Hiring Employees in Germany

Resource Type: Country Guides

Download our comprehensive guide.

Our team of international HR, payroll, compensation & benefits experts have compiled everything you need to know when hiring employees in Germany so that you can meet your global expansion objectives.

The guide covers the fundamentals you need to be on top of, including the Civil Code, the Working Time Act, and the Protection Against Unfair Dismissal Act. For example, employers who employ foreign nationals without the necessary work permits commit an offence and are subject to a fine of up to €500,000.

This guidance will enable you to compliantly manage your employment responsibilities within Germany. The full contents of the detailed guide to employing staff in Germany are as follows: 

  • Employment of foreigners
  • Employment contracts
  • Probation
  • Remuneration
  • Working hours and time off
  • Leave
  • Social security coverage
  • Workers’ compensation insurance
  • Supplemental benefits
  • Termination of employment
  • Discrimination
  • Industrial relations
  • Data protection

This country guide is intended to be a summary of the major areas of employment law & HR practice and does not constitute legal or HR advice. The guidance was correct at the time of publishing and professional advice should always be sought as specific needs arise.

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