Changes Since 2026
Recognition and Qualification Counseling
The Federal Employment Agency will assume responsibility for recognition and qualification counseling. In the future, it will support individuals with foreign professional qualifications in the recognition process. This counseling was developed within the ESF Plus funding program “IQ – Integration through Qualification.” As of January 1, 2029, the Federal Employment Agency will take over this task. In preparation for the transfer of responsibilities, a three-year transition period will begin on January 1, 2026. During this period, the Federal Employment Agency will build the necessary specialist and practical expertise in recognition and qualification counseling. For this purpose, the counseling projects funded under the IQ program will work more closely and in a more targeted manner with the Federal Employment Agency.
Statutory Minimum Wage
The statutory minimum wage will amount to gross 13.90 euros per actually worked hour as of January 1, 2026. The increase decided by the Fifth Minimum Wage Adjustment Ordinance of November 5, 2025, is based on the corresponding proposal of the Minimum Wage Commission of June 27, 2025.
Marginal Employment
The earnings threshold for marginal employment (marginal earnings limit) increases in line with the statutory minimum wage. The marginal earnings limit will be raised from 556 euros to 603 euros per month as of January 1, 2026.
