How To Hire Employees In Germany: A Complete Guide

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Contract for hiring employees in Germany

A written contract has to be used to make employment official.

Immigration Requirements

Individuals who are not EEA/EU citizens or Switzerland citizens will need a working permit to be employed in Germany. Additionally, a German company will have to sponsor the employee. It is initially provided for a year of employment and can be extended.

HR & Labor

Working hours: Employees should work 48 hours a week to be considered full-time employees, with employees working 8 hours a day and including Saturday as a workday.

If the company only works 5 days a week, employees should only work 40 hours in total. Employers are required to compensate for overtime with time off. Although not legally required, an overtime bonus may be paid to employees and specific conditions should be included in the labor agreement or individual contract.

Minimum working age: Individuals as young as 15 can be employed, but employers will have to refer to the Youth Labor Protection Laws that protect the employee until they turn 18. Employees are guaranteed breaks throughout the day and a lunch break, although the specific amount depends on total hours worked.

Payroll

Employers will usually disperse salary on a monthly basis, typically at the end of the month, but a different set up can be specified in the employment contract.