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), sits in Central and Western Europe. It is a major power with a resilient economy; the country has the largest economy in Europe, the world's fourth-largest economy by nominal GDP, and fifth-largest by PPP. As a global leader across several industrial and technological sectors, it 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 workers in Germany? Companies hiring there are generally required to either have a local legal entity or partner with a global employment platform such as Remote that can lawfully provide employment services in the country.
Remote can employ team members in Germany and help you remain compliant. Remote can hire, onboard, and pay your Germany team so you do not have to set up local HR services in the region. Remote also makes it straightforward to pay 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 solution simplifies pension administration and offers both flexibility and broad financial protection.
Employee contributions: Employees may contribute between 1% and 4% of gross salary, or select a fixed monthly amount up to €302 (limit for 2024).
Employer contributions: Employers provide a 15% subsidy on employee contributions; they can use matching models or set fixed contributions from 1–8% of salary, depending on employer preference.
Digital management made simple: via an online platform, employees can adjust contributions, access contracts, and monitor pension growth. The interface is clear and user-friendly for real-time control.
Transferability: Employees may move existing pension savings into the plan, or keep them in separate funds.
Eligibility: The plan is available to all employees on request, providing additional flexibility and financial security.
Remote’s Global Business Travel Insurance programme is designed to meet the particular requirements of your teams, whether they take short business trips or travel frequently throughout the year. With five plan options—Basic, Standard, Premium, Premium Plus, and Standard Plus—this programme gives team members the appropriate level of coverage for their health, safety, and wellbeing while travelling for work.
Available in over 90 countries, the programme delivers broad global coverage at competitive rates, giving peace of mind wherever work takes them. This optional benefit is flexible, so you can offer tailored cover that fits your workforce. Providing business travel insurance helps protect your team from unforeseen events such as medical emergencies, trip disruptions, or loss of business equipment while on the road.
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 inside country of residence: Any trip over 70 miles from usual residence, where there’s at least 1 overnight stay in paid accommodation. In-country trips exclude medical treatment & 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
Business Equipment: Up to $1,500
Computer Equipment (single item limit): $500
Business Money: $100 per day up to $500
Domestic Business Travel: Trips inside country of residence: Any trip over 70 miles from usual residence, where there’s at least 1 overnight stay in paid accommodation. In-country trips exclude medical treatment & 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 inside country of residence: Any trip over 70 miles from usual residence, where there’s at least 1 overnight stay in paid accommodation. In-country trips exclude medical treatment & 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 inside country of residence: Any trip over 70 miles from usual residence, where there’s at least 1 overnight stay in paid accommodation. In-country trips exclude medical treatment & 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 inside country of residence: Any trip over 70 miles from usual residence, where there’s at least 1 overnight stay in paid accommodation. In-country trips exclude medical treatment & evacuation benefits.
Providing private medical insurance in this country may not be mandatory, but offering comprehensive health benefits can notably improve employees' access to high-quality care and reduce waiting times. Through our Global Private medical insurance scheme, offered in partnership with a leading global insurer, Remote provides four plan tiers: Standard, Premium, Gold, and Platinum. Standard supplies core health cover for inpatient and outpatient needs. Premium adds dental and vision benefits for wider care. Gold and Platinum raise coverage limits substantially and add extra services for people seeking more complete protection. You can choose cover for the employee only or extend it to a spouse/partner and children via our Family Coverage option—designed to meet varied needs across your team. If you would like more insight into fair equity and benefits 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 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
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)
Not covered
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/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 $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 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.
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 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.
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 coverege
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 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.
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.
Offering life insurance is not mandatory in this country, but adding these benefits can strengthen employees' financial security and peace of mind. The Global Life Insurance offering provides flexible cover levels from $50,000 to $600,000, suited to different budgets and needs. There are two options: The Basic Offering provides life insurance cover; in the unfortunate event of an employee's death, a beneficiary may receive up to six times the employee’s annual salary, subject to the chosen cover limit. The Comprehensive Offering at Remote combines life insurance, Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D), and Permanent Disability (PD) cover. For accidental death, dismemberment, or permanent disability, compensation can amount to up to five times the employee’s annual salary, again capped by the selected cover limit. Note that insurance premium taxes may apply in some countries, meaning the company could be liable for taxes on monthly premiums. Life insurance benefits may also be treated as ‘Benefits in Kind’ (BIK), which could mean the premiums are considered taxable income under local law. When life insurance is offered, it must be made available equally to all employees in that 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 demise, 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 demise, 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 by type of injury and is 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 insurer assesses the degree of permanent disability to determine the final payout.
