Working and Holidays in Germany: A comprehensive guide for foreign workers
Hello! New to Germany? Let’s talk about how holidays and work go together in Germany. This guide will help you understand the German way of handling holidays and work.
What are German Holidays?
Germany loves its holidays! These are special days when most people don’t work. Some holidays are celebrated all over Germany, while others are only celebrated in certain states. For example, Berlin might have different holidays than Munich.
For information of holidays in a specific region in Germany – Click here
There are Two Types of Holidays
- Public Holidays (Feiertage):
- Official non-working days
- Most businesses close
- Most common ones:
- New Year’s Day (January 1)
- Easter Monday (March/April)
- Labor Day (May 1)
- Christmas (December 25 and 26)
- Vacation Days (Urlaub):
- Your personal paid time off
- Legal minimum:
- 20 days (for 5-day work week)
- 24 days (for 6-day work week)
- Many companies offer 25-30 days
Who Gets These Rights?
EU/EEA Citizens
- Same rights as German workers
- No work permit needed
- All holiday rules apply fully
Non-EU Citizens
- Need valid work permit/visa
- Once legally employed, have IDENTICAL rights
- Same holiday entitlements as everyone else
Your Holiday Rights in Detail
Vacation Days (Personal Time Off)
- Basic Rules:
- Can technically take vacation after 6 months
- Must get boss’s approval first
- Full salary during vacation
- For Foreign Workers:
- Check visa probation period
- Coordinate with visa renewal dates
- Keep all approval documents
Public Holiday Work
If you need to work on public holidays (like in hospitals, restaurants, etc.):
- Can technically take vacation after 6 months
- Must get boss’s approval first
- Full salary during vacation
Planning Your Time Off
For Everyone
- Basic Steps:
- Ask well in advance
- Get written approval
- Check team schedules
- Documentation:
- Keep all and approvals
- Save work schedules
- Maintain pay slips
Extra Steps for Foreign Workers
- Before Long Trips:
- Check visa validity
- Verify residence permit status
- Check if re-entry permit needed
- Required Documents:
- Employment contract copies
- Holiday approval records
- Holiday approval records
Pay and Benefits
During Holidays
- Normal salary continues
- Public holidays are paid
- Extra pay for holiday work
- Same rules for ALL legal workers
When Problems Arise
Where to Get Help
- Within Company
- Talk to your boss
- Contact HR department
- Consult work council (Betriebsrat)
- Outside Help
- Foreigner’s Office (Ausländerbehörde)
- Trade unions (if member)
- Welcome Centers in major cities
- Federal Employment Agency
Additional Rights
All legal workers have:
- Sick leave rights
- Protection from discrimination
- Right to join unions
- Access to work councils
German Work Culture
Important to understand:
- Work-life balance is valued
- Taking vacation is normal and expected
- Working too much isn’t praised
- Holidays are taken seriously
Key Points to Remember
- For Everyone:
- Paid vacation is guaranteed
- Public holidays are usually non-working
- Extra pay for holiday work
- Plan ahead
- For Foreign Workers:
- Same basic rights as Germans
- Extra attention to visa requirements
- Keep thorough documentation
- Consider immigration rules
Important Notes
- Rules can change – verify current information
- Your specific work contract might have additional benefits
- When in doubt, ask HR or your supervisor
- Keep copies of ALL important documents
Remember: While the holiday and vacation rights are the same for all legal workers in Germany, foreign workers need to be more mindful of visa-related requirements and documentation. Don’t hesitate to ask for clarification – it’s better to understand everything clearly!
