Make employment in Germany easy. Let us handle payroll, benefits, taxes, compliance, and even stock options for your team in Germany, all in one easy-to-use platform.
Employment law in Germany is not contained under a single law. Instead it is governed by statutory regulations codified in (among other laws) the German Civil Code, then furthermore governed by various federal acts such as the Part-time and Fixed-term Work Act, Employee Leasing Act, Holidays Act, Act on Maternity Protection and the Dismissal Protection Act. Furthermore, collective labour law through codetermination, trade unions and collective bargaining plays a role.
German employment law provides strong labor conditions and protections for employees, so employing people will generally be an important investment and commitment.
Temporary agencies are popular options for more flexible workforce arrangements. For these and many other reasons, the following are only guidelines in the broadest sense, and professional legal services are recommended when employing in Germany.
In Germany, the legal minimum wage is mandated on an hourly basis. The current minimum hourly wage is €13.90 gross per hour (rising to €14.60 in January 2027).
However, depending on the sector of employment and type of employment, a higher minimum wage can apply. For Remote's AUG workforce, the minimum wage is currently set at €19.78 per hour.
For further information, speak to our team.
For customers of Remote, all employee payments will be made in equal monthly installments on or before the last working day of each calendar month, payable in arrears.
We can help you get a new employee started in Germany fast.
Our team ensures your employees are onboarded and paid as quickly as possible while keeping your business compliant with all local employment legislation. The minimum onboarding time begins after the employee submits all required information onto the Remote platform. The onboarding timeline is also dependent upon registration with local authorities.
For all non-nationals of the country of employment, the Right to Work assessment (if applicable) will add three extra days to the total time to onboard. There may be extra time required if we need to follow-up on the right to work assessment.
Please note, payroll cut-off dates can impact the actual first day of employment. Remote has a payroll cut-off date of the 10th of the month unless otherwise specified.
Date | Holiday |
|---|---|
2026-01-01 | New Year's Day (Neujahr) |
2026-04-03 | Good Friday (Karfreitag) |
2026-04-06 | Easter Monday (Ostermontag) |
2026-05-01 | Labor Day (Tag der Arbeit) |
2026-05-14 | Feast of the Ascension of Jesus Christ (Christi Himmelfahrt) |
2026-05-25 | Pentecost Monday (Pfingstmontag) |
2026-10-03 | German Unity Day (Tag der Deutschen Einheit) |
2026-12-25 | First Day of Christmastide (Erster Weihnachtsfeiertag) |
2026-12-26 | Second Day of Christmastide (Zweiter Weihnachtsfeiertag) |
Germany (German: Deutschland), officially the Federal Republic of Germany (German: Bundesrepublik Deutschland), is located in Central and Western Europe. It is an economic heavyweight, the largest economy in Europe, the world's fourth-largest by nominal GDP, and fifth by PPP. As a leader in multiple industrial and technology sectors, it is the world's third-largest exporter and importer of goods.
Capital
Official language
Currency
Population
Cost of living index
GDP real growth rate
Payroll frequency
VAT rate
Ease of doing business
Looking to employ people in Germany? Companies hiring there typically must either have a local legal entity or work with a global employment platform like Remote that can legally 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-based team so you do not need to establish local HR services in the region. Remote also simplifies paying contractors in Germany. Sign up now to get started or talk to an expert for more details.
Germany, like many other countries, treats self-employed individuals or contractors and full-time employees differently. Misclassification of contractors in Germany may lead to fines and penalties for the offending company.
Employer
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Pension
0.00%
Health insurance
0.0%
Nursing care insurance
0.0%
Unemployment insurance
0.00%
Accident insurance
0.00%
Sickness/maternity leave allocation
Employee
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Pension
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Health 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 offers a flexible occupational pension scheme (bAV) for employees in Germany. This contemporary solution streamlines pension administration while providing employees with choice and broad financial protection.
Employee contributions: Employees may contribute 1%–4% of gross salary, or select a fixed amount up to €302 per month (2024 limit).
Employer contributions: Employers provide a 15% subsidy on employee contributions, and can opt for matching models or fixed contributions of 1–8% of salary, depending on their preference.
Effortless digital management: Via an online platform, employees can adjust contributions, access contracts, and monitor pension growth in real time through a clear, user-friendly interface.
Transferability: Employees may transfer existing pension savings into the plan or keep them in separate funds.
Eligibility: The plan is available to any employee on request, offering added flexibility and financial security.
