A mini-job is work with low earnings. In a mini-job you are an employee with full rights too.
The essentials
- On average you may earn at most €603 per month.
- You are in principle covered by pension insurance. You can apply to be exempted.
- A mini-job does not give you health insurance. You need your own health insurance, for example through your family or a main job.
Myth: In a mini-job I am not entitled to holiday.
Fact: Not true. Paid holiday, pay during illness and the minimum wage also apply in a mini-job.
Earnings from several mini-jobs are added up. If the total is above the limit, the jobs no longer count as mini-jobs. Alongside a main job, usually only one mini-job is free of contributions.
MeaNext explains general rules about work in Germany. This information does not replace individual legal advice. In a specific case, your employment contract, collective agreement, works agreement and personal circumstances can be decisive.
Last expert review: 09/10/2026
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