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), is located in central and western Europe. It is a major power with a strong economy; it hosts the largest economy in Europe, ranks fourth in the world by nominal GDP, and fifth by PPP. As a leader in several industrial and technological sectors, it is also 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
Want to employ workers in Germany? Organisations that hire there generally need either a local legal entity or to work with global employment services such as Remote, which can lawfully provide employment services in the country.
Remote can employ team members in Germany and help you stay compliant. Remote can handle hiring, onboarding, and paying your Germany team so you do not need to set up local HR services in the region. Remote also makes paying contractors in Germany straightforward. Sign up now to get started or talk to an expert for more details.
Germany, like many other countries, treats self-employed individuals or contractors and full-time employees differently. Misclassification of contractors in Germany may lead to fines and penalties for the offending company.
Employer
0.00%
Pension
0.00%
Private medical insurance
0.0%
Nursing care insurance
0.0%
Unemployment insurance
0.00%
Accident insurance
0.00%
Sickness/maternity leave allocation
Employee
0.00%
Pension
0.00%
Private medical insurance
0.00%
Nursing care insurance
0.0%
Unemployment insurance
0.00%
Income tax up to €9,744 per annum
0% – 42%
Income tax for €9,744 – €57,918 per annum
0 %
Income tax for €57,918 – €274,612 per annum
0 %
Income tax for over €274,612 per annum
All full-time workers are entitled to 9 paid public holidays per years. Full-time workers are also entitled to at least 20 days of paid time off if they work five-day work weeks or 24 days of paid time off if they work six-day work weeks. Employers may offer additional paid vacation days at their discretion.
Expecting mothers are entitled to 6 weeks of pregnancy leave (before the due date) and at least 8 weeks maternity leave (after childbirth).
In addition to maternity leave, the parents can take extended parental leave for up to 36 months until the child turn 3 years. Parents can choose to work part-time or up to 30 hours per week during parental leave.
- Adoption: the same rules as for maternity leave applies for adoptions.
Germany employers in general can provide any fair reasons for termination of an employee. Any dismissal from the end of the employer for an employee that has been employed longer than six months has to be "socially justified" by the following:
Person-related reasons;
Termination with consent of the employee through a termination agreement; or
Conduct-related reasons, for example repeated breaches of employment terms after prior warning or serious misconduct
The statutory notice period for an employer depends on the duration of employment, with a two-week notice during a six-month probation period, and after probation period, a minimum of four weeks for those employed within 2 years of service and up to 7 months for those employed more than 20 years.
The maximum length of a probationary period is 6 months.
During the probationary period, the applicable statutory notice period can be reduced to a minimum of two weeks, except as otherwise provided in other applicable regulations (e.g. a collective bargaining agreement). During the probationary period, the employer does not need a reason for termination to dismiss the employee. A termination during the probationary period is only ineffective if it is immoral or contrary to faith.
At Remote, we provide tailored benefits to ensure that all Remote employees receive comprehensive coverage from top providers.
Remote provides a flexible occupational pension scheme (bAV) for employees in Germany. This contemporary solution streamlines pension administration and delivers adaptable options and broad financial protection.
Employee contributions: Employees may contribute 1%–4% of gross salary, or select a fixed monthly amount up to €302 (2024 limit).
Employer contributions: Employers provide a 15% subsidy on employee contributions, and can choose matching models or fixed contributions from 1–8% of salary, depending on the employer’s preference.
Effortless digital management: Via an online portal, employees can personalise their contributions, access contracts, and monitor pension growth. The portal provides a clear, user-friendly interface for real-time management.
Transferability: Employees may bring existing pension savings into the new scheme, or retain them in separate funds.
Eligibility: All employees can opt into this plan on request, receiving additional flexibility and financial protection.
Remote’s Global Business Travel Insurance programme is written to meet the needs of your team, whether for short business trips or frequent travel across the year. With five plan tiers—Basic, Standard, Premium, Premium Plus, and Standard Plus—the programme ensures team members have the appropriate level of cover for health, safety, and wellbeing when travelling for business.
