evacuation: $100,000
Repatriation of Mortal Remains: $25,000 per trip
Pre-existing Medical Conditions: For stable pre-existing medical conditions up to $50,000
Baggage Delay: $100 per day up to $700 per trip *Does not apply to one-way trips
Personal Liability: $100,000 per trip
Accidental Death & Permanent Total Disability: $100,000 per trip
Loss of Passport: $250 per trip
Legal Expenses: $10,000 per trip
Hijacking: $1,000 per trip
Cancellation & Curtailment: $2,000 per trip; subject to $100 deductible per Trip *Benefit not available to residents of the USA
Business Equipment: Up to $1,500
Computer Equipment (single item limit): $500
Business Money: $100 per day up to $500
Domestic business travel: Trips within the country of residence qualify when they exceed 70 miles from the usual residence and include at least one overnight stay in paid accommodation. In‑country trips exclude medical treatment and evacuation benefits.
Coverages (values in USD):
Excludes Medical & Evacuation
Baggage Delay: $100 per day up to $700 per trip *Does not apply to one-way trips
Personal Liability: $100,000 per trip
Accidental Death & Permanent Total Disability: $100,000 per trip
Loss of Passport: $250 per trip
Legal Expenses: $10,000 per trip
Hijacking: $1,000 per trip
Cancellation & Curtailment: $2,000 per trip; subject to $100 deductible per Trip *Benefit not available to residents of the USA
Business Equipment: Up to $1,500
Computer Equipment (single item limit): $500
Business Money: $100 per day up to $500
Domestic business travel: Trips within the country of residence qualify when they exceed 70 miles from the usual residence and include at least one overnight stay in paid accommodation. In‑country trips exclude medical treatment and evacuation benefits.
Providing private medical insurance in this country may not be mandatory, but offering robust health benefits can notably improve your employees’ healthcare experience—ensuring faster access to quality providers and shorter wait times. Through our Global Private medical insurance scheme, offered with a leading global insurer, Remote presents four comprehensive plan tiers: Standard, Premium, Gold, and Platinum. Standard supplies core inpatient and outpatient cover. Premium adds dental and vision for broader care. Gold and Platinum raise coverage limits and include additional services for those seeking higher protection. Flexible family options are available to cover the employee alone or extend to spouse/partner and children via Family Coverage. For further guidance on equitable benefits and best practices, you can download our Global Benefits Guide
here
!
Hospital accommodation: Private room
Intensive care: Full coverage
Prescription drugs and materials: Full coverage
Surgical fees (including anaesthesia and charges): Full coverage
Physician and therapist fees: Full coverage
Surgical appliances and materials: Full coverage
Diagnostic tests: Full coverage
Organ transplant: Full coverage
Psychiatry and psychotherapy: Full coverage
Parent accommodation (for children under 18): Full coverage
Emergency in-patient dental treatment: Full coverage
Day‑care treatment: Full coverage
Kidney dialysis: Full coverage
Out‑patient surgery: Full coverage
Nursing at home or convalescent home: Up to $3,375
Rehabilitation treatment: Up to $3,375
Local ambulance: Full coverage
Emergency treatment outside area of cover: Up to $50,000
Medical evacuation: Full coverage
Expenses for accompanying evacuation: Up to $2,700
Travel costs for family members (evacuation): Up to $2,700
Repatriation of mortal remains: Up to $13,500
Travel costs for family (repatriation): Up to $4,050
CT and MRI scans: Full coverage
PET and CT‑PET scans: Full coverage
Oncology: Full coverage
Purchase of wig/prosthetic bra: Up to $270
Routine maternity: Up to $6,000
Complications of pregnancy/childbirth: Up to $13,500
In‑patient cash benefit: $205 per night (max 25 nights)
Emergency out‑patient treatment: Full coverage
Palliative care: Full coverage
Long term care: Full coverage (max 90 days)
HIV/AIDS treatment: Full coverage
Maximum plan benefit: $3,500
Deductible: $135
Medical practitioner fees & prescription drugs: Up to $1,350
Diagnostic tests: Full coverage
Video consultation services: Full coverage
Specialist fees: Full coverage
Chiropractic, osteopathy, homeopathy, acupuncture, podiatry: Full coverage
Prescribed physiotherapy: Up to $600
Non‑prescribed physiotherapy: Up to 10 visits
