Germany: Forthcoming Obligation to Inform Foreign Workers About Free Advice Service
December 1, 2025
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At a Glance
- Effective January 1, 2026, German employers will need to inform foreign workers about the possibility of obtaining free advice from a still-to-be-established national service.
- This rule will not apply to foreign workers who have already commenced working with the employer on January 1, 2026, or foreign workers who are hired in-country from that date.
- The advisory service – which is expected to commence operation on January 1, 2026 – will provide free advice at a national level on labor and social law matters for foreign nationals.
The situation
Effective January 1, 2026, German employers will need to inform locally hired foreign workers about the possibility of obtaining free advice from a still-to-be-established national service.
A closer look
- Obligation to inform. The obligation to inform must be provided in writing on the employee’s first day of work at the latest.
- Exceptions. This rule will not apply to foreign workers who have already commenced working with the employer on January 1, 2026, or foreign workers who are hired in-country from that date.
- Advisory service. The advisory service – which is expected to commence operation on January 1, 2026 – will provide free advice at a national level on labor and social law issues for foreign nationals, whether they are already in Germany or are currently abroad and intending to come to Germany for a job.
Impact
Employers in Germany should establish a process to inform their newly hired foreign staff about the new advisory services.
Background
This new rule – which emerges amid an increasingly strict immigration and labor law landscape for employers – seeks to better protect foreign workers against exploitation, especially as their immigration status often depends on their employment status and they may have limited knowledge about workers’ rights in Germany.
Looking ahead
The implementation of the new advisory service as well as the new employer obligation will require close monitoring.
This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen.