Available in over 90 countries, the programme offers broad global cover at competitive rates, giving peace of mind regardless of where work takes them. This optional benefit is flexible, enabling you to offer tailored cover that meets the varied needs of your workforce. Offering business travel insurance helps protect your team from unforeseen events such as medical emergencies, trip disruption, or loss of business equipment while travelling.
Coverages (values in USD):
Emergency & Accidental Medical: $1,000,000
Repatriation for Medical Treatment: 100% per trip
Emergency Medical Evacuation: $100,000
Repatriation of Mortal Remains: $25,000 per trip
Pre-existing Medical Conditions: For stable pre-existing medical conditions up to $50,000
Business Equipment: Up to $1,500
Computer Equipment (single item limit): $500
Business Money: $100 per day up to $500
Domestic Business Travel: Trips inside country of residence: Any trip over 70 miles from usual residence, where there’s at least 1 overnight stay in paid accommodation. In-country trips exclude medical treatment & evacuation benefits.
Coverages (values in USD):
Excludes Medical & Evacuation
Baggage Delay: $100 per day up to $700 per trip *Does not apply to one-way trips
Personal Liability: $100,000 per trip
Accidental Death & Permanent Total Disability: $100,000 per trip
Loss of Passport: $250 per trip
Legal Expenses: $10,000 per trip
Hijacking: $1,000 per trip
Business Equipment: Up to $1,500
Computer Equipment (single item limit): $500
Business Money: $100 per day up to $500
Domestic Business Travel: Trips inside country of residence: Any trip over 70 miles from usual residence, where there’s at least 1 overnight stay in paid accommodation. In-country trips exclude medical treatment & evacuation benefits.
Coverages (values in USD):
Emergency & Accidental Medical: $1,000,000
Repatriation for Medical Treatment: 100% per trip
Emergency Medical Evacuation: $100,000
Repatriation of Mortal Remains: $25,000 per trip
Pre-existing Medical Conditions: For stable pre-existing medical conditions up to $50,000
Baggage Delay: $100 per day up to $700 per trip *Does not apply to one-way trips
Personal Liability: $100,000 per trip
Accidental Death & Permanent Total Disability: $100,000 per trip
Loss of Passport: $250 per trip
Legal Expenses: $10,000 per trip
Hijacking: $1,000 per trip
Business Equipment: Up to $1,500
Computer Equipment (single item limit): $500
Business Money: $100 per day up to $500
Domestic Business Travel: Trips inside country of residence: Any trip over 70 miles from usual residence, where there’s at least 1 overnight stay in paid accommodation. In-country trips exclude medical treatment & evacuation benefits.
Coverages (values in USD):
Emergency & Accidental Medical: $1,000,000
Repatriation for Medical Treatment: 100% per trip
Emergency Medical Evacuation: $100,000
Repatriation of Mortal Remains: $25,000 per trip
Pre-existing Medical Conditions: For stable pre-existing medical conditions up to $50,000
Baggage Delay: $100 per day up to $700 per trip *Does not apply to one-way trips
Personal Liability: $100,000 per trip
Accidental Death & Permanent Total Disability: $100,000 per trip
Loss of Passport: $250 per trip
Legal Expenses: $10,000 per trip
Hijacking: $1,000 per trip
Cancellation & Curtailment: $2,000 per trip; subject to $100 deductible per Trip *Benefit not available to residents of the USA
Business Equipment: Up to $1,500
Computer Equipment (single item limit): $500
Business Money: $100 per day up to $500
Domestic Business Travel: Trips inside country of residence: Any trip over 70 miles from usual residence, where there’s at least 1 overnight stay in paid accommodation. In-country trips exclude medical treatment & evacuation benefits.
Coverages (values in USD):
Excludes Medical & Evacuation
Baggage Delay: $100 per day up to $700 per trip *Does not apply to one-way trips
Personal Liability: $100,000 per trip
Accidental Death & Permanent Total Disability: $100,000 per trip
Loss of Passport: $250 per trip
Legal Expenses: $10,000 per trip
Hijacking: $1,000 per trip
Cancellation & Curtailment: $2,000 per trip; subject to $100 deductible per Trip *Benefit not available to residents of the USA
Business Equipment: Up to $1,500
Computer Equipment (single item limit): $500
Business Money: $100 per day up to $500
Domestic Business Travel: Trips inside country of residence: Any trip over 70 miles from usual residence, where there’s at least 1 overnight stay in paid accommodation. In-country trips exclude medical treatment & evacuation benefits.
