Seasonal workers are people who work temporarily in Germany to cover seasonal peaks in labour demand. The social security treatment of these workers depends on various factors, in particular the duration and type of employment as well as the workers' country of origin.DAK Gesundheit Home
Employment subject to social security contributions:
General regulation: In principle, seasonal workers are subject to compulsory social insurance in Germany. This means that contributions to health, nursing care, pension and unemployment insurance must be paid. Health insurance funds
Groups of people with compulsory social insurance: Employees who are not gainfully employed in their home country, such as students, pensioners or housewives, as well as people who were unemployed in Germany before the seasonal work, are generally subject to social insurance and must be registered with a German health insurance fund. BARMER
Employment exempt from social security contributions:
Short-term employment: Seasonal workers can remain exempt from social security contributions if they are in short-term employment. Short-term employment is deemed to exist if it is limited to a maximum of three months or 70 working days per calendar year and is not carried out on a professional basis. Personio
A1 certificate: For employees from EU countries as well as Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein and Switzerland, the social security law of their country of residence applies, provided they present an A1 certificate. This certificate confirms that the social security system of the home country continues to apply, which means that no additional contributions are due in Germany. Federal Employment Agency
Important information for employers:
Checking the insurance obligation: Employers should carefully check whether German social security law applies to the employed seasonal workers or whether an exemption is possible. In case of uncertainty, the responsible health insurance fund or the German Liaison Centre for Health Insurance Abroad (DVKA) can be consulted. SVLFG
Documentation: It is essential to carefully document and keep all relevant documents, such as the A1 certificate or proof of the employee's status in the home country.
By carefully checking and complying with social security regulations, employers can ensure that seasonal workers are correctly registered and that both employee and employer are legally protected.
