Employment Contracts: Not required to be in writing, employers must provide written record of
essential terms within one month
Probation Period: Commonly between 3 – 6 months
Fixed-Term Contracts: Permitted for up to 2 years, are considered permanent after
Minimum Wage: Usually adjusted twice a year by the government, currently 12.82€ (USD $14)
Standard Workweek: Usually around 40 hours per week, 8 hours per day
Maximum Workweek: 50 hours (40 regular + 10 overtime, if the overtime hours are compensated
over a 6-month period)
Overtime Pay: No legal extra pay, overtime compensation is determined by individual contracts
(same for night work)
Holiday Work: Special compensation granted by government agreements based on the working
sector
Annual Leave: Minimum of 20 working days per year, but many employers provide more
Maternity Leave: 98 days (128 days for multiple births), benefits are provided by public health
insurance and possible employer supplements
Paternity Leave: No legal provisions for paternity leave
Parental Leave: Up to 3 years per child for each parent, government-provided allowance is
available for 12-14 months
Just Cause Rule: Termination requires demonstrable just cause (e.g. serious misconduct)
Notice Period: Notice Period varies by time employed, from 2 weeks to 30 days or even longer
Severance Pay: No legal provisions, arranged through social plans or negotiations, usually
between 0.5 – 1 month’s wage per year of service
Restructuring: Employers most consult with the works council and adhere to legal procedures, and
contact the government to safeguard employee rights
Union Rights: Employees have the right to form and join unions
Collective Bargaining: Protected by law, strikes are allowed if they follow legal procedures
Essential Services Restrictions: Restrictions to maintain minimum service levels in key industries
Prohibited Discrimination: Gender, age, disability, nationality, religion, and sexual orientation
Harassment Protections: Workplace harassment in general, including bullying and sexual
harassment
Whistleblower restrictions: Employees reporting misconduct are protected from retaliation
For Professionals: EU Blue Card or national work visa
For low-skilled workers: Available through national employment permits in sectors facing labor
shortages
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