Providing private medical insurance in this country may not be mandatory, but strong health benefits can considerably improve employees’ access to care—reducing waiting times and securing quicker access to leading providers. Through its Global Private medical insurance scheme, offered with one of the world’s leading insurers, Remote now provides four plan tiers: Standard, Premium, Gold, and Platinum. Standard supplies core inpatient and outpatient cover. Premium adds dental and vision benefits for broader care. Gold and Platinum increase coverage limits and add extra services, suitable for those seeking more comprehensive protection. Flexible options let you insure the employee alone or extend cover to a spouse/partner and children via the Family Coverage option—adapted to the varied needs of your team. If you would like more guidance on fair equity and benefits best practice, 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 have the option to cover the cost of your team's dependents, ensuring comprehensive protection for their spouse/parter and children.
Hospital Accommodation: Private room
Intensive Care: Full coverage
Prescription Drugs and Materials: Full coverage
Surgical Fees (including anesthesia and charges): Full coverage
Physician and Therapist Fees: Full coverage
Surgical Appliances and Materials: Full coverage
Diagnostic Tests: Full coverage
Organ Transplant: Full coverage
Psychiatry and Psychotherapy: Full coverage
Parent Accommodation (for children under 18): Full coverage
Emergency In-Patient Dental Treatment: Full coverage
Day-Care Treatment: Full coverage
Kidney Dialysis: Full coverage
Out-Patient Surgery: Full coverage
Nursing at Home or Convalescent Home: Up to $3,375
Rehabilitation Treatment: Up to $3,375
Local Ambulance: Full coverage
Emergency Treatment Outside Area of Cover: Up to $50,000
Medical Evacuation: Full coverage
Expenses for Accompanying Evacuation: Up to $2,700
Travel Costs for Family Members (Evacuation): Up to $2,700
Repatriation of Mortal Remains: Up to $13,500
Travel Costs for Family (Repatriation): Up to $4,050
CT and MRI Scans: Full coverage
PET and CT-PET Scans: Full coverage
Oncology: Full coverage
Purchase of Wig/Prosthetic Bra: Up to $270
Routine Maternity: Up to $6,000
Complications of Pregnancy/Childbirth: Up to $13,500
In-Patient Cash Benefit: $205 per night (max 25 nights)
Emergency Out-Patient Treatment: Full coverage
Palliative Care: Full coverage
Long Term Care: Full coverage (max 90 days)
HIV/AIDS Treatment: Full coverage
Treatment for Alcohol and Drug Addiction: Up to $5,000
Gender Dysphoria Services: Up to $25,000 per lifetime
Maximum Plan Benefit: $5,060
Deductible: None
Medical Practitioner Fees: Up to $1,350
Prescription Drugs: Full coverage
Diagnostic Tests: Full coverage
Video Consultation Services: Full coverage
Specialist Fees: Full coverage
Chiropractic, Osteopathy, Homeopathy, Acupuncture, Podiatry: Full coverage
Prescribed Physiotherapy: Up to $600
Non-Prescribed Physiotherapy: Up to 10 visits
Prescribed Speech Therapy and Occupational Therapy: Up to $1,520
Vaccinations: Up to $500
Health and Wellbeing Checks: See details below
Infertility Treatment: Up to $16,000
Psychiatry and Psychotherapy: Max 10 visits
Prescribed Medical Aids: Up to $675
Prescribed Glasses and Contact Lenses: Up to $250
Hormone Replacement Therapy: Full coverage
Cancer Screening (see details below): Up to $500
Annual pap smear
Mammogram (every two years for women aged 45+, or younger where a family history exists)
Annual prostate screening (yearly for men aged 50+, or younger where a family history exists)
Colonoscopy (every five years for members aged 50+, or 40+ where a family history exists)
Annual faecal occult blood test
BRCA1 and BRCA2 genetic test (where a direct family history exists)
Health and wellbeing checks: Includes screenings for early detection of illness or disease (see details below): Up to $500
Physical examination
Blood tests (full blood count, biochemistry, lipid profile, thyroid function test, liver function test, kidney function test)
Cardiovascular examination (physical examination, electrocardiogram, blood pressure)
Neurological examination (physical examination)
Bone densitometry (every five years for women aged 50+)
Well child test (for children up to the age of six years)
