What Your German Employer Is Legally Required to Tell You

Since 1 January 2026, every employer in Germany must provide “Fair Integration” information to employees from non-EU countries (Drittstaatsangehörige). The employer must offer this information in writing no later than the first day of work (§45b and §45c of the Aufenthaltsgesetz (AufenthG)).

The Bundesministerium für Arbeit und Soziales (BMAS) and the Federal Government’s Faire Integration advice network confirmed the new obligation.

What must the “Fair Integration” document contain?

According to §45c AufenthG, the written notice must include:

• A clear description of the employee’s rights under German law (Informationspflicht)
  • Employment contract, wages, and minimum wage
  • Working hours, vacation, illness
  • Warning, dismissal
  • Temporary work, seasonal work
  • Social insurance (health, pension, accident insurance)
  • Rights and obligations of employees and employers
• The name and address of the nearest Faire Integration advice centre (Beratungsstelle)
• Information about the employee’s right to free, confidential legal advice
• The document must be in writing (Textform). It could be an email or a printed letter.

NOTE: Cross-border placements under §299 SGB III are exempt from this rule.

The legal pressure to comply with this regulation is expected to increase in 2026. The BMAS and IHK Stuttgart recommend full compliance as soon as possible.

Who has the right to recieve the “Fair Integration” information from employers?

• Non-EU nationals (Drittstaatsangehörige) starting a job in Germany from 1 January 2026.
• Workers from countries outside the EU/EEA on any valid work permit or Blue Card.

Your rights as an employee

1. If you started a new job in 2026, check whether you received the written rights notice on Day 1.
2. Suppose you didn’t receive it. In this case, request it in writing from your HR.
3. Contact your nearest Faire Integration centre for free advice. You can find your local centre here.

Where can employers get more information?

• You, as an employer, can download the official employer guidance from the IHK Stuttgart and BMAS.
• You can also read the full Techniker Krankenkasse employer guidance for practical compliance steps.

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