德国雇主需要承担多长时间的病假工资？

员工病假前六周由雇主全额支付工资（Entgeltfortzahlung），之后由健康保险机构支付病假津贴；成本测算时建议按每人每年预留相应额度。

德国解雇保护法的适用范围是什么？

适用于员工超过 10 人且工龄满 6 个月的企业，解雇须具备社会正当理由并履行程序，否则员工可在三周内提起解雇保护诉讼；小规模企业不受该法约束但仍需遵守基本通知期。

Europe · Top Overseas Destinations

German Employment Costs and Labor Policies

Master Germany's employment laws, visas, social security, and tax essentials in one page. Estimate employer costs and plan a compliant global expansion path.

Germany (EUR) Global Employment Overview

Employment protection applies to companies with 10 or more employees; employers cover sick pay for the first 6 weeks.

Settlement Currency

EUR

Minimum Monthly Salary Reference

4,500 EUR

Employer Social Security Contribution Rate

Approximately 21.0%

Work Visa

Need employer sponsorship

Employer statutory cost components

Pension, Medical, Unemployment, Long-term Care, and Work Injury Insurance

The above outlines key statutory employer cost factors; actual ratios fluctuate based on the salary base and annual policy adjustments.Global Expansion Cost CalculatorEstimate total hiring costs based on monthly salary and headcount.

Key Points of Germany's Employment System

Maximum probation period: 6 months; protection against unfair dismissal applies to companies with 10 or more employees; statutory annual leave is 20 working days (based on a 5-day workweek).

Key Points for German Work Visas

The EU Blue Card has an annual salary threshold, with lower requirements for shortage occupations. Standard work visas require prior approval from the Federal Employment Agency.

Key Points on German Social Security

Five insurances: pension, medical, unemployment, long-term care, and work-related injury. Total employer contribution is approximately 21%.

Key Points on German Income and Corporate Tax

Progressive personal income tax 14-45% + solidarity surcharge; corporate income tax 15% + business tax.

Practical Tips

Employee committees may influence hiring decision processes.
The employer covers sick pay for the first 6 weeks.

Compliance Considerations

German labor laws, visa regulations, and tax rules are subject to annual budget changes and government announcements. Before finalizing employment structures and compensation packages, have them reviewed by your local compliance team. NAZAR can assume employer liability through its Employer of Record (EOR) model, enabling businesses to quickly and compliantly hire employees in Germany.

Estimate employment costs in Germany View Export Guide Tools

Frequently Asked Questions about Hiring in Germany

How long must a German employer continue paying sick leave wages?

Employers cover 100% of wages for the first six weeks of sick leave (Entgeltfortzahlung); thereafter, health insurance funds provide sickness benefits. For cost planning, allocate an annual reserve per employee accordingly.

What is the scope of application of Germany's Protection Against Dismissal Act?

Applies to enterprises with more than 10 employees and tenure of at least 6 months. Termination requires a valid social reason and must follow proper procedures; otherwise, employees may file a dismissal protection lawsuit within three weeks. Small businesses are exempt from this law but must still adhere to basic notice periods.