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Germany Lifts Minijob Cap to €603 as 2026 Minimum Wage Rises to €13.90

An automatic formula tied to hourly pay also sets the Minijob limit at €633 from January 2027.

Overview

  • From January 1, 2026, the statutory minimum wage increases to €13.90 per hour, triggering a higher Minijob earnings ceiling of €603 per month.
  • The cap is calculated by a fixed formula (minimum wage × 130 ÷ 3), which will raise the threshold further to €633 on January 1, 2027.
  • At the new hourly rate, Minijobbers can work up to about 43 hours per month without exceeding the €603 limit.
  • Employers must update pay in contracts and accurately record Minijobbers’ working hours under the updated rules.
  • Minijobs remain exempt from social insurance up to the cap except for pension insurance, and regular earnings above €603 in 2026 fall under Midijob rules with social insurance obligations; minors, mandatory interns and volunteers are not covered by the minimum wage.