Remote’s Global Business Travel Insurance program is designed for teams on single trips or for employees who travel frequently. With five plan tiers—Basic, Standard, Premium, Premium Plus, and Standard Plus—the program lets you choose the appropriate level of protection for team members' health, safety, and wellbeing during business travel.
Available in over 90 countries, the program delivers broad global coverage at competitive rates, giving confidence wherever team members travel. This optional benefit is flexible, allowing you to offer tailored coverage that fits the varied needs of your workforce. Providing business travel insurance helps protect your team from unexpected 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 the country of residence — any trip over 70 miles from the usual residence with at least one 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 the country of residence — any trip over 70 miles from the usual residence with at least one 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 the country of residence — any trip over 70 miles from the usual residence with at least one 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 the country of residence — any trip over 70 miles from the usual residence with at least one 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 the country of residence — any trip over 70 miles from the usual residence with at least one overnight stay in paid accommodation. In-country trips exclude medical treatment & evacuation benefits.
Providing health insurance in this country may not be mandatory, but offering strong health benefits can improve employees’ access to quality care and reduce waiting times. Through its Global Health Insurance scheme, offered with a leading global insurer, Remote offers four plan tiers: Standard, Premium, Gold, and Platinum. Standard provides core inpatient and outpatient coverage. Premium adds dental and vision for broader care. Gold and Platinum raise coverage limits and add services for those seeking wider protection. You can opt to insure the employee only or extend cover to spouse/partner and children using the Family Coverage option. For guidance on equitable benefits 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)
The Standard tier includes the following additional services: Employee Assistance Programme, Travel Security Services, MyHealth Digital Services, Olive (Health & Wellness Support), and Second Medical Opinion, all of which are available.
Not covered
Not covered
Co-pay: None
Outpatient deductible: $135
You can 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 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 (if a direct family history is present)
Health and wellbeing checks: Includes screenings for early detection of illness or disease (see details below): Up to $500
Physical exam
Blood tests (full blood count, biochemistry, lipid profile, thyroid function, liver function, kidney function)
Cardiovascular examination (physical exam, electrocardiogram, blood pressure)
Neurological examination (physical exam)
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 these additional services: Employee Assistance Programme, Travel Security Services, MyHealth Digital Services, Olive (Health & Wellness Support), and Second Medical Opinion.
Preventative dental treatment: 100% refund
Routine dental treatment: Full coverage
Major restorative dental treatment: Full coverage
Periodontics: Full coverage
Prescribed glasses and contact lenses: Up to $250, including eye examination
Co-pay: None
Deductible: None
You can choose to include your team's dependents, covering spouse/partner and children for broader protection.
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 (if a direct family history is present)
Health and wellbeing checks: Includes screenings for early detection of illness or disease (see details below): Up to $300
Physical exam
Blood tests (full blood count, biochemistry, lipid profile, thyroid function, liver function, kidney function)
Cardiovascular examination (physical exam, electrocardiogram, blood pressure)
Neurological examination (physical exam)
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 provides these additional services: Employee Assistance Programme, Travel Security Services, MyHealth Digital Services, Olive (Health & Wellness Support), and Second Medical Opinion.
Preventative dental treatment: 100% refund
Routine dental treatment: Full coverage
Major restorative dental treatment: Full coverage
Periodontics: Full coverage
Prescribed glasses and contact lenses: Up to $250, including eye examination
Co-pay: None
Deductible: None
You can choose to include your team's dependents, covering spouse/partner and children for broader protection.