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
For detailed examples of how the compensation is calculated for Life Insurance, Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D), and Permanent Disability, refer to the help article for details
If you have any questions, please email [email protected].
Providing mental health benefits is not mandatory in this country, but offering them can considerably improve employees' emotional wellbeing and overall productivity. Remote offers a comprehensive employee mental wellbeing platform via a top-rated partner. Available on desktop and mobile, it includes 1-to-1 therapy from a curated pool of therapists in over 35 languages, with an advanced matching service that finds a suitable therapist within 48 hours and a 98% success rate. Employees receive a personal wellbeing profile with tailored recommendations and progress tracking. The platform also contains a self-guided library with audio mindfulness and meditation, guided yoga videos, talks and podcasts on workplace wellbeing, and short manager-focused learning series. There are 24/7 mental health helplines for immediate support. Mental health programmes can be offered from five different plans. Note that in some countries these benefits may be treated as ‘Benefits in Kind’ (BIK) and could be counted as taxable income; when offered, they must be provided equally to all employees in that 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 can pay for extra 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 three pre-paid Therapy/Coaching sessions per policy year
Team members can pay for extra 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 six pre-paid Therapy/Coaching sessions per policy year
Team members can pay for extra 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 twelve pre-paid Therapy/Coaching sessions per policy year
Team members can pay for extra therapy sessions themselves, if needed.
Germany has a robust economy with key industries in automotive, manufacturing, and finance. With specific employment laws and tax regulations, employers must ensure compliance with local payroll requirements, including social security contributions, employment contracts, and tax filings. Understanding these regulations is essential for smooth payroll operations and legal compliance.
Employers in Germany must follow national payroll regulations on wages, taxes, and social contributions. Below is an outline of key payroll components:
Minimum wage: Germany’s minimum wage is EUR 12.00 per hour.
Payroll frequency: Salaries are generally paid monthly.
Standard working hours: The normal workweek in Germany is 40 hours, usually across five days.
Overtime: Employees are entitled to additional pay for overtime, calculated in line with labour regulations and collective agreements.
Personal income tax: Germany operates a progressive income tax system with rates from 0% to 45%, depending on income levels.
Employer contributions:
Employee contributions:
Corporate tax: The corporate income tax rate in Germany is 15% plus a solidarity surcharge.
Tax reporting: Employers must file payroll taxes and contributions with the German tax authorities on a regular basis.
Employment contracts must be supplied in writing and specify terms such as salary, working hours, and job responsibilities.
Payroll deductions: Employers must ensure accurate deductions for social security and income tax.
Employers should keep up to date with changes to Germany’s employment laws and tax regulations to avoid penalties.
Running payroll in Germany requires close attention to tax rules, employment law, and social security obligations. Employers should monitor tax rates, wage laws, and reporting deadlines to keep payroll running smoothly and avoid penalties.
The good news is, you can pay anyone, anywhere — from your team in the office to your team abroad, all with Remote Payroll. To see just how easy 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 enables you to recruit, manage, and pay top talent in Germany with speed and simplicity.
Remote’s EOR lets your company legally hire employees in Germany without establishing a local legal entity. On paper, Remote is the employer; Remote manages compliance, payroll, benefits (including equity), and other HR processes, while you retain day-to-day control of the hire’s work and responsibilities. Learn more.
An EOR may be ideal if your company:
Needs to hire employees in Germany but doesn’t want to establish a legal entity
Is testing local markets before committing to a full business expansion
Wants to ensure full compliance with local employment laws and tax requirements
Needs a fast, efficient way to onboard employees in Germany
Needs a temporary hiring solution before establishing a legal entity
If your company wants to hire talent in Germany but does not have a legal entity there, Remote’s EOR provides a compliant and efficient solution. Germany has strict employment and payroll tax laws, and Remote’s EOR helps you meet these obligations while enabling faster growth.
