Updated June 30th 2025

All About Employee Rights in Germany

Learn which employee protection regulations you should be aware of when hiring in Germany and how Justworks EOR can help.

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How an EOR Can Help with Compliance

Navigating compliance in Germany can be complex, especially considering the country’s intricate labor laws. Justworks EOR simplifies international hiring by providing essential guidance to ensure compliance in Germany. In addition to HR support, Justworks EOR lets you skip the need to set up a local entity, saving valuable time and effort so your business can keep running without added effort.

What HR Leaders Need to Know in Germany

A trusted partner like Justworks EOR can provide invaluable insight into German labor laws to companies looking to hire in Germany. In the meantime, here’s an overview of German employees’ rights. 

Employment Contracts

Employment contracts should be drafted in German to protect your business from potential litigation. Under the German Verification Act, employment contracts should include: 

  • Name and address of the employer and employee

  • Starting date of employment

  • Duration of employment (in cases of fixed-term contracts) 

  • Place of employment

  • Nature of the employment

  • Any probationary period

  • Compensation and any benefits or bonuses 

  • Working hours and rest periods

  • Agreements on overtime

  • Annual leave

  • Name and address of the pension provider

  • Termination procedure

  • Any collective bargaining agreements 

Payslips

Employers are required to provide payslips for pay transparency. All payslips should specify hours worked, pay, tax deductions, and social security deductions.

Labor Laws in Germany

As you think about hiring in Germany, these are the top labor laws to be aware of.

This material has been prepared for informational purposes only, and is not intended to provide, and should not be relied on for, legal or tax advice. If you have any legal or tax questions regarding this content or related issues, then you should consult with your professional legal or tax advisor.

Ready to Hire Confidently in Germany?

Justworks EOR makes building your global team seamless by offering local expertise to help you understand the nuances of the talent market in Germany. Save yourself the time and hassle of international hiring today.

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