Working in the Ruhrgebiet

Salary & employment contract

What do I need to look out for in my employment contract, how much tax do I pay and what else do I need to be aware of?

Taxes and social security contributions

In Germany, you have to pay tax on your income. The way in which you pay tax on your income depends on whether you are employed or self-employed.

If you are employed, your employer will transfer the net amount of your income to your account. Your employer will have already deducted pension insurance, health insurance, unemployment insurance and long-term care insurance from your salary and paid them directly.

In addition, income tax, solidarity surcharge and any church tax have already been paid to the tax office. If you are self-employed, you must pay tax on your income yourself.

Further information

MAKE IT IN GERMANY - SALARY, TAXES & SOCIAL SECURITY

TAX CALCULATER

FEDERAL MINISTRY OF FINANCE

Employment contract

If you have successfully applied for a job, the employment contract regulates the basic conditions of your future employment relationship. For example, what is a collective agreement, how much holiday entitlement do I have and what is my minimum salary? Find out what you need to pay attention to: Employment contract | Handbook Germany

Important

Read your employment contract carefully before you sign it. If you are unsure, seek help from friends or an advice centre. You can find a counselling centre near you at faire-integration.de.

Leitfarbe Hintergrund