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), formally the Federal Republic of Germany (German: Bundesrepublik Deutschland), lies in central and western Europe. It is an economic heavyweight with the largest economy in Europe, the world’s fourth-largest economy by nominal GDP, and fifth-largest by purchasing-power parity. As a leader in several industrial and technological sectors, Germany ranks among the world’s top three exporters and importers of goods.
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Want to employ workers in Germany? Companies hiring in Germany are generally required to either establish a local legal entity or partner with a global employment platform like 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 need not 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.
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Private medical insurance
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Nursing Care Insurance
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Unemployment Insurance
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Accident Insurance
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Sickness/maternity leave allocation
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Private medical insurance
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Nursing Care Insurance
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Unemployment Insurance
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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, delivering flexibility and broad financial protection.
Employee contributions: Employees may contribute 1%–4% of gross salary, or opt for a fixed contribution up to €302 per month (2024 limit).
Employer contributions: Employers give a 15% subsidy on employee contributions and can select matching models or set fixed contributions of 1%–8% of salary, depending on employer preference.
Digital management made simple: via an online portal, employees can adjust contributions, review contracts, and monitor pension growth. The portal provides a clear, user-friendly interface for real-time administration.
Transferability: Employees may transfer existing pension savings into the scheme, or keep them in separate funds.
Eligibility: The scheme is available to any employee on request, offering extra flexibility and financial security.
Remote’s Global Business Travel Insurance programme is designed to meet the specific needs of teams, whether for short business trips or frequent travel through the year. With five plan options—Basic, Standard, Premium, Premium Plus, and Standard Plus—the programme provides tiered protection so team members have appropriate cover for their health, safety, and wellbeing while travelling for work.
Available in over 90 countries, the programme delivers broad global cover at competitive rates, offering reassurance wherever team members travel. This optional benefit is flexible, letting you tailor cover to the diverse needs of your workforce. Providing business travel insurance helps protect your people from unforeseen events such as medical emergencies, trip disruption, 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: Cover for stable pre-existing 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: Cover for stable pre-existing 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: Cover for stable pre-existing 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.
Offering private medical insurance in this country is not always compulsory, but providing robust health benefits can materially improve employees’ access to care—reducing wait times and granting faster access to top-tier providers. Through its Global Private medical insurance scheme, offered in partnership with a major international insurer, Remote now provides four plan tiers: Standard, Premium, Gold, and Platinum. Standard supplies essential cover for inpatient and outpatient needs. Premium adds dental and vision benefits for broader care. Gold and Platinum raise coverage limits and include additional services for those seeking greater protection. Flexible options are available to insure the employee alone or to extend cover to a spouse/partner and children via Family Coverage.
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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 Employee Assistance Programme, Travel Security Services, MyHealth Digital Services, Olive (health & wellness support), and Second Medical Opinion, all provided as available services.
Not covered
Not covered
Co-pay: None
Outpatient deductible: $135
You may choose to cover dependents, ensuring protection for a spouse/partner 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 screening 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 Employee Assistance Programme, Travel Security Services, MyHealth Digital Services, Olive (Health & Wellness Support), and Second Medical Opinion, all included.
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 can choose to insure dependents of your team, covering spouse/partner and children for comprehensive protection.
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 $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 screening 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 Employee Assistance Programme, Travel Security Services, MyHealth Digital Services, Olive (Health & Wellness Support), and Second Medical Opinion as part of the package.
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 can opt to include dependents of your team, giving spouse/partner and children the same protection.
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 $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 screening 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 similarly includes Employee Assistance Programme, Travel Security Services, MyHealth Digital Services, Olive (Health & Wellness Support), and Second Medical Opinion as part of the benefits.
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 can opt to include dependents of your team, giving spouse/partner and children the same protection.
Life insurance is not compulsory in this jurisdiction, but adding it can materially improve employees’ financial resilience. Remote’s Global Life Insurance offers selectable cover levels from $50,000 to $600,000 to suit different budgets and needs. There are two options. The Basic Offering supplies Life Insurance cover; on an insured team member’s death, the beneficiary may receive up to six times the team member’s annual salary, subject to the chosen cover limit. The payout will not exceed the selected cover level. The Comprehensive Offering at Remote bundles Life Insurance with Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) and Permanent Disability (PD). For accidental death, dismemberment, or qualifying permanent disability, compensation is up to five times the team member’s annual salary, capped at the selected cover limit; the precise amount depends on the event and policy definitions. Note that some jurisdictions apply insurance premium taxes on monthly premiums paid by the company. In addition, life insurance may be treated as a ‘Benefit in Kind’ (BIK), meaning the monthly premiums could be regarded as taxable income under local law. When provided, life insurance must be offered on an equal basis to all employees in the 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 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
For worked examples of how payouts are calculated for Life Insurance, AD&D, and Permanent Disability, consult the help article.
If you have any questions, please email [email protected].
Mandating mental health benefits is not required in this country, yet offering them can materially improve employees’ emotional wellbeing and productivity. Remote provides a comprehensive employee mental wellbeing platform through a leading provider, accessible via web and mobile. The service offers 1-to-1 therapy with a curated network of highly rated therapists in over 35 languages, and an advanced matching process that typically finds an appropriate therapist within 48 hours with a 98% success rate. Every employee receives a personal wellbeing profile with tailored recommendations and progress tracking. The platform also includes a self-guided content library with audio mindfulness and meditation sessions, guided yoga videos, talks, podcasts on workplace wellbeing, and micro-learning series for managers. Additionally, 24/7 mental health helplines are available for immediate support. Employers can select mental health provision from five available plans. Be aware that in some jurisdictions these benefits may be treated as ‘Benefits in Kind’ (BIK); accordingly, monthly premiums could form part of an employee’s taxable income under local rules. When offered, mental health benefits must be provided equally to all employees in the country.
