Seasonal agricultural work (EU, Georgia, Moldova)
Specialist lawyer explains the requirements for seasonal work in agriculture (workers from the EU, Georgia and Moldova).
German Citizenship through VISAGUARD
what seasonal work is and how employers benefit from seasonal work
what requirements apply to legal seasonal work
Special regulations for seasonal workers from Moldova and Georgia
what working conditions apply to seasonal work
Table of Content
1. What is seasonal work?
2. Seasonal work from Georgia and Moldova
3. Working conditions for seasonal workers
4. Social insurance for seasonal workers
5. Conclusion Seasonal work
1. What is seasonal work?
Seasonal work plays a significant role in Germany, particularly in agriculture and the catering industry . Harvest workers are needed primarily in the summer months for the fruit and vegetable harvest, while seasonal workers are increasingly employed in the hotel and catering industry in tourist regions, such as the North and Baltic Seas or the Alps.
Seasonal work refers to temporary employment, primarily in industries with highly fluctuating workloads. Typical areas include agriculture (e.g., harvest workers for asparagus, strawberries, or grape harvests) as well as the catering and hotel industries, especially during peak tourist seasons. Seasonal workers often come from abroad and may require a residence or work permit . This article explains all the requirements for the legal employment of seasonal workers from abroad.
2. Seasonal work from Georgia and Moldova
Seasonal workers from the EU or from Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein and Switzerland do not require a work or residence permit for seasonal work due to the freedom of movement regulations. The same applies under certain conditions to nationals of Georgia and the Republic of Moldova , as the German employment agency (Federal Employment Agency) cooperates with the employment agencies of Georgia.
(SESA) and the Republic of Moldova (NEA) have concluded placement agreements (see Section 15a of the Employment Ordinance ). Information about job vacancies and placement are handled by the competent authority in the respective state. After registration, the employee then receives a work permit for a specific period and company.
In order to work seasonal jobs visa-free as a citizen of Georgia or the Republic of Georgia, various requirements must be met . If you want to work as a seasonal worker in Germany, the Federal Employment Agency must check whether your employment meets the requirements . Seasonal work is limited to a maximum of 90 days within a 180-day period and requires a minimum working week of 30 hours . In addition, the so-called general visa requirements must be met. In particular, the passport requirement for foreigners must be met and the seasonal worker must not have previously applied for asylum (Section 15a Paragraph 3 Sentence 1 No. 2 of the Employment Ordinance).
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Furthermore, you must meet the following formal requirements for employment as a seasonal worker from Georgia or Moldova:
Proof of adequate health insurance coverage
Proof of adequate accommodation
Submission of a concrete job offer or a valid employment contract
The employer must apply for a work permit with the Federal Employment Agency. The application can be submitted online via the Federal Employment Agency's eService portal .
3. Working conditions for seasonal workers
Seasonal agricultural workers in Germany are entitled to the statutory minimum wage , which applies to all workers regardless of nationality or place of residence. Many employers rely on piecework or piece-rate wages, where payment is based on the quantity harvested. However, the hourly wage must not be below the statutory minimum wage. If employees earn more due to a high harvest, this amount must be paid accordingly. In order to verify the actual earnings as a seasonal worker, all working hours, including breaks, should be recorded in writing and ideally confirmed by foremen or colleagues. Especially with piece-rate wages, it is important to also note the quantity harvested. Wages must be paid out by the end of the following month at the latest.
The statutory standard working time in Germany is 8 hours per day , but can be temporarily extended to 10 hours - or even to 12 hours in special cases. Working hours include all activities on the farm. This also includes the time you need to move between two consecutive locations (fields) - this must be paid for by the employer. Breaks and travel to and from work are not included in working hours. Employees also have a statutory right to breaks of 30 minutes for working hours between 6 and 9 hours and 45 minutes for working hours over 9 hours. The break must be taken after 6 hours at the latest.
4. Social insurance for seasonal workers
Seasonal workers from the Republic of Moldova and Georgia are generally subject to compulsory social insurance contributions in Germany. However, in certain cases , exemption from social insurance contributions is possible. You should clarify whether this exemption applies to you with your employer. You can use the "Determination of Social Insurance Commitment" questionnaire from the Federal Employment Agency for this purpose. If you work in Germany exempt from social insurance contributions and do not have international health insurance, your employer is required to take out private health insurance for you. This is often referred to as harvest worker health insurance and covers you while you work in Germany.
Summary of this Page
Seasonal work in Germany is particularly important in agriculture and the catering industry and also offers interesting opportunities for workers from Georgia and the Republic of Moldova. Bilateral placement agreements (Section 15a of the Employment Ordinance) allow visa-free employment under certain conditions, although clear requirements such as health insurance, proof of accommodation, and an employment contract must be met. Seasonal workers are entitled to a minimum wage and regular working hours, with piecework or piece-rate wages possible. Social security contributions must also be observed, although exemption may be possible under certain circumstances. Employers should check the requirements early on and submit applications via the Federal Employment Agency's eService portal to avoid legal risks.