Prescribed speech therapy and occupational therapy: Up to $1,520
Vaccinations: Up to $300
Infertility treatment: Up to $16,000
Psychiatry and psychotherapy: Max 10 visits
Prescribed medical aids: Up to $675
Prescribed glasses and contact lenses: Not covered
Hormone replacement therapy: Full coverage
Cancer screening (see details below): Up to $300
Annual pap smear
Mammogram (every two years for women aged 45+, or younger where a family history exists)
Annual prostate screening (yearly for men aged 50+, or younger where a family history exists)
Colonoscopy (every five years for members aged 50+, or 40+ where a family history exists)
Annual faecal occult blood test
BRCA1 and BRCA2 genetic test (where a direct family history exists)
Health and wellbeing checks: Includes screenings for early detection of illness or disease (see details below): Up to $300
Physical examination
Blood tests (full blood count, biochemistry, lipid profile, thyroid function test, liver function test, kidney function test)
Cardiovascular examination (physical examination, electrocardiogram, blood pressure)
Neurological examination (physical examination)
Bone densitometry (every five years for women aged 50+)
Well child test (for children up to the age of six years)
The Standard tier includes the following additional services: Employee Assistance Programme, Travel Security Services, MyHealth Digital Services, Olive (Health & Wellness Support), and Second Medical Opinion, all of which are available.
Not covered
Not covered
Co‑pay: None
Outpatient deductible: $135
You have the option to cover the cost of your team’s dependents, ensuring comprehensive protection for their spouse/parter and children.
Hospital accommodation: Private room
Intensive care: Full coverage
Prescription drugs and materials: Full coverage
Surgical fees (including anaesthesia and charges): Full coverage
Physician and therapist fees: Full coverage
Surgical appliances and materials: Full coverage
Diagnostic tests: Full coverage
Organ transplant: Full coverage
Psychiatry and psychotherapy: Full coverage
Parent accommodation (for children under 18): Full coverage
Emergency in-patient dental treatment: Full coverage
Day‑care treatment: Full coverage
Kidney dialysis: Full coverage
Out‑patient surgery: Full coverage
Nursing at home or convalescent home: Up to $3,375
Rehabilitation treatment: Up to $3,375
Local ambulance: Full coverage
Emergency treatment outside area of cover: Up to $50,000
Medical evacuation: Full coverage
Expenses for accompanying evacuation: Up to $2,700
Travel costs for family members (evacuation): Up to $2,700
Repatriation of mortal remains: Up to $13,500
Travel costs for family (repatriation): Up to $4,050
CT and MRI scans: Full coverage
PET and CT‑PET scans: Full coverage
Oncology: Full coverage
Purchase of wig/prosthetic bra: Up to $270
Routine maternity: Up to $6,000
Complications of pregnancy/childbirth: Up to $13,500
In‑patient cash benefit: $205 per night (max 25 nights)
Emergency out‑patient treatment: Full coverage
Palliative care: Full coverage
Long term care: Full coverage (max 90 days)
HIV/AIDS treatment: Full coverage
Treatment for alcohol and drug addiction: Up to $5,000
Gender dysphoria services: Up to $25,000 per lifetime
Maximum plan benefit: $5,060
Deductible: None
Medical practitioner fees: Up to $1,350
Prescription drugs: Full coverage
Diagnostic tests: Full coverage
Video consultation services: Full coverage
Specialist fees: Full coverage
Chiropractic, osteopathy, homeopathy, acupuncture, podiatry: Full coverage
Prescribed physiotherapy: Up to $600
Non‑prescribed physiotherapy: Up to 10 visits
Prescribed speech therapy and occupational therapy: Up to $1,520
Vaccinations: Up to $500
Health and wellbeing checks: See details below
Infertility treatment: Up to $16,000
Psychiatry and psychotherapy: Max 10 visits
Prescribed medical aids: Up to $675
Prescribed glasses and contact lenses: Up to $250
Hormone replacement therapy: Full coverage
Cancer screening (see details below): Up to $500
Annual pap smear
Mammogram (every two years for women aged 45+, or younger where a family history exists)
Annual prostate screening (yearly for men aged 50+, or younger where a family history exists)
Colonoscopy (every five years for members aged 50+, or 40+ where a family history exists)
Annual faecal occult blood test
BRCA1 and BRCA2 genetic test (where a direct family history exists)
Health and wellbeing checks: Includes screenings for early detection of illness or disease (see details below): Up to $500
