Minijob in Germany 2026: €603 Limit, Rules & Rights

A Minijob in Germany is regular employment with a low earnings limit. In 2026, the planned average pay may be no more than €603 gross per month, or €7,236 over a full year. The statutory minimum wage is €13.90 per hour, so a Minijob paid at that rate allows about 43.38 hours per month.

Foreign nationals can work in a Minijob only if their nationality or residence status permits employment. A Minijob is an employment category, not a separate visa or work permit. This guide gives a practical 2026 overview; check your individual case with the competent authority or an adviser.

The Minijob-Zentrale confirms a €603 monthly earnings limit from 1 January 2026. This is an average: individual months may vary when the employment is planned correctly, while the regular annual limit for twelve months is €7,236. Special rules apply to occasional, unforeseeable excess earnings, so do not assume that one month above €603 automatically ends Minijob status.

A short-term job is different. It is generally limited to three months or 70 working days in a calendar year and does not have the same earnings cap. If monthly pay exceeds €603, the employer must also check whether the work is occupational. The official short-term employment guide explains that assessment.

Citizens of the EU, EEA, and Switzerland have unrestricted access to the German labour market. Most third-country nationals need a visa or residence title that permits employment. The official Make it in Germany visa guide explains the main categories. Check the wording on your residence document before accepting work.

International students must also observe study-related working limits. For third-country students, the official study and work guidance describes the 140 full-day or 280 half-day annual route and the alternative 20-hour weekly rule during lecture periods. A Minijob does not override those limits or automatically leave student funding and insurance unchanged.

• Tax: The employer chooses either the uniform 2% flat tax or individual wage taxation. The official Minijob tax FAQ explains both options.
• Pension: Earnings-based Minijobs are generally subject to pension insurance. Employees may apply for an exemption, but should understand the lost pension benefits first. See the official pension guidance.
• Health insurance: An employer's flat-rate health contribution does not create health-insurance cover for the Minijobber. You need cover through another route, such as family, student, main-employment, voluntary, or private insurance. The Minijob-Zentrale health-insurance FAQ states this explicitly.
• Unemployment insurance: An earnings-based Minijob does not provide unemployment-insurance cover.

Minijobbers are employees and receive core employment rights. The Federal Ministry of Labour confirms that the €13.90 minimum wage applies to Minijobbers and foreign employees working in Germany.

• Paid leave: At least four weeks per year, calculated from your regular weekly working days.
• Sick pay: Continued regular pay for up to six weeks after the first four weeks of employment, when the legal conditions are met.
• Public holidays: Pay continues when a public holiday falls on a day you would normally work.
• Notice: The statutory notice period is generally four weeks to the 15th or end of a calendar month; a two-week period can apply during an agreed probation period.
• Equal treatment: Part-time and Minijob workers may not be treated worse without an objective reason.

The official rights FAQ and notice-period guide provide the current details.

1. Confirm that your residence status permits the work.
2. Ask whether the role is an earnings-based Minijob or short-term employment.
3. Get the hourly wage, expected hours, start date, and duties in writing.
4. Check how tax and pension insurance will be handled.
5. Confirm your health-insurance route independently; the Minijob itself does not create cover.
6. Keep your own record of hours and pay.
7. Do not pay an employer or intermediary an upfront fee for a job.

Vardio lets you browse available short-term and part-time listings, review each employer's stated pay and language requirements, apply with your profile, and communicate directly. Vardio is a listing platform, not an employer or immigration adviser, so verify the contract, work permission, insurance, and registration for every role before starting.