Here’s the deal
- EU citizens can be hired without a work permit, under the same conditions as German employees. For those from third countries, a residence permit (Aufenthaltstitel) that includes authorization to work is required.
- Before you can register the employment, your helper will need a few things: registration at the local residents' office (Einwohnermeldeamt), a tax ID (Steuer-ID), health insurance, a social security number, and a German bank account.
- As the employer, it is your responsibility to ensure that the work permit (for third-country nationals) and health insurance are in place, and that you comply with minimum wage and contract regulations, just as you would for any other employment.
- The minimum wage for 2026 is €13.90 per hour and applies regardless of nationality.
- This post was created in partnership with BARMER.
A nanny from the USA, a carer from Poland: if you want to employ a domestic helper from within the EU or from a third country as a private employer, a few things need to be clarified and prepared in advance. Most of it concerns your future helper, a few points concern you. quitt has summarised the key requirements together with the statutory health insurer BARMER.
Can I employ a domestic helper with a foreign passport?
Yes, it depends on their nationality. For citizens of an EU member state, freedom of movement for workers applies: they do not need a work permit, and you employ them on the same terms as a German worker, including minimum wage, working hours, and holiday entitlement.
If your helper comes from a third country, i.e., outside the EU, they need a residence permit that expressly allows for employment. Ask to see it before they start and verify that employment is permitted. Without a valid permit, you risk a fine.
What does my domestic helper from abroad need to prepare?
Before you can register the job, your helper needs a few documents and numbers. BARMER has summarized the steps in a checklist:
- Work and residence permit: people from an EU state automatically have the right to work and reside. Anyone from a third country needs a visa that includes a work permit.
- Registration at the residents' office (Einwohnermeldeamt): once they have a fixed address, your helper must register at the local residents' office (town hall or citizens' office) and will receive a registration confirmation.
- Tax ID (Steuer-ID): nothing works without a tax identification number. It is usually sent automatically after registration; otherwise, it can be requested from the tax office. The tax ID is valid for life.
- Health insurance: health insurance is a prerequisite for working in Germany. Signing up is straightforward and can be done online. BARMER, for example, offers multilingual support for this process.
- Social security number: this can be requested directly through the health insurance provider or during the job registration process. You will need their date of birth, place of birth, and birth name.
- Bank account: finally, your helper needs an account with a German IBAN so that their wages can be transferred.
What do I need to keep in mind as an employer?
A few important points. For a worker from a non-EU country, you must ensure a valid work permit is in place; for an EU worker, this is automatic. Your helper must also have health insurance coverage.
Aside from that, the same employer obligations apply as with any other employment: at least the minimum wage of €13.90/hour (2026), a proper employment contract, and correct registration. Nationality does not change these obligations.
How do I register my domestic helper?
Just like any other employment. Once the preparations are complete, you collect your helper's details and register the job: as a mini-job via the Haushaltsscheck, or, for higher wages, as a social security-subject position via the health insurance provider. The difference is explained in our post Mini-job or midi-job, and the entire process is covered in our post Hiring a domestic helper.
If you are hiring a live-in caregiver, separate rules apply, which we explain under 24-hour care.
What does quitt handle for me?
quitt is the simple way to employ a domestic helper directly in Germany, regardless of their nationality. You enter the key details, and quitt handles the registration, payroll, contributions, and insurance, all in compliance with German law and the correct minimum wage. You manage your helper's work permit and health insurance in advance; quitt takes care of the rest of the employment process.
You remain the employer at all times and decide who you hire and what you pay.
Everything ready? Start the registration and quitt handles the rest. You can see what the service costs on the pricing page.
This post was created in cooperation with BARMER health insurance. You can find BARMER's checklist here.
We register your domestic helper
You clarify the work permit and health insurance in advance, and quitt handles the rest: registration, payroll, and insurance in compliance with German law. You remain the employer.