Physical examination
Blood tests (full blood count, biochemistry, lipid profile, thyroid function test, liver function test, kidney function test)
Cardiovascular examination (physical examination, electrocardiogram, blood pressure)
Neurological examination (physical examination)
Bone densitometry (every five years for women aged 50+)
Well child test (for children up to the age of six years)
The Premium tier also provides the following additional services: Employee Assistance Programme, Travel Security Services, MyHealth Digital Services, Olive (Health & Wellness Support), and Second Medical Opinion.
Preventative dental treatment: 100% refund
Routine dental treatment: Full coverage
Major restorative dental treatment: Full coverage
Periodontics: Full coverage
Prescribed glasses and contact lenses: Up to $250, including eye examination
Co-pay: None
Deductible: None
You have the option to cover the cost of your team's dependents, ensuring comprehensive protection for their spouse/partner and children.
Hospital accommodation: Private room
Intensive care: Full coverage
Prescription drugs and materials: Full coverage
Surgical fees (including anesthesia and charges): Full coverage
Physician and therapist fees: Full coverage
Surgical appliances and materials: Full coverage
Diagnostic tests: Full coverage
Organ transplant: Full coverage
Psychiatry and psychotherapy: Full coverage
Parent accommodation (for children under 18): Full coverage
Emergency in-patient dental treatment: Full coverage
Day-care treatment: Full coverage
Kidney dialysis: Full coverage
Out-patient surgery: Full coverage
Nursing at home or convalescent home: Up to $3,375
Rehabilitation treatment: Up to $3,375
Local ambulance: Full coverage
Emergency treatment outside area of cover: Up to $50,000
Medical evacuation: Full coverage
Expenses for accompanying evacuation: Up to $2,700
Travel costs for family members (evacuation): Up to $2,700
Repatriation of mortal remains: Up to $13,500
Travel costs for family (repatriation): Up to $4,050
CT and MRI scans: Full coverage
PET and CT-PET scans: Full coverage
Oncology: Full coverage
Purchase of wig/prosthetic bra: Up to $270
Routine maternity: Up to $6,000
Complications of pregnancy/childbirth: Up to $13,500
In-patient cash benefit: $205 per night (max 25 nights)
Emergency out-patient treatment: Full coverage
Palliative care: Full coverage
Long term care: Full coverage (max 90 days)
HIV/AIDS treatment: Full coverage
Treatment for alcohol and drug addiction: Up to $15,000
Gender dysphoria services: Up to $50,000 per lifetime
Maximum plan benefit: $6,000
Deductible: None
Medical practitioner fees: Up to $1,350
Prescription drugs: Full coverage
Diagnostic tests: Full coverage
Video consultation services: Full coverage
Specialist fees: Full coverage
Chiropractic, osteopathy, homeopathy, acupuncture, podiatry: Full coverage
Prescribed physiotherapy: Up to $1,275
Non-prescribed physiotherapy: Up to 10 visits
Prescribed speech therapy and occupational therapy: Up to $1,520
Vaccinations: Up to $300
Health and wellbeing checks: See details below
Infertility treatment: Up to $16,000
Psychiatry and psychotherapy: Max 20 visits
Prescribed medical aids: Up to $675
Prescribed glasses and contact lenses: Up to $250
Hormone replacement therapy: Full coverage
Cancer screening (see details below): Up to $300
Annual pap smear
Mammogram (every two years for women aged 45+, or younger where a family history exists)
Annual prostate screening (yearly for men aged 50+, or younger where a family history exists)
Colonoscopy (every five years for members aged 50+, or 40+ where a family history exists)
Annual faecal occult blood test
BRCA1 and BRCA2 genetic test (where a direct family history exists)
Health and wellbeing checks: Includes screenings for early detection of illness or disease (see details below): Up to $300
Physical examination
Blood tests (full blood count, biochemistry, lipid profile, thyroid function test, liver function test, kidney function test)
Cardiovascular examination (physical examination, electrocardiogram, blood pressure)
Neurological examination (physical examination)
Bone densitometry (every five years for women aged 50+)
Well child test (for children up to the age of six years)
The Gold tier also includes these additional services: Employee Assistance Programme, Travel Security Services, MyHealth Digital Services, Olive (Health & Wellness Support), and Second Medical Opinion.
