Germany Raises Minimum Wage and Apprenticeship Allowances

Germany has announced updates to its pay rules for 2026, establishing a new statutory minimum wage of EUR 13.90 gross per hour, effective from January 1, 2026. In addition to this national minimum, various sectors have their own higher minimum wages determined through collective bargaining.

The minimum apprenticeship allowance for new apprentices starting in 2026 has been increased across all four years: EUR 724 per month in the first year, EUR 854 per month in the second year (an 18% increase), and EUR 977 per month in the third year (a 35% increase). Certain groups are exempt from the minimum wage regulations, including volunteers, individuals under 18 without vocational training, apprentices and trainees, students on mandatory placements, and those in introductory training programs.