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Little-Known German Minijob Option Allows Earnings Above €556 Without Social Contributions

Social insurance is waived only for time‑limited roles classified as secondary income.

Overview

  • Germany has two Minijob types: the standard monthly‑limit model and a short‑term employment variant without a fixed earnings cap.
  • The short‑term route applies for work capped at a maximum of 3 months or 70 working days per calendar year and only if it is not the worker’s main livelihood.
  • When these conditions are met, pension, unemployment, health and long‑term care insurance contributions do not apply.
  • Taxes can still be due, with employers either withholding wage tax by the employee’s tax class or applying a 25% flat rate where legally permitted.
  • The standard Minijob limit is €556 per month today with an increase expected next year, and employers must assess classification before hiring while noting typical eligibility for pupils, students, trainees, full‑time staff with side jobs and retirees, but not registered unemployed people.