Preventative dental treatment: 100% refund
Routine dental treatment: Full coverage
Major restorative dental treatment: Full coverage
Periodontics: Full coverage
Prescribed glasses and contact lenses: Up to $250, including eye examination
Co-pay: None
Deductible: None
You have the option to cover the cost of your team's dependents, ensuring comprehensive protection for their spouse/partner and children.
Hospital accommodation: Private room
Intensive care: Full coverage
Prescription drugs and materials: Full coverage
Surgical fees (including anesthesia and charges): Full coverage
Physician and therapist fees: Full coverage
Surgical appliances and materials: Full coverage
Diagnostic tests: Full coverage
Organ transplant: Full coverage
Psychiatry and psychotherapy: Full coverage
Parent accommodation (for children under 18): Full coverage
Emergency in-patient dental treatment: Full coverage
Day-care treatment: Full coverage
Kidney dialysis: Full coverage
Out-patient surgery: Full coverage
Nursing at home or convalescent home: Up to $3,375
Rehabilitation treatment: Up to $3,375
Local ambulance: Full coverage
Emergency treatment outside area of cover: Up to $50,000
Medical evacuation: Full coverage
Expenses for accompanying evacuation: Up to $2,700
Travel costs for family members (evacuation): Up to $2,700
Repatriation of mortal remains: Up to $13,500
Travel costs for family (repatriation): Up to $4,050
CT and MRI scans: Full coverage
PET and CT-PET scans: Full coverage
Oncology: Full coverage
Purchase of wig/prosthetic bra: Up to $270
Routine maternity: Up to $10,000
Complications of pregnancy/childbirth: Up to $50,000
In-patient cash benefit: $205 per night (max 25 nights)
Emergency out-patient treatment: Full coverage
Palliative care: Full coverage
Long term care: Full coverage (max 90 days)
HIV/AIDS treatment: Full coverage
Treatment for alcohol and drug addiction: Up to $15,000
Gender dysphoria services: Up to $50,000 per lifetime
Maximum plan benefit: $15,000
Deductible: None
Medical practitioner fees: Full coverage
Prescription drugs: Full coverage
Diagnostic tests: Full coverage
Video consultation services: Full coverage
Specialist fees: Full coverage
Chiropractic, osteopathy, homeopathy, acupuncture, podiatry: Full coverage
Prescribed physiotherapy: Up to $2,500
Non-prescribed physiotherapy: Up to 20 visits
Prescribed speech therapy and occupational therapy: Up to $1,520
Vaccinations: Up to $500
Health and wellbeing checks: See details below
Infertility treatment: Up to $16,000
Psychiatry and psychotherapy: Max 30 visits
Prescribed medical aids: Up to $675
Prescribed glasses and contact lenses: Up to $500
Hormone replacement therapy: Full coverage
Cancer screening (see details below): Up to $500
Annual pap smear
Mammogram (every two years for women aged 45+, or younger where a family history exists)
Annual prostate screening (yearly for men aged 50+, or younger where a family history exists)
Colonoscopy (every five years for members aged 50+, or 40+ where a family history exists)
Annual faecal occult blood test
BRCA1 and BRCA2 genetic test (where a direct family history exists)
Health and wellbeing checks: Includes screenings for early detection of illness or disease (see details below): Up to $500
Physical examination
Blood tests (full blood count, biochemistry, lipid profile, thyroid function test, liver function test, kidney function test)
Cardiovascular examination (physical examination, electrocardiogram, blood pressure)
Neurological examination (physical examination)
Bone densitometry (every five years for women aged 50+)
Well child test (for children up to the age of six years)
The Platinum tier also provides these additional services: Employee Assistance Programme, Travel Security Services, MyHealth Digital Services, Olive (Health & Wellness Support), and Second Medical Opinion.
