Posting Workers to Germany — MiLoG, Minimum Wage, and Employer Obligations

2025-02-20 7 min read

Germany is one of the most popular destinations for posted workers. The formalities are simpler than France, but the employer's obligations are numerous — and penalties for violations are severe.

Legal basis — MiLoG and AEntG

MiLoG (Mindestlohngesetz) is the minimum wage law in force since 2015. It applies to all workers performing work in Germany — regardless of their nationality or their employer's country of registration.

AEntG (Arbeitnehmer-Entsendegesetz) is the Posted Workers Act, implementing EU directives. It sets wage and working conditions in sectors covered by collective agreements.

Minimum wage in Germany

From 1 January 2025, the Mindestlohn is €12.82/h gross. In sectors covered by collective agreements (construction, transport, cleaning) the rates are generally higher.

Example construction rates 2025 (approximate, varies by skill level):

  • Unskilled worker: approximately €14.00–14.50/h
  • Skilled worker (Facharbeiter): approximately €15.00–15.20/h

Registration requirement — the Meldeportal system

Every company posting a worker to Germany must register through the Meldeportal system administered by the Zollverwaltung (German Customs). The registration must be completed before work begins.

The form is available in English and requires far less information than SIPSI.

Documents that must be kept at the worksite

  • Meldeportal registration confirmation
  • Workers' identity documents
  • A1 certificate (social security coverage)
  • Payslips in German or English
  • Working time records (kept for 2 years after the posting ends)

Fines for violations

  • Missing Meldeportal registration: fine up to €30,000
  • Missing working time records: fine up to €30,000
  • Paying below Mindestlohn: fine up to €500,000

France vs Germany — key differences

RequirementFranceGermany
Registration systemSIPSIMeldeportal
Local representativeMandatoryNot required
Professional ID cardBTP card (construction)No equivalent
Working time recordsRecommendedMandatory (2 years)

PostingRegistry Germany service

We offer Meldeportal registration and MiLoG wage documentation as part of our Germany service. Submit your workers through our form and we handle the registration and compliance documents.

We handle the registration and compliance

SIPSI, Meldeportal, BTP cards, French representative — all in one form. Takes 5 minutes.

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