Seasonal work in Germany: Legal, regulated, time-limited
Seasonal work in Germany is well regulated. You work under a contract, you get at least minimum wage, and you're insured through your employer. At the same time, it isn't a route to permanent immigration.
- Duration: A maximum of 8 months per calendar year arbeitsagentur.de →
- Minimum wage: € 13.90 per hour (as of 2026)
- Industries: Agriculture, hospitality, hotels, fruit and vegetable harvesting
- Requirement: A job offer from a German employer before you travel
- Visa: A national visa for seasonal work, issued by the German embassy
- Accommodation: Often provided by your employer, with the cost deducted from your pay
Legitimate employers: You find official openings through the Federal Employment Agency's job board. Be careful with any offer that charges you a fee or refuses to issue a written contract. Go to the job board →
If you're coming from a non-EU country, you can only legally enter Germany for seasonal work if a bilateral agreement exists with your home country. arbeitsagentur.de →
- EU citizens: No work permit required. Full freedom of movement for workers.
- Georgia & Moldova: A placement agreement with the Federal Employment Agency. A work permit without a visa is possible, up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
- All other non-EU countries: A visa from the German embassy in your home country is required, plus a confirmed job offer before you travel.
You need to know this: When your visa expires, you have to leave Germany. Anyone who stays anyway is putting their future visa status at risk. If you want to stay long term, treat seasonal work as a first step and plan the next one in good time.