Preventative dental treatment: 100% refund
Routine dental treatment: Full coverage
Major restorative dental treatment: Full coverage
Periodontics: Full coverage
Prescribed glasses and contact lenses: Up to $500, including eye examination
Co-pay: None
Deductible: None
You have the option to cover the cost of your team's dependents, ensuring comprehensive protection for their spouse/partner and children.
Life insurance is not compulsory in this country; however, offering it can significantly improve employees' financial security and peace of mind. The Global Life Insurance plan offers flexible cover levels ranging from $50,000 to $600,000, designed to suit a company’s and its employees' varying budgets and needs. There are two choices available. The Basic Offering provides Life Insurance cover: in the unfortunate event of an employee’s death, the beneficiary will receive compensation of up to 6 times the employee’s annual salary, but this payout will not exceed the selected cover limit. Remote’s Comprehensive Offering combines Life Insurance with Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) and Permanent Disability (PD) coverage. For accidental death, dismemberment, or a permanent disability, compensation may be up to 5 times the employee’s annual salary, subject to the plan limit and capped by the chosen cover level. Be aware that certain countries may apply insurance premium taxes on monthly premiums paid by the company for life insurance. Under local tax rules, life insurance benefits can be treated as ‘Benefits in Kind’ (BIK), meaning the monthly premiums might be included in the employee’s taxable income. Where life insurance is offered, it must be provided equally to all employees in the relevant country.
Provides financial protection and security for beneficiaries after the death of an insured team member.
In the unfortunate event of a team member’s death, beneficiary compensation cannot exceed 6 times the team member’s annual salary or the chosen cover level (whichever is lower).
Example: See help article for details
Not covered
Not covered
Provides financial protection and security for beneficiaries after the death of an insured team member.
In the unfortunate event of a team member’s death, beneficiary compensation cannot exceed 6 times the team member’s annual salary or the chosen cover level (whichever is lower).
Offers financial protection to beneficiaries in the unfortunate events of an insured team member's accidental death or dismemberment.
Compensation cannot exceed 5 times the team member's annual salary or the chosen cover level (whichever is lower). The exact payout varies depending on the type of injury sustained, as specified in the Accidental Dismemberment Table.
Designed to offer financial support to insured team members who suffer from either permanent and total or permanent and partial disabilities as a result of an accident or illness.
Compensation cannot exceed 5 times the team member's annual salary or the chosen cover level (whichever is lower). The insurance provider assesses the extent of the permanent disability to determine the final compensation:
Disabilities below 33.33%: No compensation
Disabilities between 33.33% and 66.67%: Compensation calculated as a percentage of the capped amount
Permanent disabilities exceeding 66.67%: Full capped compensation amount
See the help article for detailed examples of compensation calculations for Life Insurance, Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D), and Permanent Disability.
If you have any questions, please email [email protected].
