What is a mini-job? How much does it cost? How many hours can I work? What insurance do I need to keep my visa active? And more...
We leave you a well explained article with everything related to the Minijob in Germany.
Table of contents
1. What is a Minijob in Germany?
A Minijob is a type of employment low-income very common in Germany.
It is designed for those who work few hours per month o need flexibilitysuch as students, visa holders Work and Holidayor who have another main job.
Income limit: maximum 538 per month (2025). In 2026 it will be approximately €600 per month.
Hours per week: are usually between 8 and 12 hours.
Duration: may be temporary or indefinite.
No taxes and deductions for the worker (the employer pays fixed contributions).
👉 If you win up to 538 €.your work is considered "Minijob" y no taxes are deducted from your paycheck.
If you earn more (for overtime) one month, it is allowed as long as you the annual average does not exceed 6,456 €..
2. How a Minijob works
The Minijob is governed by the system of "Geringfügige Beschäftigung" (small occupation)and has specific rules:
| Concept | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Monthly limit | 538 € (if you exceed it regularly, it becomes Midijob) |
| Social contributions | They are paid directly by the employer (you pay nothing). |
| Tax declaration | You are not obliged to do it, but you can do it if you have another job. |
| Retirement insurance | You can resign (Freedom of competition law) to charge more |
| Contract | Same as any other: in writing, with monthly Lohnabrechnung |
| Holidays | You are entitled to proportional holiday entitlement |
| Minimum wage | The national minimum wage applies: 12,41 €/hour (2025) |
Example:
Lucas works on a Work and Holiday visa in Berlin, 10 hours per week in a cafeteria at 12,41 €/h.
Win some ≈ 500 € per month → your work is a Minijob.
You receive your full salary (without deductions) and your employer pays the contributions.
If you decide to take a second job at €1,500 gross, that second job will become Class Iwhile the Minijob will remain untaxed.
3. What insurance do I need for a Minijob
Here it is important to pay attention:
If your only income is a Minijob, you are not automatically covered by the German public insurance (gesetzliche Krankenkasse), since the Minijob does not include compulsory health insurance.
That's why you need to have your own health insuranceespecially if you are with a Work and Holiday Visa o student visa.
✅ We recommend that you use: Feather Insurance-> In this link you can easily join.
Also, AT THIS LINK-> Mini-job in Germany - Step by step see how to join
100 % valid for Work and Holiday visa.
Accepted by embassies and Ausländerbehörde.
100 % online contracting.
If you are already in Germany with a mini-job and want to keep your residence or visa, Feather is the simplest option and recognised by the authorities. And your employer will accept you.
⚠️Tene Please note that if you already have another full time or part time job where you are covered by your compulsory public insurance, then you do NOT need additional insurance.
If you need more information about public insurance in Germany and how to join-> In this link
4. Differences between Minijob, Midijob and regular contract
Many are confused and think that if they earn more than 538 €, they already have a regular contract.
But between the two there is an intermediate category: the Midijob.
| Type of employment | Monthly income (2025) | Deductions | Health insurance | Tax declaration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minijob | To 538 € | No taxes or contributions | Not included (you need private insurance → Feather) | Non-compulsory |
| Midijob | 538,01 € - 2.000 € | Reduced contributions | Included (compulsory public insurance) | Recommended |
| Regular contract | From 2,000 approx. | Full deductions | Included (compulsory public insurance) | Compulsory |
👉 you can't "choose" to have a Midijob on your ownbut depends on the type of contract and the salary the employer offers you.
5. Do I have to declare taxes for a Minijob?
No, if you only have one Minijob you are not obliged to make the declaration (Steuererklärung).
But if you also work in another job (e.g. full-time or part-time), that second job is taxed in Class I (because it becomes your main job), and then it becomes your main job. it is advisable to make the annual declaration to recover part of the taxes.
In this article you can learn more about Taxes in Germany -> "Taxes in Germany: tax classes, payroll deductions and how to understand your payslip".
Conclusion
The Minijob is an excellent way to work legally in Germany without paying taxes, ideal if you are with a Work and Holiday Visa or while studying.
Just make sure you have valid health insuranceas that of FeatherThe purpose of the programme is to meet the residency requirements and to be covered for any emergency.
We hope you find it useful
Other articles that may be of interest to you:
- How to join a German public insurance?--> Learn step by step how to get your krankenkasse and social security number!
- What do I need to start working in Germany? -> A simple step-by-step guide to everything you need to know to start working legally in Germany.
- Everything you need to know about the Anmeldung -> basic step-by-step guide to anmeldung
