Temporary employment contract in Germany: a complete guide for Brazilians
Working in Germany while studying or during specific periods is an increasingly accessible reality for Brazilians. Among the various types of employment available, the temporary employment contract, known as Kurzfristiger Arbeitsvertrag, represents an excellent opportunity for those seeking international professional experience without long-term commitments.
This type of contract offers unique flexibility for students and professionals who wish to supplement their income, gain experience in the German market, or work for specific periods. With the German minimum wage of €12.82 per hour in 2025, even temporary jobs can be financially attractive to Brazilians.
What is the German temporary employment contract
O Kurzfristiger Arbeitsvertrag It is a contractual modality regulated by German labor law, aimed at activities of limited duration. Its main characteristic is the possibility of working up to 3 consecutive months or 70 working days per calendar year, without the need for complex social contributions.
This modality was created to meet seasonal demands, specific projects or situations in which companies need qualified labor for specific periods. For Brazilians, especially those who participate in programs of study and work in Germany, represents a valuable gateway to the local labor market.
The great differential of this type of contract is its bureaucratic simplicity combined with fundamental labor protections. Even though it is temporary, it guarantees essential rights such as minimum wage, safe working conditions, and official registration in the German system.
Main advantages of the temporary contract
Immediate financial benefits:
- Exemption from social contributions: There are no discounts for retirement, unemployment insurance, or health insurance
- Simplified taxation: Reduced taxes or full exemption, depending on the total annual amount
- Higher net compensation: More money in your pocket compared to regular contracts
- Payment in euros: Direct exposure to the European hard currency
Professional flexibility:
- Adaptable schedules: Easy reconciliation with study schedule
- Multiple employers: Possibility to work for different companies
- Diversified experience: Knowledge of various sectors and companies
- Expanded network: Professional connections in different areas
Advantages for personal development:
- Accelerated learning: Immersion in German professional culture
- Language improvement: Intensive German practice in a real environment
- Cultural adaptation: Understanding local work dynamics
- International curriculum: Valuable experience for a global career
Important limitations and disadvantages
Contractual restrictions:
- Guaranteed instability: Automatic termination within the established deadline
- Limited renewal: Impossibility of extension beyond legal limits
- Short-term planning: Difficulty with medium-term commitments
- Demand dependence: Work subject to the employer's need
Reduced social benefits:
- Without unemployment insurance: There is no right to benefits in case of unemployment
- Retirement not contemplated: No German retirement contribution
- Separate health insurance: The need to maintain independent insurance
- Limited proportional vacations: Vacation entitlements calculated proportionately
Career impacts:
- Limited progression: Difficulty growing in the same company
- Specific qualifications: Focus on less complex activities
- Compromised stability: Uncertainty about professional continuity
Who can work under a temporary contract
Brazilians with different types of visas can benefit from this modality, but each situation has its own specificities. International students represent the most benefited group, especially those enrolled in universities abroad or academic exchange programs.
For students with a student visa, there is an annual limit of 120 full days or 240 working half-days. The temporary contract fits perfectly within these limitations, allowing you to take advantage of academic vacations or periods of lower study load to work legally.
Professionals with a work visa or Blue Card Europeans have even more flexibility, being able to accept temporary contracts as a complementary activity to their main occupation. This strategy is especially interesting for those who wish to explore new sectors or supplement income through specific projects.
How it works in practice
Streamlined hiring process:
- Required registration: Employer must register the worker in the social security system
- Minimum documentation: Written contract, personal data and social security number
- Immediate start: Possibility to start quickly after signing up
- Digital formalization: Many processes can be done online
Wage and labor aspects:
- Guaranteed minimum wage: Minimum of €12.82 per hour, which may be higher depending on the sector
- On-time payment: Wages generally paid monthly or biweekly
- Paid overtime: Work beyond the normal working day must be compensated
- Mandatory safe conditions: Protective equipment and safe environment
Taxation and benefits:
- Exemption from contributions: No discounts for social security, unemployment or health
- Variable income tax: Dependent on total amount and other income
- Possibility of reimbursement: Annual return may result in tax refunds
- Certificates provided: Official documents for proof of income
Sectors that hire the most Brazilians
The German economy offers diversified opportunities for temporary contracts, especially in sectors that value specific Brazilian skills. The hospitality and tourism sector leads these contracts, taking advantage of Brazilians' natural social skills and knowledge of the Portuguese language.
German agriculture also represents an important sector, especially during harvest periods that coincide with academic holidays. Wineries, organic farms, and fruit producers often seek temporary workers, offering unique immersion experiences in rural German culture.
The events and logistics sector has a constant demand for temporary professionals, especially in large cities such as Berlin, Munich and Hamburg. Brazilians with experience in organization, public service, or languages find good opportunities in this segment.
Essential tips for getting temporary contracts
Preparation and documentation:
- Updated German curriculum: Format Lebenslauf with professional photo and references
- Personalized cover letter: Adapted for each specific vacancy
- Language certificates: Proof of German and English level
- Legalized documents: Visa, health insurance and work permit in order
- Professional references: Contacts from previous employers or teachers
Effective search strategies:
- Specialized digital platforms: Indeed Deutschland, StepStone, Xing
- Professional social networks: LinkedIn and specific groups for Brazilians in Germany
- Temporary employment agencies: Zeitarbeitsfirmen specializing in short contracts
- Direct contacts: Direct approach to companies in the sector of interest
- Brazilian groups: Online communities with tips and shared opportunities
Negotiation and expectations:
- Prior salary survey: Knowledge of the values practiced in the sector
- Flexible schedules: Availability for different shifts when possible
- Demonstrated proactivity: Genuine interest and willingness to learn
- Clear communication: Objective explanation of visa limitations, if applicable
Required documentation and bureaucratic processes
Working legally in Germany, even temporarily, requires specific documentation and compliance with bureaucratic processes. The first step is to ensure that your visa allows for gainful activity - information that must be clearly specified in the immigration documents.
The German social security number (Social insurance number) is essential and can be obtained at the first job or requested directly from Deutsche Rentenversicherung. This number will accompany your entire professional life in Germany and is necessary for any legal remunerated activity.
The opening of a German bank account, although not mandatory for very short contracts, significantly facilitates the receipt of salaries and proves greater integration into the local financial system.
Be Easy
Na Be Easy, we know that working in Germany represents much more than a professional experience - it is a gateway to a solid international career. Don't let red tape or lack of information stop you from taking advantage of excellent German professional opportunities. Contact us and discover how we can help you build a successful professional career in Germany!