Providing mental health benefits is optional in this country, though making them available can materially improve employees’ emotional wellbeing and workplace productivity. Remote partners with a leading employee mental wellbeing provider to deliver a comprehensive platform available on desktop and mobile. The service includes 1-to-1 therapy with a vetted network of therapists covering 35+ languages, and the platform’s advanced matching typically finds an appropriate therapist within 48 hours with a 98% match rate. Each employee receives a personalised wellbeing profile with tailored recommendations and progress tracking. The platform also hosts a curated self-guided content library—audio mindfulness and meditation sessions, guided yoga videos, workplace wellbeing talks and podcasts, and micro-learning series for managers. There are 24/7 mental health helplines for immediate assistance. Employers can choose from 5 different plans when offering the mental health programme. Be aware that in some countries these benefits may be classified as ‘Benefits in Kind’ (BIK), meaning monthly premiums could be treated as taxable income under local law. Where mental health benefits are offered, they must be provided equally to all employees in the country.
Access to the wellbeing platform and app, which includes:
Personalised wellbeing assessment
Access to world-class self-guided content library with audio mindfulness & meditation sessions, guided yoga videos, talks, podcasts on workplace wellbeing, and micro-learning content series for managers
Access to manager-specific learnings and resources
Precision matching for 1:1 coaching and therapy in 35+ languages
Professional coaching
Text-based chat with dedicated practitioner
24/7 global support in all languages
Add up to 3 friends and family to the platform
Not included in the Basic plan
Team members can pay for therapy sessions themselves, if needed.
Access to the wellbeing platform and app, which includes:
Personalised wellbeing assessment
Access to world-class self-guided content library with audio mindfulness & meditation sessions, guided yoga videos, talks, podcasts on workplace wellbeing, and micro-learning content series for managers
Access to manager-specific learnings and resources
Precision matching for 1:1 coaching and therapy in 35+ languages
Professional coaching
Text-based chat with dedicated practitioner
24/7 global support in all languages
Add up to 3 friends and family to the platform
Includes one pre-paid therapy/coaching session per policy year
Team members may pay for additional therapy sessions themselves if required.
Access to the wellbeing platform and app, including:
Personalised wellbeing assessment
Access to a world-class self-guided content library with audio mindfulness & meditation sessions, guided yoga videos, talks, podcasts on workplace wellbeing, and micro-learning content series for managers
Access to manager-specific learning materials and resources
Precision matching for 1:1 coaching and therapy in 35+ languages
Professional coaching
Text-based chats with a dedicated practitioner
24/7 global support in all languages
Add up to 3 friends and family to the platform
Includes three pre-paid therapy/coaching sessions per policy year
Team members may pay for additional therapy sessions themselves if required.
Access to the wellbeing platform and app, including:
Personalised wellbeing assessment
Access to a world-class self-guided content library with audio mindfulness & meditation sessions, guided yoga videos, talks, podcasts on workplace wellbeing, and micro-learning content series for managers
Access to manager-specific learning materials and resources
Precision matching for 1:1 coaching and therapy in 35+ languages
Professional coaching
Text-based chat with a dedicated practitioner
24/7 global support in all languages
Add up to 3 friends and family to the platform
Includes six pre-paid therapy/coaching sessions per policy year
Team members may pay for additional therapy sessions themselves if required.
Access to the wellbeing platform and app, including:
Personalised wellbeing assessment
Access to a world-class self-guided content library with audio mindfulness & meditation sessions, guided yoga videos, talks, podcasts on workplace wellbeing, and micro-learning content series for managers
Access to manager-specific learning materials and resources
Precision matching for 1:1 coaching and therapy in 35+ languages
Professional coaching
Text-based chat with a dedicated practitioner
24/7 global support in all languages
Add up to 3 friends and family to the platform
Includes twelve pre-paid therapy/coaching sessions per policy year
Team members may pay for additional therapy sessions themselves if required.
Germany’s economy is strong, with core sectors in automotive, manufacturing, and finance. Because employment laws and tax rules are specific, employers must comply with local payroll requirements, such as social security contributions, employment contracts, and tax filings. Knowing these regulations is necessary for smooth payroll processing and legal compliance.
Employers in Germany must follow national payroll rules covering wages, taxes, and social contributions. Below is an overview of key payroll components:
Minimum wage: Germany’s minimum wage is EUR 12.00 per hour.
