Minijob and Midijob — Everything About geringfügige Beschäftigung

As of March 2026. All information without guarantee.

What is a Minijob?

A Minijob (geringfügige Beschäftigung) is a minor employment relationship where you regularly earn a maximum of €603 per month (annual limit: €7,236). The earning limit is linked to the minimum wage: €13.90 × 10 hours × 52 weeks ÷ 12 months.

Advantages:

• No income tax withholding (employer pays flat-rate contributions)
• You keep your full salary (gross = net)
• Entitled to paid leave, wage continuation during illness, and termination protection — just like any other job

Disadvantages:

• No own health insurance — you must be insured elsewhere (family insurance, main job, voluntarily)
• Minimal pension entitlements (own contribution: 3.6% of earnings — opt-out possible)

What is a Midijob?

A Midijob falls in the Übergangsbereich (transition zone) between €603.01 and €2,000 per month:
- Reduced social security contributions for the employee
- Full social security coverage (health, pension, care, unemployment insurance)
- Contributions increase gradually with earnings

Comparison at a Glance

Important Rules

• Minimum wage applies: Even in a Minijob, you receive at least €13.90/hour
• Multiple Minijobs: Only one Minijob alongside a main job is contribution-free. Two Minijobs without a main job are added together!
• Employment contract: Even Minijob workers have a right to a written contract
• Termination: The same termination periods apply as for full-time jobs

Tips for Foreigners

• EU citizens: Minijob possible without restrictions
• Non-EU citizens: Residence permit must allow employment
• Students: maximum 120 full or 240 half days/year (student assistant) or Minijob