The Premium tier 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 may choose to include your team's dependents under cover, providing protection for their 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 $15,000
Gender Dysphoria Services: Up to $50,000 per lifetime
Maximum Plan Benefit: $6,000
Deductible: None
Medical Practitioner Fees: Up to $1,350
Prescription Drugs: Full coverage
Diagnostic Tests: Full coverage
Video Consultation Services: Full coverage
Specialist Fees: Full coverage
Chiropractic, Osteopathy, Homeopathy, Acupuncture, Podiatry: Full coverage
Prescribed Physiotherapy: Up to $1,275
Non-Prescribed Physiotherapy: Up to 10 visits
Prescribed Speech Therapy and Occupational Therapy: Up to $1,520
Vaccinations: Up to $300
Health and wellbeing checks: See details below
Infertility Treatment: Up to $16,000
Psychiatry and Psychotherapy: Max 20 visits
Prescribed Medical Aids: Up to $675
Prescribed Glasses and Contact Lenses: Up to $250
Hormone Replacement Therapy: Full coverage
Cancer Screening (see details below): Up to $300
Annual pap smear
Mammogram (every two years for women aged 45+, or younger where a family history exists)
Annual prostate screening (yearly for men aged 50+, or younger where a family history exists)
Colonoscopy (every five years for members aged 50+, or 40+ where a family history exists)
Annual faecal occult blood test
BRCA1 and BRCA2 genetic test (where a direct family history exists)
Health and wellbeing checks: Includes screenings for early detection of illness or disease (see details below): Up to $300
Physical examination
Blood tests (full blood count, biochemistry, lipid profile, thyroid function test, liver function test, kidney function test)
Cardiovascular examination (physical examination, electrocardiogram, blood pressure)
Neurological examination (physical examination)
Bone densitometry (every five years for women aged 50+)
Well child test (for children up to the age of six years)
The Gold tier also 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 may choose to include your team's dependents under cover, providing protection for their 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 $10,000
Complications of Pregnancy/Childbirth: Up to $50,000
In-Patient Cash Benefit: $205 per night (max 25 nights)
Emergency Out-Patient Treatment: Full coverage
Palliative Care: Full coverage
Long-term care: Full coverage (max 90 days)
HIV/AIDS Treatment: Full coverage
Treatment for Alcohol and Drug Addiction: Up to $15,000
Gender Dysphoria Services: Up to $50,000 per lifetime
Maximum Plan Benefit: $15,000
Deductible: None
Medical Practitioner Fees: Full coverage
Prescription Drugs: Full coverage
Diagnostic Tests: Full coverage
Video Consultation Services: Full coverage
Specialist Fees: Full coverage
Chiropractic, Osteopathy, Homeopathy, Acupuncture, Podiatry: Full coverage
Prescribed Physiotherapy: Up to $2,500
Non-Prescribed Physiotherapy: Up to 20 visits
Prescribed Speech Therapy and Occupational Therapy: Up to $1,520
Vaccinations: Up to $500
Health and wellbeing checks: See details below
Infertility Treatment: Up to $16,000
Psychiatry and Psychotherapy: Max 30 visits
Prescribed Medical Aids: Up to $675
Prescribed Glasses and Contact Lenses: Up to $500
Hormone Replacement Therapy: Full coverage
Cancer Screening (see details below): Up to $500
Annual pap smear
Mammogram (every two years for women aged 45+, or younger where a family history exists)
Annual prostate screening (yearly for men aged 50+, or younger where a family history exists)
Colonoscopy (every five years for members aged 50+, or 40+ where a family history exists)
Annual faecal occult blood test
BRCA1 and BRCA2 genetic test (where a direct family history exists)
Health and wellbeing checks: Includes screenings for early detection of illness or disease (see details below): Up to $500
Physical examination
Blood tests (full blood count, biochemistry, lipid profile, thyroid function test, liver function test, kidney function test)
Cardiovascular examination (physical examination, electrocardiogram, blood pressure)
Neurological examination (physical examination)
Bone densitometry (every five years for women aged 50+)
Well child test (for children up to the age of six years)
The Platinum tier also provides these additional services: Employee Assistance Programme, Travel Security Services, MyHealth Digital Services, Olive (Health & Wellness Support), and Second Medical Opinion.
