Guide — working legally in Germany
A1, minimum wage, posting of workers, taxes and site safety. Straight answers for Polish workers and crews, and for the German companies that hire them.
This content is informational and reflects the legal situation on the date of publication. It does not replace legal or tax advice — consult a lawyer or tax adviser on individual matters.
The A1 certificate — the document you cannot enter a site without
The A1 proves that while working in Germany you remain covered by Polish social security. Without it, a customs inspection ends in penalties — for your company and for the German client.
As of 29 Jul 2026
Construction minimum wage in Germany 2026 — what actually has to be paid
German building sites have two wage floors: the statutory one and the sector one. Paying the statutory rate where the sector rate applies breaks the law — with fines up to €500,000.
As of 29 Jul 2026
Posting workers to Germany step by step — papers, reporting, inspection
From the paperwork in Poland, through the German reporting portal, to the inspection on site. Every obligation in one place.
As of 29 Jul 2026
Hiring a Polish crew as a subcontractor — liability, documents, model clause
A German client is financially liable for whether its subcontractor paid the minimum wage. That is why the documents get requested — and why a crew that has them ready wins work faster.
As of 29 Jul 2026
Tax on work in Germany — who taxes it and how to avoid paying twice
The 183-day rule, the double taxation treaty and reverse charge on business-to-business invoices. Three points decide which country gets the tax.
As of 29 Jul 2026
Health and safety on German sites — what site management and inspectors require
Site induction, protective equipment at the employer's expense, accident insurance and documentation. Without them, no crew gets onto a serious main contractor's site.
As of 29 Jul 2026
Employment, self-employment or subcontracting — which form to choose
Three ways to work on German contracts, what each one means in practice, and the bogus self-employment trap. A pre-signature checklist at the end.
As of 29 Jul 2026