Key benefits of hiring through our EOR in Germany include:
Faster market entry. You can hire talent quickly, without having to wait months to establish a local entity.
Full compliance with local employment laws. Avoid the legal risks associated with non-compliance and misclassification.
Simplified payroll management. We automate payroll tax calculations and ensure you are fully compliant with all withholding obligations, even when laws change.
Lower costs. Setting up a legal entity in Germany can be costly and time-consuming. An EOR removes the need for entity registration, reducing overhead expenses.
Fewer resources required. With HR, payroll, and compliance managed by the EOR, your company can concentrate on scaling operations and assigning your resources elsewhere.
It is also important to note that Remote has its own legal entity in Germany. As a result, it does not need to rely on third parties, which can create delays and added costs and negatively affect the employee experience. All 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 way to attract, motivate, and retain talent. When hiring across borders they can become complex.
Remote lets you offer non-qualified share options (NSOs) to team members in Germany without the compliance and administrative complexity, providing clarity for you and your people at every step.
NSOs are a form of equity incentive that grant team members the right to buy a set number of shares in your company at a fixed price, known as the exercise price.
This typically occurs after a vesting period, often tied to the length of service. As a result, NSOs help build 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 is important to note that granting share options to contractors can increase your misclassification risk in Germany (although this is not the primary factor). See how Remote protects you against misclassification.
In Germany, NSOs are taxed in the following ways:
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 taxed as salary income. The spread is the difference between the fair market value of the shares at the time of exercise, and the exercise price (or “strike” price) paid by your team member. | The spread is taxed as salary income. The spread is the difference between the fair market value of the shares at the time of exercise, and the exercise price (or “strike” price) paid by your team member. | The spread is taxed as salary income. The spread is the difference between the fair market value of the shares at the time of exercise, and the exercise price (or “strike” price) paid by your team member. |
At sale | The difference between the sale price and the fair market value of the shares (at the time of exercise) is taxed as capital gains. There may be certain tax advantages subject to specific conditions. | The difference between the sale price and the fair market value of the shares (at the time of exercise) is taxed as capital gains. | The difference between the sale price and the fair market value of the shares (at the time of exercise) is taxed as capital gains. |
Direct employees | EOR employees | Contractors |
There are some potential tax advantages, but they depend on strict conditions and are not particularly favourable. Benefit 1: Taxation deferral The Future Financing Act (“ZuFinG”) allows, under certain conditions, the deferral of tax on an employee’s share options until sale. However, this deferral does not apply if the shares granted are those of a parent company outside Germany, even for German employees of a subsidiary of that parent company. Benefit 2: Limited exemption on the spread In some cases, a portion of the spread can be tax-free. A fixed allowance for each employee may be deductible from taxable income, reducing the tax due. You can also permit early exercise of non-vested share options, which can potentially lower tax liability, although early exercises can be difficult to manage and may require extra paperwork. | You can allow your team members to exercise their non-vested share options early (a process known as “early exercise”). This can potentially reduce their tax liability, although early exercises can be difficult to manage and may require additional paperwork. | You can allow your team members to exercise their non-vested share options early (a process known as “early exercise”). This can potentially reduce their tax liability, although early exercises can be difficult to manage and may require additional paperwork. |
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 legal entity.
Starting at £479
Employee per month, for annual contracts
Employ in 90+ countries without a local entity
Onboarding overseen by a dedicated specialist
Local payroll paid promptly, every time
Built-in compliance safeguards
Flexible, competitive and localised benefits
In-house experts providing ongoing support
Remote Platform included, no base fee
For paying employees in countries where you directly own the entity.
Starting at £15
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
You hold the contract
You manage the relationship; we take care of the paperwork.
Starting at £23
Per contractor, per month
Pay only for contractors you actively work with in that month
Onboard and pay contractors across 190+ countries
Draft, amend and sign localised contracts
Approve invoices with a single click or use auto-pay
Includes compliance screening, expense handling and 1099-NEC generation
Remote platform included; no base fee