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There are always times when your workload increases and you could use some support — perhaps because you are setting up a new shop or office, because demand for your products or services rises during the Christmas season, or because you are preparing for a trade fair and can’t handle all the work on your own. Whatever the reason, as long as the job does not exceed a short period of time, a short-term mini-job could be the perfect solution.
When is a job considered a short-term mini-job?
The decisive factor is the time limitation.
A short-term mini-job exists if, from the outset, it is agreed to last no longer than three months or 70 working days per calendar year.
It is important that these employees are not employed on a professional (permanent) basis. You must clarify this before the employment begins.
On the website of the Minijob-Zentrale, you can find detailed information about this requirement as well as a checklist for verification.
What are the advantages for you as an employer?
The conditions for these mini-jobbers are particularly attractive.
Unlike the €556 mini-job (from 2026: €603), temporary workers in a short-term mini-job can earn as much as they like. Of course, the statutory minimum wage still applies.
You also benefit from the flexibility and quick availability of short-term staff: with short-term mini-jobbers, you can easily handle peak workloads.
You do not pay social security contributions for short-term mini-jobbers.
So You only have to pay the employer’s insurance contributions (U1 and U2) and the insolvency levy to the Minijob-Zentrale.
However, accident insurance contributions must be paid separately to the competent accident insurance provider.
Important:
If a short-term job unexpectedly exceeds the 70-day limit, the employee becomes subject to social insurance from the day the limit is exceeded.
What are the advantages for the short-term mini-jobber?
The amount of monthly earnings does not matter — there is no upper limit.
Short-term mini-jobbers also do not pay social security contributions, even if they already have a full-time job.
A short-term mini-job can be held in addition to a €556 mini-job.
This makes it an attractive way to earn some extra money.
However, it is important to ensure that the two employments are clearly separate.
How is the income taxed?
Earnings from a short-term mini-job are subject to income tax.
You must therefore report them to your local tax office.
Taxation can be done either at a flat rate or individually according to the mini-jobber’s tax class.
From a tax perspective, short-term mini-jobs are particularly suitable for students, pupils, pensioners, and homemakers.
For more detailed information about the taxation of short-term mini-jobs income, visit the Minijob-Zentrale website.
Tip
Of course, a €556 mini-job (from 2026: €603) is also possible at any time.
Comprehensive information on all aspects of mini-jobs you can found here.
Source: Minijob-Zentrale and related resources