Hospital accommodation: Private room
Intensive care: Full coverage
Prescription drugs and materials: Full coverage
Surgical fees (including anesthesia and charges): Full coverage
Physician and therapist fees: Full coverage
Surgical appliances and materials: Full coverage
Diagnostic tests: Full coverage
Organ transplant: Full coverage
Psychiatry and psychotherapy: Full coverage
Parent accommodation (for children under 18): Full coverage
Emergency in-patient dental treatment: Full coverage
Day-care treatment: Full coverage
Kidney dialysis: Full coverage
Out-patient surgery: Full coverage
Nursing at home or convalescent home: Up to $3,375
Rehabilitation treatment: Up to $3,375
Local ambulance: Full coverage
Emergency treatment outside area of cover: Up to $50,000
Medical evacuation: Full coverage
Expenses for accompanying evacuation: Up to $2,700
Travel costs for family members (evacuation): Up to $2,700
Repatriation of mortal remains: Up to $13,500
Travel costs for family (repatriation): Up to $4,050
CT and MRI scans: Full coverage
PET and CT-PET scans: Full coverage
Oncology: Full coverage
Purchase of wig/prosthetic bra: Up to $270
Routine maternity: Up to $10,000
Complications of pregnancy/childbirth: Up to $50,000
In-patient cash benefit: $205 per night (max 25 nights)
Emergency out-patient treatment: Full coverage
Palliative care: Full coverage
Long term care: Full coverage (max 90 days)
HIV/AIDS treatment: Full coverage
Treatment for alcohol and drug addiction: Up to $15,000
Gender dysphoria services: Up to $50,000 per lifetime
Maximum plan benefit: $15,000
Deductible: None
Medical practitioner fees: Full coverage
Prescription drugs: Full coverage
Diagnostic tests: Full coverage
Video consultation services: Full coverage
Specialist fees: Full coverage
Chiropractic, osteopathy, homeopathy, acupuncture, podiatry: Full coverage
Prescribed physiotherapy: Up to $2,500
Non-prescribed physiotherapy: Up to 20 visits
Prescribed speech therapy and occupational therapy: Up to $1,520
Vaccinations: Up to $500
Health and wellbeing checks: See details below
Infertility treatment: Up to $16,000
Psychiatry and psychotherapy: Max 30 visits
Prescribed medical aids: Up to $675
Prescribed glasses and contact lenses: Up to $500
Hormone replacement therapy: Full coverage
Cancer screening (see details below): Up to $500
Annual pap smear
Mammogram (every two years for women aged 45+, or younger where a family history exists)
Annual prostate screening (yearly for men aged 50+, or younger where a family history exists)
Colonoscopy (every five years for members aged 50+, or 40+ where a family history exists)
Annual faecal occult blood test
BRCA1 and BRCA2 genetic test (if a direct family history is present)
Health and wellbeing checks: Includes screenings for early detection of illness or disease (see details below): Up to $500
Physical exam
Blood tests (full blood count, biochemistry, lipid profile, thyroid function, liver function, kidney function)
Cardiovascular examination (physical exam, electrocardiogram, blood pressure)
Neurological examination (physical exam)
Bone densitometry (every five years for women aged 50+)
Well-child test (for children up to the age of six years)
The Platinum tier also provides these additional services: Employee Assistance Programme, Travel Security Services, MyHealth Digital Services, Olive (Health & Wellness Support), and Second Medical Opinion.
Preventative dental treatment: 100% refund
Routine dental treatment: Full coverage
Major restorative dental treatment: Full coverage
Periodontics: Full coverage
Prescribed glasses and contact lenses: Up to $500, including eye examination
Co-pay: None
Deductible: None
You can choose to include your team's dependents, covering spouse/partner and children for broader protection.
Offering life insurance is not mandatory in this country, but providing it can materially improve financial security and peace of mind for employees. The Global Life Insurance offering provides flexible cover levels from $50,000 to $600,000, designed to suit different company budgets and employee needs. This benefit includes two options: The Basic Offering provides Life Insurance coverage. In the unfortunate event of an employee’s death, their beneficiary will receive a payout of up to 6 times the employee’s annual salary, capped at the selected cover level. This means the payout will not exceed the applicable cover limit, regardless of the employee’s salary. The Comprehensive Offering at Remote combines Life Insurance, Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D), and Permanent Disability (PD) coverage. For accidental death, dismemberment, or permanent disability, compensation is up to 5 times the employee’s annual salary, subject to the chosen limit. The payout is capped at Remote’s applicable cover limit and will not exceed that limit regardless of salary. Note that in some countries insurance premium taxes may apply; taxes could be due on monthly premiums the company pays for employee life insurance. Also, life insurance benefits may be treated as ‘Benefits in Kind’ (BIK), meaning monthly premiums could be considered part of the employee’s taxable income under local law. When life insurance is offered, it must be provided equally to all employees in that country.
Provides financial protection and security for beneficiaries after the death of an insured team member.
If a team member dies, beneficiary compensation will not exceed 6 times the team member’s annual salary or the selected 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.
If a team member dies, beneficiary compensation will not exceed 6 times the team member’s annual salary or the selected cover level (whichever is lower).
Provides financial protection to beneficiaries in the event of an insured team member's accidental death or dismemberment.
Compensation will not exceed 5 times the team member's annual salary or the selected cover level (whichever is lower). The exact payout depends on the injury type, as set out in the Accidental Dismemberment Table.
Designed to provide financial support to insured team members who suffer permanent total or permanent partial disabilities due to an accident or illness.
Compensation will not exceed 5 times the team member's annual salary or the chosen cover level (whichever is lower). The insurer determines final compensation after assessing the permanent disability:
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 Life Insurance, Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D), and Permanent Disability compensation are calculated, refer to the help article.