Access to the wellbeing platform and app, which includes:
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 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 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 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 prepaid therapy or 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, workplace-wellbeing podcasts, and micro-learning series for managers
Access to manager-specific learning 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 prepaid therapy or 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, workplace-wellbeing podcasts, and micro-learning series for managers
Access to manager-specific learning 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 prepaid therapy or 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, workplace-wellbeing podcasts, and micro-learning series for managers
Access to manager-specific learning 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 prepaid therapy or coaching sessions per policy year
Team members may pay for additional therapy sessions themselves, if required.
Germany’s economy is robust, with major sectors including automotive, manufacturing, and finance. Employers must comply with specific employment laws and tax rules covering social security contributions, employment contracts, and tax obligations. A clear understanding of these requirements is essential for smooth payroll operations and legal compliance.
Employers in Germany must follow national payroll rules on wages, taxes, and social contributions. Below is an overview of the primary payroll components:
Minimum wage: Germany’s minimum wage is EUR 12.00 per hour.
Payroll frequency: Salaries are typically paid monthly.
Standard working hours: The standard workweek in Germany is 40 hours, usually across five days.
Overtime: Employees are entitled to additional pay for overtime work, calculated based on 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 file payroll taxes and contributions with the German tax authorities regularly.
Employment contracts must be in writing and set out terms such as salary, working hours, and job responsibilities.
Payroll deductions: Employers must ensure accurate deductions for social security and income tax.
Employers must keep up to date with changes to Germany’s employment and tax laws to avoid penalties.
Managing payroll in Germany requires close attention to tax rules, employment legislation, and social security obligations. Employers need to remain informed about tax rates, wage laws, and reporting deadlines to ensure smooth processing and avoid penalties.
The good news is that you can pay anyone, anywhere — from your office team to colleagues abroad — all with 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 hire employees in Germany without creating a local legal entity. On paper, Remote is the official employer; Remote manages compliance, payroll, benefits (including equity), and other HR processes — while you retain full control of the employee’s day-to-day supervision and responsibilities. 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 before 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
Requires a temporary hiring solution before establishing a legal entity
If your company wants to hire talent in Germany but lacks a legal entity there, Remote’s EOR offers a compliant, efficient solution. Germany maintains strict employment and payroll tax laws; Remote’s EOR helps you meet those obligations while enabling faster expansion.
Key benefits of hiring through Remote’s EOR in Germany include:
Faster market entry. Hire talent quickly, without waiting months to establish a local entity.
Full compliance with local employment laws. Avoid legal risks tied to non-compliance and misclassification.
Simplified payroll management. Remote automates payroll tax calculations and helps ensure compliance with withholding obligations, even when laws change.
Lower costs. Registering a legal entity in Germany can be expensive and time-consuming. An EOR removes the need for entity registration, reducing overheads.
Fewer resources required. With HR, payroll, and compliance managed by the EOR, your company can focus on scaling operations and redeploy resources.
Remote owns a legal entity in Germany. As a result, Remote does not rely on third parties, which can cause delays and extra costs and potentially a poorer employee experience. All Remote EOR services — including dedicated support from local specialists — are provided in-house.
To learn more — and to see Remote’s 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 top talent. However, once hiring crosses borders, they become significantly more complex.
Remote enables you to offer non-qualified share options (NSOs) to team members in Germany with ease. This reduces compliance burdens and administrative work — providing clarity at every stage for you and your people.
NSOs are a form of equity incentive. They grant team members the right to purchase a set number of shares in your company at a fixed exercise price.
This usually follows a vesting period tied to the length of time the team member remains with the 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 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 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 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 certain 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 |
Some potential tax advantages exist, but they are subject to strict conditions and are not highly favourable. Benefit 1: Taxation deferral Under the Future Financing Act (“ZuFinG”), and subject to conditions, taxes on an employee’s share options may be deferred until sale. 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, part of the spread may be tax-free. A fixed allowance per employee can be deducted from taxable income, lowering their tax liability. You can also permit team members to exercise non-vested share options early (known as “early exercise”). This may reduce tax liabilities, though early exercise can be complex to manage and often requires additional paperwork. | You can permit team members to exercise non-vested share options early (known as “early exercise”). This may reduce their tax liability, although early exercises can be difficult to manage and may require additional paperwork. | You can permit team members to exercise non-vested share options early (known as “early exercise”). This may reduce their tax liability, although early exercises can be difficult to manage and may require additional paperwork. |
If you intend to use Remote Equity Advanced to offer share options to Germany-based team members, your top corporation (that is, your parent company) must be incorporated in Delaware. Your company must also be private — not publicly listed.
When hiring employees in countries where you do not yet have an entity.
Starting at $599
employee per month, for annual contracts
Hire across 90+ countries with no local entity
Onboarding with a dedicated specialist
Local payroll paid on time, every time
Built-in compliance protections
Competitive, flexible and localised benefits
In-house experts for ongoing support
Remote Platform included, no base fee
For paying employees in countries where you own the local entity.
Starting at $19
employee per month
Gross-to-net computed locally
Tax filings and statutory contributions remitted per country
Time off, timesheets, and expenses synchronise
Reports by country, entity, and cost centre
Self-serve or fully managed by a specialist
Remote Platform included, no base fee
The contract remains with your organisation
You manage the relationship; we take care of the documentation.
Starting at $29
contractor per month
Pay only for contractors you engage with during that month
Onboard and remunerate contractors across 190+ countries
Draft, modify and sign localised contracts
Approve invoices with a single click or enable auto-pay
Includes compliance screening, expense handling and 1099-NEC generation
Remote Platform included, no base fee