Preventative Dental Treatment: 100% refund
Routine Dental Treatment: Full coverage
Major Restorative Dental Treatment: Full coverage
Periodontics: Full coverage
Prescribed Glasses and Contact Lenses: Up to $500, including eye examination
Co-pay: None
Deductible: None
You may choose to include your team's dependents under cover, providing protection for their spouse/partner and children.
Offering life insurance is not mandatory in this country, but adding it can materially improve financial security and peace of mind for employees. The Global Life Insurance product offers selectable cover levels from $50,000 to $600,000 to suit different company budgets and employee needs. There are two options. The Basic offering supplies Life Insurance cover; in the event of an insured team member’s death, the beneficiary may receive up to 6 times the team member’s annual salary, subject to the chosen cover limit. The Comprehensive offering bundles Life Insurance with Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) and Permanent Disability (PD). For accidental death, dismemberment, or permanent disability, compensation may be up to 5 times the team member’s annual salary, subject to the selected cover limit. Be aware that some jurisdictions apply insurance premium taxes to monthly premiums, and life cover may be treated as Benefits in Kind (BIK), so premiums could form part of taxable income under local law. When life insurance is provided, it must be offered equally to all employees in the country.
Offers financial support to beneficiaries following the death of an insured team member.
If a team member dies, the beneficiary payment 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 support to beneficiaries following 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 if an insured team member dies accidentally or suffers 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.
Provides financial support to insured team members who become permanently and totally, or permanently and partially, disabled as a result of an accident or illness.
Compensation cannot exceed 5 times the team member's annual salary or the chosen cover level (whichever is lower). The insurer assesses the degree of permanent disability to determine the final payment:
Disabilities below 33.33%: No compensation
Disabilities between 33.33% and 66.67%: Compensation calculated as a percentage of the capped amount
Permanent disabilities exceeding 66.67%: Full capped compensation amount
See the help article for worked examples showing how Life Insurance, Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D), and Permanent Disability compensation are calculated
If you have any questions, please email [email protected].
Offering mental health benefits is not mandatory in this country, but providing them can materially improve emotional wellbeing and workplace productivity. Remote makes a comprehensive employee mental wellbeing platform available through a partner that ranks among the top providers. The service works on desktop and mobile apps and includes 1-to-1 therapy with a vetted network of therapists in 35+ languages. An advanced matching process typically finds a suitable therapist within 48 hours, with a reported 98% match success rate. Each employee receives a personal wellbeing profile with tailored recommendations and progress tracking. The platform also provides a curated self-guided library with audio mindfulness and meditation sessions, guided yoga videos, talks, workplace wellbeing podcasts, and micro-learning series for managers. Additionally, 24/7 mental health helplines offer immediate support. Employers can choose from five plan levels when offering the mental health programme. Be aware that, in some countries, these benefits may be treated as Benefits in Kind (BIK) and may affect taxable income; local tax rules and insurance premium taxes may apply. When mental health benefits are provided, they must be offered equally to all employees in the country.
Access to the wellbeing platform and app, which includes:
Personalised wellbeing assessment
Access to a curated self-guided content library with audio mindfulness & meditation sessions, guided yoga videos, talks, workplace wellbeing podcasts, 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 may pay for therapy sessions themselves, if required.
Access to the wellbeing platform and app, which includes:
Personalised wellbeing assessment
Access to a curated self-guided content library with audio mindfulness & meditation sessions, guided yoga videos, talks, workplace wellbeing podcasts, 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 a dedicated practitioner
24/7 global support in all languages
Add up to 3 friends and family members to the platform
Includes one pre-paid therapy/coaching session per policy year
Team members may pay for extra therapy sessions themselves if required.