If you have any questions, please email [email protected].
Offering mental health benefits is not mandatory in this country, but providing them can meaningfully improve employees' emotional wellbeing and overall productivity. Remote provides a comprehensive employee mental wellbeing platform through a leading provider, available on desktop and mobile. The platform includes 1-to-1 therapy with a vetted roster of high-quality therapists in over 35 languages. Its advanced matcher finds an appropriate therapist within 48 hours with a 98% success rate. Employees receive a personal wellbeing profile with tailored recommendations to track progress. The platform also offers a curated self-guided library with audio mindfulness and meditation sessions, guided yoga videos, talks, workplace wellbeing podcasts, and micro-learning series for managers. In addition, 24/7 mental health helplines are available for immediate support. Mental health program benefits may be offered across five plan levels. While optional, offering these benefits can significantly support employee wellbeing and productivity. Note that in some countries mental health benefits may be categorised as ‘Benefits in Kind’ (BIK); this could mean monthly premiums are treated as taxable income under local law. When mental health benefits are provided, they must be offered equally to all employees in that country.
Access to the wellbeing platform and app, including:
Personalised wellbeing assessment
Access to a world-class self-guided content library with audio mindfulness and meditation sessions, guided yoga videos, talks, podcasts on workplace wellbeing, and micro-learning content 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 a dedicated practitioner
24/7 global support in all languages
Add up to 3 friends and family members to the platform
Not included in the Basic plan
Team members may pay for 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 and meditation sessions, guided yoga videos, talks, podcasts on workplace wellbeing, and micro-learning content 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 a dedicated practitioner
24/7 global support in all languages
Add up to 3 friends and family to the platform
Includes one pre-paid therapy or coaching session per policy year
Team members may pay for extra therapy sessions themselves, if needed.
Access to the wellbeing platform and app, including:
Personalized wellbeing assessment
Access to a world-class, self-guided content library with audio mindfulness and meditation sessions, guided yoga videos, talks, workplace wellbeing podcasts, and micro-learning content 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 a dedicated practitioner
24/7 global support in all languages
Add up to 3 friends and family to the platform
Includes three pre-paid therapy or coaching sessions per policy year
Team members may pay for extra therapy sessions themselves, if needed.
Access to the wellbeing platform and app, including:
Personalized wellbeing assessment
Access to a world-class, self-guided content library with audio mindfulness and meditation sessions, guided yoga videos, talks, workplace wellbeing podcasts, and micro-learning content 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 a dedicated practitioner
24/7 global support in all languages
Add up to 3 friends and family to the platform
Includes six pre-paid therapy or coaching sessions per policy year
Team members may pay for extra therapy sessions themselves, if needed.
Access to the wellbeing platform and app, including:
Personalized wellbeing assessment
Access to a world-class, self-guided content library with audio mindfulness and meditation sessions, guided yoga videos, talks, workplace wellbeing podcasts, and micro-learning content 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 a dedicated practitioner
24/7 global support in all languages
Add up to 3 friends and family to the platform
Includes twelve pre-paid therapy or coaching sessions per policy year
Team members may pay for extra therapy sessions themselves, if needed.
Germany has a robust economy, with major sectors in automotive, manufacturing, and finance. Employers must comply with specific labor laws and tax rules, including social security contributions, employment contracts, and tax reporting. Understanding these requirements is necessary for smooth payroll processing and legal compliance.
Employers in Germany must follow national payroll rules on wages, taxes, and social contributions. Below is an overview of key payroll components:
Minimum wage: Germany’s minimum wage is EUR 12.00 per hour.
Payroll frequency: Salaries are generally paid monthly.
Standard working hours: The typical workweek in Germany is 40 hours, usually spread across five days.
Overtime: Employees are entitled to additional pay for overtime, calculated according to labor regulations and any applicable collective agreements.
Personal income tax: Germany uses a progressive income tax system, with rates from 0% to 45% depending on income.
Employer contributions:
Employee contributions:
Corporate tax: The corporate income tax rate in Germany is 15%, plus a solidarity surcharge.
Tax reporting: Employers must regularly file payroll taxes and contributions with the German tax authorities.
Employment contracts must be in writing and specify terms such as salary, working hours, and job responsibilities.
Payroll deductions: Employers must ensure correct deductions for social security and income tax.
Employers must stay updated on changes to Germany’s labor laws and tax rules to avoid penalties.
