Mini Jobs in Germany - Guide [2024] - Navigate Germany

Looking for mini jobs in Germany? Here you have landed on the right page.

Mini job Defined

Mini jobs in Germany are restricted to 538 Euros as per the latest tax regulations in 2024, which means they are marginal jobs for which your duration and earnings are limited. In a mini job, you can earn up to a maximum of € 538 per month or € 6,456 per year even if you can earn more. The number includes all one-time payments like Christmas, annual bonuses, or holiday pay.

Tax on The Mini Job Income

Income earned from the mini job is taxable and your payslip will determine if your income is flat-taxed or individual-taxed. The decision is in your employer’s hands, so if he is deciding on the flat-tax option, you would not pay any taxes but, your employer will pay the 2% tax on gross pay which will include solidarity tax, Solidaritätszuschlag, and church tax, Kirchensteuer, etc.

If your employer chooses individual taxation, you will follow the income tax criteria to pay the taxes. 25% detection will occur in the following cases

• Non-recurring employment
• The wage rate is less than €62/day. 
• The last maximum working period is 18 cohesive days

Eligibility To Have Mini Job in Germany

As you are not allowed to earn more than a limited amount a mini job can never be your profession.

Work Visa Holders / Residence Permit Holders

Such people can also work mini jobs, but they must check their visa requirements for employment in Germany.

Students

These jobs only suit national and international students to fulfill their minor expenses. However, other people with the right to work in Germany can still get a mini job. Working hours must fulfill the student visa requirements if a student wants to work as a mini jobber.

Moms and Retirees

Mothers and retirees can take mini jobs to fulfill their additional expenses.

Mini Jobs and Social Contribution in Germany

Income earned through a mini job is exempt from social contributions in Germany. These contributions include health insurance, unemployment insurance, and long-term care insurance, which you can check with your employer. Remember that you are legally bound for a few things in Germany. For example, everyone must have health insurance by law. So, you need to find other health insurance options even if you are exempt from such contributions if you are already insured by your family members, there is no need to worry.

Finding a Mini Job in Germany

Are you planning to have some extra cash and looking for a mini job? Many platforms and websites post job opportunities according to the professions. A few of the significant platforms are here where you can search the jobs as per your field;

• LinkedIn
• Minijob Anzeigen
• Minijob Zentrale
• indeed.de
• jobbörse.de
• berlinstartupjobs.com
• Freelance platforms

Besides these platforms, you can find mini jobs at local Job centers and agencies through networking and Facebook groups (Mini Jobs Berlin, Jobs Berlin-Brandenburg, English Jobs Berlin) or by visiting the companies yourself.

Multiple Mini Jobs vs Single Mini Job with One Full-Time Job

You can get more than one mini job, making you liable to pay taxes and contribute to social security as your income will exceed 538 Euros or 6456 Euros per year. This is not beneficial as you will lose all your income when paying taxes and other contributions.

However, you can join one mini job with your full-time employment which will benefit you more. With this scenario, you will not pay the taxes and will not be asked to contribute to the social security contributions. If you are working full-time and Joining a mini job too, you must inform your employer to avoid future problems.

Mini Job Benefits as a Student

Here are the benefits of mini jobs;

• You can learn many skills and gain knowledge by meeting professionals from different cultures.
• Mini jobs can give you insights about the field in which you want to grow as your career, and you will find your ultimate passion.
• One great benefit is having the professional connections you will build during your mini job who might help you in the future.

Transition From Mini Job To Full Time Job

Mini jobs never work long term so if you want to stay in Germany, you will need a full-time job. You can switch from a mini to a full-time job if your company’s financial situation is stable. In other cases, you can apply for the full-time positions that are vacant in your company.

Final Words

Mini jobs are always best for students and mothers to earn extra cash. It is the first step towards your career so get full advantage from your mini job. Learn new skills and grow yourself.