Published on March 13th, 2025
What do I need to know if my company is planning on posting posted workers within the EU?
What is a posted worker?
A posted worker is sent from one EU Member State to another by their employer to carry out a service. This service must be short-term, with a maximum duration of 2 years. Posting is generally based on a contract of services, posting within a group or hiring out through a temporary agency.
Posted Workers Directive
The Posted Workers Directive allows workers to benefit from the same basic working conditions and rights as the locals in the country where they are working. For example, if a worker is posted to Germany, they are entitled to receive the statutory minimum wage applicable in Germany. German working hours and rest periods must also be adhered to.
Registration of workers
Employers who are based outside of Germany and post workers to Germany have to take several rules into account. The employers have to register any workers posted to Germany using the online registration portal. This must be completed before the service is commenced. Different regulations apply to specific job categories. For example, there is a separate system for registering vehicle drivers. There are also certain situations in which registration is not necessary, e.g. if the employer earns more than €4319 per month in certain professions.
Health Insurance
Another important aspect is health insurance. When a worker is posted within the EU, their health insurance from their original country is generally valid. However, the worker needs to obtain an A1 certificate to prove this. This certifies that the worker is still paying into their home country’s system and does not have to pay into the German system.
Further Assistance
When posting workers to Germany from other EU Member States, there are a few main points to remember. Firstly, the employees must receive minimum wage, and German working conditions must be complied with. Also, the German customs office must be informed of the posting before the workers are sent to Germany. An A1 certificate must also be obtained as proof of health insurance. If you need any help at all, do not hesitate to get in touch with us at Expats Guide, we will be happy to help!