Access to the wellbeing platform and app, including:
Personalised wellbeing assessment
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 a dedicated practitioner
24/7 global support in all languages
Add up to 3 friends and family to the platform
Includes three pre-paid therapy/coaching sessions per policy year
Team members may pay for extra therapy sessions themselves if needed.
Access to the wellbeing platform and app, including:
Personalised wellbeing assessment
A self-guided, world-class 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 a dedicated practitioner
24/7 global support in all languages
Add up to 3 friends and family to the platform
Includes six pre-paid therapy/coaching sessions per policy year
Team members may pay for extra therapy sessions themselves if needed.
Access to the wellbeing platform and app, including:
Personalised wellbeing assessment
Access to a world-class, self-directed 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 a dedicated practitioner
24/7 global support in all languages
Add up to 3 friends and family to the platform
Includes twelve pre-paid therapy/coaching sessions per policy year
Team members may pay for extra therapy sessions themselves if needed.
Germany’s economy is strong, with major sectors including automotive, manufacturing, and finance. Employers must navigate specific employment laws and tax rules, ensuring compliance with local payroll requirements such as social security contributions, employment contracts, and tax filings. Understanding these regulations is vital for smooth payroll operations and legal compliance.
Employers in Germany must follow national payroll regulations on wages, taxes, and social contributions. The following outlines key payroll components:
Minimum wage: Germany’s minimum wage is EUR 12.00 per hour.
Payroll frequency: Salaries are generally paid monthly.
Standard working hours: The normal workweek in Germany is 40 hours, typically over five days.
Overtime: Employees are entitled to additional pay for overtime work, calculated based on labour regulations and collective agreements.
Personal income tax: Germany has a progressive income tax system with rates ranging from 0% to 45% depending on income levels.
Employer contributions:
Employee contributions:
Corporate tax: The corporate income tax rate in Germany is 15% plus a solidarity surcharge.
Tax reporting: Employers must file payroll taxes and contributions with the German tax authorities regularly.
Employment contracts must be provided in writing and specify terms such as salary, working hours, and job responsibilities.
Payroll deductions: Employers must ensure accurate deductions for social security and income tax.
Employers must stay updated on changes to Germany’s employment laws and tax regulations to avoid penalties.
Managing payroll in Germany demands careful attention to tax rules, employment law, and social security requirements. Employers must keep up to date on tax rates, wage laws, and reporting deadlines to ensure smooth payroll processing and to minimise the risk of penalties.
The good news is, you can pay anyone, anywhere – from your team in the office to your team abroad, all with Remote Payroll. To see just how easy global payroll can be with Remote, book a demo today.
Hiring contractors in Germany can be a strategic and cost-effective way for businesses to complete projects without the obligations of hiring full-time employees. Whether you are engaging independent contractors for specialized services or bringing in subcontractors for short-term work, understanding Germany’s labor laws and regulations is essential.
Remote helps businesses stay compliant when hiring contractors globally with these key features:
Global compliance support: Ensures adherence to labor laws in 200+ countries with localized contracts and proper documentation.
Misclassification protection: Includes built-in compliance checks and seamless contractor-to-employee conversion.
Centralized documentation: Maintains essential records for audits and automates tax filings.
Legal expertise: Provides guidance on complex local labor laws, simplifying international hiring.
Remote’s streamlined approach minimizes compliance risks and simplifies contractor management for businesses.
Remote simplifies contractor payments with:
Automated processing: One-click approvals, bulk payments, recurring invoices, and real-time tracking.
Global coverage: Payments in 200+ countries, multiple payment methods, and currency flexibility.
Cost and compliance: Fair price guarantee (pay only for active contractors), built-in compliance with regional regulations, and localized contracts.
Learn more about how Remote simplifies contractor management in Germany — get started for free today.
Our Employer of Record (EOR) service lets you hire, manage, and pay top talent in Germany quickly and simply.
Remote’s Employer of Record (EOR) allows your company to legally hire employees in Germany without setting 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 control of the new hire’s day-to-day management and work responsibilities. Learn more.
