Increase in the Minimum Wage in Germany
On 29 October 2025, the Government of the Federal Republic of Germany adopted a decision to increase the minimum hourly wage for professional drivers to €13.90 gross per hour, applicable from January 1st 2026.
The increase in the minimum wage in Germany has a direct and significant impact on transport companies and drivers engaged in international road transport, cabotage, and cross-trade operations on the territory of Germany, including carriers from Serbia and other non-EU countries. In addition to Germany, the minimum wage has also been increased in Croatia, Austria, Hungary, and Poland. A detailed overview of minimum wages for 2026 can be found here.
New Minimum Wage in Germany – What Is Changing?
The new minimum wage of €13.90 per hour is applied in accordance with the German Minimum Wage Act (MiLoG) and applies to every hour of work performed in Germany, regardless of where the transport company is registered.
Which working hours must the employer pay?
A driver’s working time does not include only the time spent driving, but the total working time spent on the territory of the Federal Republic of Germany, as well as all other transport-related activities, such as:
– waiting for loading and unloading,
– loading and unloading of goods,
– administrative and other work activities in accordance with applicable regulations.
Does the new minimum wage also apply to foreign carriers?
The decision on the new minimum wage does not apply exclusively to German transport companies, but also to carriers from other EU Member States, as well as transport companies from non-EU countries (Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia, Turkey, etc.). If a driver performs work on the territory of Germany, the German minimum hourly wage must be complied with, regardless of the employer’s country of establishment.
Obligations of transport companies
Transport companies whose drivers work in Germany are obliged to:
– Calculate wages in accordance with the minimum hourly rate of €13.90,
– Keep accurate records of drivers’ working time,
– Align employment contracts and internal regulations with German legislation,
– Eensure compliance with the provisions of the MiLoG.
How is compliance with the prescribed minimum wage proven during an inspection?
A well-prepared driver and proper employer administration are the best protection against issues during inspections, as the more orderly the documentation is, the shorter the inspection will be. Non-compliance with regulations may result in high financial penalties, additional inspections, and a ban on further operations on the territory of Germany. Therefore, it is extremely important for transport companies to align all their documentation with the provisions of the MiLoG.
Transport companies that timely adjust wage calculations and working time records will avoid problems during inspections and ensure smooth business operations on the German market. Over the years, the Expo team has successfully represented our clients in dozens of documentary control procedures without a single objection from German inspection authorities.
Do you need assistance with compliance with German regulations?
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