It is commonplace in various industries and in the construction sector to employ companies from abroad to carry out work. Reasons such as lower wages and a shortage of skilled workers are just some of the many reasons.
When employing subcontractors, there are various things that need to be taken into account, such as the obligation to provide documentation as proof. We will go through these different forms.
Do you need to register a business?
If a subcontractor wants to operate in Germany, he will of course need to register a business in his home country. This provides proof that he is an independent company and is authorized to carry out commercial activities. It is important to note that the business registration should be up to date and also state the company's current field of activity.
Are there tax reporting obligations in Germany?
Another important requirement for subcontractors from EU countries is the provision of A1 certificates, which provides proof that the subcontractor's employees are covered by social security in their home country. These certificates are important to ensure that workers pay all required social security contributions and that their rights as employees are protected.
Is service registration with the German Chamber of Crafts required by law?
This depends on the type of work. If a subcontractor performs a trade that requires a master craftsman qualification (Meisterpflicht), a declaration of service provision must be submitted to the German Chamber of Crafts (Handwerkskammer). This declaration, along with the business registration, confirms that the subcontractor is legally authorized to carry out the specific trade and possesses all required qualifications and permits. In the skilled trades sector, this service declaration is crucial, especially when working with foreign subcontractors, as it serves as official proof of legal compliance under German craft and labor regulations.
Do you have to register with customs?
Subcontractors from EU countries who operate in Germany must register with German customs. This ensures that all labor and social security regulations are complied with and that employees are properly registered. Registration with customs is an important step to ensure that cooperation with foreign subcontractors is legal and that all legal requirements are met.
Is there an identification requirement for staff who are deployed?
In addition to the documents mentioned above, subcontractors from EU countries must also present the identity cards or passports of their employees. This of course first proves the identity of the employees. But even more importantly, it can also be used to show that they are allowed to work in Germany.
Do you need help?
We at Zeitarbeit International have been active in the field of personnel and subcontractor placement for over 25 years. One focus of our business is the placement of personnel from Eastern Europe. We specialise in the Czech Republic, Slovenia, Hungary, Croatia, Slovakia, Romania, Bulgaria, Latvia, Poland, Turkey, Lithuania and the Ukraine.
With us, you don't need to worry, because we provide you with an all-round carefree package. We only place staff who have all the necessary qualifications, speak very good German, are available quickly and have the appropriate training. We also take care of all documentation, travel, accommodation and meals for our staff.