An EOR may suit your company if:
Needs to hire employees in Germany but does not want to establish a legal entity
Is testing local markets before committing to full business expansion
Wants to ensure full compliance with local employment laws and tax requirements
Needs a fast, efficient way to onboard employees in Germany
Needs a temporary hiring solution before establishing a legal entity
If your company wants to hire talent in Germany but lacks a local legal entity, Remote’s Employer of Record provides a compliant and efficient way to operate. Germany’s employment and payroll tax laws are strict, and Remote’s EOR helps you meet those obligations while enabling faster growth.
Key benefits of hiring via Remote’s EOR in Germany include:
Faster market entry. You can hire talent quickly, rather than waiting months to incorporate a local entity.
Full compliance with local employment laws. Avoid the legal risks associated with non-compliance and misclassification.
Simplified payroll management. Remote automates payroll tax calculations and helps ensure compliance with withholding obligations, even as laws change.
Lower costs. Forming a legal entity in Germany can be expensive and slow. An EOR removes the need for entity registration, cutting overheads.
Fewer resources required. With the EOR handling HR, payroll, and compliance, your company can focus resources on scaling operations.
Remote owns its own legal entity in Germany. As a result, it does not need to rely on third parties, which can cause delays, extra costs, and a poorer employee experience. All Remote EOR services — including the dedicated support of our local specialists — are provided 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 help attract, motivate, and retain top talent. However, when you hire across borders, they can become highly complex.
Remote enables you to offer non-qualified share options (NSOs) to your team members in Germany with ease. There are no compliance headaches or administrative hassles – only clarity and simplicity at every step.
NSOs are a form of equity incentive that give your team members the right to buy a set number of shares in your company at a fixed price, known as the exercise price.
This usually occurs after a vesting period, often tied to the team member’s tenure. As a result, NSOs can 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 is 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 equals 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 equals 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 equals 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 treated as capital gains. Subject to conditions, certain tax advantages may apply. | The difference between the sale price and the fair market value of the shares (at the time of exercise) is taxed as capital gains. | The difference between the sale price and the fair market value of the shares (at the time of exercise) is taxed as capital gains. |
Direct employees | EOR employees | Contractors |
There are some potential tax advantages, but they are subject to strict conditions and are not typically generous. Benefit 1: Taxation deferral The Future Financing Act (“ZuFinG”) permits – under certain conditions – the deferral of taxes on an employee’s share options until sale. However, this deferral does not apply if the shares granted are those of a parent company outside Germany (even for German employees of a subsidiary of that parent company). Benefit 2: Limited exemption on the spread In certain cases, part of the spread may be tax-free. A fixed allowance per employee can be deducted from taxable income, reducing tax liability. You may permit team members to exercise non-vested share options early (a process known as “early exercise”), which can potentially reduce their tax liability, although early exercises can be complex to administer and may require additional paperwork. | You may allow team members to exercise non-vested share options early (a process known as “early exercise”). This can potentially reduce their tax liability, although early exercises can be difficult to manage and may require additional paperwork. | You may allow team members to exercise non-vested share options early (a process known as “early exercise”). This can potentially reduce their tax liability, although early exercises can be difficult to manage and may require additional paperwork. |
If you want to use Remote Equity Advanced to offer share options to your Germany-based team members, your top corporation (i.e., your parent company) must be incorporated in Delaware. Your company must also be private – not publicly listed.
For hiring employees in countries where you do not yet have a local entity.
Starting at $599
employee per month, for annual contracts
Hire in 90+ countries without a 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 an entity.
Starting at $19
employee per month
Gross-to-net calculated locally
Tax filings and statutory contributions remitted in each country
Time off, timesheets, and expenses sync
Reports by country, entity, and cost centre
Self-serve or fully managed by a specialist
Remote Platform included, no base fee
The contract stays with you
You look after the relationship while we handle the paperwork.
Starting at $29
contractor per month
Pay only for the contractors you actively engage with in a given month
Bring contractors on board and pay them in 190+ countries
Draft, edit and sign localised contracts
Approve invoices with a single click or set to auto-pay
Compliance screening, expenses and 1099-NEC generation included
Remote Platform included; no base fee