In agency work, you have an employment contract with a temporary work agency. It sends you to work at another company.
The essentials
- Your employer is the agency. It pays your wages, including holiday pay and pay during illness.
- You can usually be assigned to the same client company for at most 18 months in a row. Collective agreements can allow other periods.
- In principle you are entitled to the same pay as the staff of the client company. Collective agreements may deviate from this in the first months.
- At the client company, you may in principle use the canteen, childcare and similar facilities like other employees.
Temporary work agency
Client company
↓ Employment contract and pay
↓ Assignment and daily instructions
You
The agency is responsible for pay, holiday and dismissal. The client company is also responsible for health and safety on site. Raise problems with both and write them down.
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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