Work
Employment contracts, dismissal, job search, benefits, self-employment, and sick pay.
14 guides
The essentials, one guide at a time
Employment contracts, dismissal and workers’ rightsRead your contract and act promptly after a dismissal.Kündigung
A MinijobA Minijob is a job with limited earnings or a short-term job within a legal time limit. The monthly earnings limit is 603 euros in 2026 and rises to 633 euros on 1 January 2027.Minijob
Recognition of foreign qualificationsRecognition compares a qualification earned abroad with a German one. The process and responsible office depend on your profession, and university degrees follow a different route.Anerkennung
Job search and the employment agencyIf your job or training is ending, register as seeking work with the Agentur für Arbeit at least three months beforehand. If you learn of the end later, register within three days.Agentur für Arbeit
Unemployment benefitArbeitslosengeld is an unemployment-insurance benefit. You usually need 12 insured months within 30 months, as well as meeting the unemployment and registration conditions. The rate is 60 or 67 percent of flat-rate net earnings.Arbeitslosengeld
Basic support for jobseekersGrundsicherungsgeld is basic support for people who can work but need help covering their living costs. It replaced Bürgergeld on 1 July 2026, although authorities may use the old name until 31 December 2026. Income, savings, residence rules and cooperation duties affect eligibility.Grundsicherungsgeld
Self-employment and freelancingIf you start a trade, you must notify the local trade authority when you begin. Freelance work taxed under section 18 of the Income Tax Act is a different category, so check which rules apply to your activity.Gewerbeanmeldung
Sick leave and sick payLearn what to do when you are too ill to work, how continued pay and Krankengeld work, and how to prepare before sick pay ends.Krankengeld
Occupational disability insurancePrivate occupational-disability insurance is voluntary and looks at your last job. The statutory reduced-earning-capacity pension uses a different test based on the hours you can work and your insurance record.Berufsunfähigkeitsversicherung
Working in a shortage occupationExplore jobs in shortage occupations, check recognition and work permission, and find official help with your search.Engpassberuf
Working as a nurse in GermanyFind the right nursing authority, understand recognition and professional permission, and check the job and residence route before you start.Pflegefachkraft
Working as a doctor in GermanyUnderstand medical licensing, the recognition route for your qualification, specialist recognition and residence permission before starting work.Arzt
Working in a skilled tradeFind the German trade that matches your training, check recognition and work permission, and understand when starting a craft business needs registration.Handwerk
Working as a professional driverPlan a lorry or bus driving job in Germany: check your driving licence, professional qualification and right to work.Berufskraftfahrer