Managing payroll in Germany requires careful attention to tax rules, employment laws, and social security requirements. Employers must stay informed about tax rates, wage legislation, and reporting deadlines to ensure smooth payroll processing and avoid penalties.
The good news is, you can pay anyone, anywhere — from your local team to teams abroad, all with Remote Payroll. To see how straightforward global payroll can be with Remote, book a demo today.
Hiring contractors in Germany can be a strategic, cost-effective way for businesses to complete projects without the obligations of hiring full-time employees. Whether engaging independent contractors for specialist 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 through 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 a seamless contractor-to-employee conversion process.
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 reduces 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 with minimal complexity.
Remote’s EOR allows your company to legally hire employees in Germany without having to set up a local legal entity. On paper, Remote is the official employer, and it handles compliance, payroll, benefits (including equity), and other HR processes — while you retain full control over the hire’s daily management and work duties. 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, cost-effective 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 doesn't have a local legal entity, our EOR offers a compliant, efficient option. Germany enforces strict employment and payroll tax laws, and our EOR service helps you meet those obligations while allowing you to scale quickly.
Key benefits of hiring through our EOR in Germany include:
Faster market entry. Hire talent quickly, without waiting months to set up a local entity.
Full compliance with local employment laws. Reduce legal risks from non-compliance and misclassification.
Simplified payroll management. Remote automates payroll tax calculations and helps you remain compliant with all withholding obligations, even when laws change.
Lower costs. Setting up a legal entity in Germany can be costly and time-consuming. Using an EOR removes the need for entity registration, lowering overhead.
Fewer resources required. With HR, payroll, and compliance handled by the EOR, your company can focus on scaling operations and reassign resources.
Note that Remote owns a legal entity in Germany. Therefore, it does not need to rely on third parties, which can cause delays, add costs, and harm the employee experience. All our EOR services — including dedicated local specialist support — 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 top talent. But when hiring across borders, they can become complex.
Remote enables you to offer non-qualified stock options (NSOs) to team members in Germany easily. There are no compliance headaches or administrative hassles — just clear, simple processes for you and your people at every step.
NSOs are a form of equity incentive. They grant your team members the right to buy a set number of company shares at a fixed price, known as the exercise price.
This normally occurs after a vesting period, often tied to how long your team member remains with your company. As such, NSOs help foster long-term commitment and align people with your company’s strategic goals.
Direct employees | EOR employees | Contractors | |
Can receive NSOs? | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Difficulty score | Medium | Medium | Medium |
It’s important to note that granting stock 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 equals the difference between the fair market value of the shares at exercise and the exercise price (or “strike” price) paid by your team member. | The spread is taxed as salary income. The spread equals the difference between the fair market value of the shares at exercise and the exercise price (or “strike” price) paid by your team member. | The spread is taxed as salary income. The spread equals the difference between the fair market value of the shares at 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 exercise is taxed as capital gains. Certain tax advantages may apply under specific conditions. | The difference between the sale price and the fair market value of the shares at exercise is taxed as capital gains. | The difference between the sale price and the fair market value of the shares at exercise is taxed as capital gains. |
Direct employees | EOR employees | Contractors |
There are potential tax advantages, but they depend on strict conditions and are not highly favorable. Benefit 1: Taxation deferral The Future Financing Act (“ZuFinG”) allows — under certain conditions — the deferral of taxes on an employees' stock options until sale. However, this deferral is not applicable if the shares granted are the shares 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 set amount per employee can be deducted from taxable income, lowering their tax liability. You can also permit team members to exercise non-vested stock options early (known as “early exercise”), which may reduce tax liability, though early exercise can be hard to manage and may need extra paperwork. | You can allow your team members to exercise their non-vested stock 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 stock 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 stock 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 an entity.
Starting at $599
employee per month, for annual contracts
Hire in 90+ countries with no local entity
Onboard with a dedicated specialist
Local payroll processed on time, every time
Built-in compliance safeguards
Competitive, flexible, and localized benefits
In-house experts providing ongoing support
Remote Platform included, no base fee
For paying employees in countries where you own the legal 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 sync automatically
Reports by country, entity, and cost center
Self-serve or fully managed by a specialist
Remote Platform included, no base fee
Contract remains under your control
You maintain the relationship; we take care of the paperwork.
Starting at $29
contractor per month
Only pay for contractors you actively engage with during that month
Onboard and compensate contractors across 190+ countries
Draft, modify, and sign contracts localized for each market
Approve invoices with a single click or set them to auto-pay
Compliance screening, expense management, and 1099-NEC generation included
Remote Platform access included, with no base fee