Payroll frequency: Salaries are usually paid monthly.
Standard working hours: A normal workweek in Germany is 40 hours, typically over five days.
Overtime: Employees are entitled to extra pay for overtime, calculated according to labour regulations and collective agreements.
Personal income tax: Germany operates a progressive personal income tax system with rates from 0% to 45%, depending on income.
Employer contributions:
Employee contributions:
Corporate tax: The corporate income tax rate in Germany is 15% plus a solidarity surcharge.
Tax reporting: Employers must regularly file payroll taxes and contributions with the German tax authorities.
Employment contracts must be written and set out terms such as salary, working hours, and job responsibilities.
Payroll deductions: Employers must make accurate deductions for social security and income tax.
Employers must keep up to date with changes to Germany’s employment laws and tax rules to avoid penalties.
Managing payroll in Germany requires close attention to tax rules, employment laws, and social security obligations. Employers must stay informed about tax rates, wage legislation, and reporting deadlines to ensure smooth payroll processing and avoid penalties.
The good news is you can pay anyone, anywhere — from your in-office team to team members abroad — using Remote Payroll. To see how simple global payroll can be with Remote, book a demo today.
Hiring contractors in Germany can be a strategic and cost-effective way for businesses to complete projects without the obligations of hiring full-time employees. Whether you are engaging independent contractors for specialized services or bringing in subcontractors for short-term work, understanding Germany’s labor laws and regulations is essential.
Remote helps businesses stay compliant when hiring contractors globally with these key features:
Global compliance support: Ensures adherence to labor laws in 200+ countries with localized contracts and proper documentation.
Misclassification protection: Includes built-in compliance checks and seamless contractor-to-employee conversion.
Centralized documentation: Maintains essential records for audits and automates tax filings.
Legal expertise: Provides guidance on complex local labor laws, simplifying international hiring.
Remote’s streamlined approach minimizes compliance risks and simplifies contractor management for businesses.
Remote simplifies contractor payments with:
Automated processing: One-click approvals, bulk payments, recurring invoices, and real-time tracking.
Global coverage: Payments in 200+ countries, multiple payment methods, and currency flexibility.
Cost and compliance: Fair price guarantee (pay only for active contractors), built-in compliance with regional regulations, and localized contracts.
Learn more about how Remote simplifies contractor management in Germany — get started for free today.
Our employer of record (EOR) service lets you hire, manage, and pay top talent in Germany quickly and simply.
Remote’s EOR lets your company lawfully employ people in Germany without creating a local legal entity. On record, Remote is the official employer and manages compliance, payroll, benefits (including equity), and other HR tasks — while you retain day-to-day control over management and job duties. Learn more.
An EOR may be ideal if your company:
Needs to hire employees in Germany but does not want to establish a legal entity
Is testing local markets prior to committing to a full business expansion
Wants to ensure compliance with local employment laws and tax requirements
Needs a fast, efficient way to onboard employees in Germany
Needs a temporary hiring solution before setting up a legal entity
If your company wants to hire talent in Germany but lacks a local legal entity, our EOR offers an efficient, compliant option. Germany enforces strict employment and payroll tax regulations, and Remote’s EOR helps you satisfy those obligations while supporting rapid growth.
Key benefits of hiring through our EOR in Germany include:
Faster market entry. Hire talent quickly, avoiding months spent establishing a local entity.
Full compliance with local employment laws. Reduce legal risk from non-compliance and misclassification.
Simplified payroll management. Remote automates payroll tax calculations and helps keep you compliant with withholding obligations, even as laws change.
Lower costs. Establishing a legal entity in Germany can be expensive and time-consuming. An EOR removes the requirement for entity registration, cutting overhead.
Fewer resources required. With HR, payroll, and compliance handled by the EOR, your company can focus on scaling operations and redeploy resources.
It’s important to note that Remote maintains its own legal entity in Germany. Therefore, we do not rely on third parties that can cause delays, additional costs, and a poorer employee experience. All our EOR services — including dedicated support from local specialists — are delivered in-house.
To learn more — and to see our EOR platform in action — book a demo with one of our friendly experts today.
Equity incentives are a valuable method to attract, motivate, and retain top talent. However, when hiring across borders, they can become highly complex.
Remote enables you to offer non-qualified share options (NSOs) to team members in Germany with ease. This removes compliance complexity and administrative hassle, providing clarity at every step.
NSOs are a form of equity incentive. They grant team members the right to purchase a fixed number of company shares at a set exercise price.
This generally occurs after a vesting period, usually tied to how long a team member remains with your company. As such, NSOs help foster long-term commitment and align people with your company’s strategic goals.
Direct employees | EOR employees | Contractors | |
Can receive NSOs? | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Difficulty score | Medium | Medium | Medium |
It’s important to note that granting share options to contractors can potentially raise your misclassification risk in Germany (though it is not the primary factor). See how Remote protects you against misclassification.
In Germany, NSOs are taxed as follows:
Direct employees | EOR employees | Contractors | |
At grant | There is no taxation at grant. | There is no taxation at grant. | There is no taxation at grant. |
At exercise | The spread is treated as salary income. It equals the difference between the fair market value of the shares at exercise and the exercise price (or “strike” price) paid by the team member. | The spread is treated as salary income. It equals the difference between the fair market value of the shares at exercise and the exercise price (or “strike” price) paid by the team member. | The spread is treated as salary income. It equals the difference between the fair market value of the shares at exercise and the exercise price (or “strike” price) paid by the team member. |
At sale | The difference between the sale price and the fair market value of the shares at exercise is taxed as capital gains. Certain tax advantages may apply under specific conditions. | The difference between the sale price and the fair market value of the shares at exercise is taxed as capital gains. | The difference between the sale price and the fair market value of the shares at exercise is taxed as capital gains. |
Direct employees | EOR employees | Contractors |
There can be limited tax advantages, but they depend on strict conditions and are not highly favourable. Benefit 1: Taxation deferral The Future Financing Act (“ZuFinG”) permits, under certain conditions, deferral of tax on employees' share options until the shares are sold. This deferral does not apply if the granted shares belong to a parent company outside Germany, even for German employees of a subsidiary. Benefit 2: Limited exemption on the spread In some cases, part of the spread may be tax-exempt. A fixed amount per employee can be deducted from taxable income, lowering their tax liability. You can also permit team members to early‑exercise non‑vested share options. Early exercise can reduce tax exposure but may be harder to administer and require extra paperwork. | You can permit team members to early-exercise non-vested share options (known as “early exercise”), which may lower their tax liability but can be administratively complex. | You can permit team members to early-exercise non-vested share options (known as “early exercise”), which may lower their tax liability but can be administratively complex. |
If you want to use Remote Equity Advanced to offer share options to your Germany-based team members, your top corporation (i.e., your parent company) must be incorporated in Delaware. Your company must also be private — not publicly listed.
For hiring employees in countries where you don't yet have a local entity.
Starting at CA$810
Employee per month, for annual contracts
Hire across 90+ countries without a local entity
Onboard with a dedicated specialist
Local payroll processed on time, every time
Built-in compliance safeguards
Competitive, flexible, and localised benefits
In-house experts providing ongoing support
Remote Platform included with no base fee
To pay employees in countries where you own the entity.
Starting at CA$26
Employee per month
Gross-to-net calculated locally
Tax filings and statutory contributions remitted in each country
Time off, timesheets, and expenses sync
Reports by country, entity, and cost centre
Self-serve or fully managed by a specialist
Remote Platform included, no base fee
The contract remains under your control.
You manage the relationship; we take care of the paperwork.
Starting at CA$39
Contractor per month
Pay only for contractors you actively engaged with that month
Onboard and pay contractors across 190+ countries
Create, modify, and sign localised contracts
Approve invoices with a single click or enable auto-pay
Compliance screening, expense processing, and 1099-NEC generation are included
Remote Platform included with no base fee