Useful Information
General
| Currency | Euro (€) |
| Capital city | Berlin |
| Language | German |
| Time zone | GMT + 1 |
| Electricity | 220V / 50Hz |
| Fiscal year | 1st Jan - 31st Dec |
| Telephone code | + 44 |
| Internet code | .de |
| Lowest point | Neuendorf bei Wilster (3.54m) |
| Highest point | Zugspitze (2963m) |
| Approx. area | 137,845 square miles |
Labour Leasing / AÜG licence
The German law on labour leasing (Arbeitnehmerüberlassungsgesetz, AÜG) regulates the business of a company transferring its employees to work temporarily with another company in Germany. Our umbrella company holds an AÜG licence.
Tax
Residents of Germany pay tax on their worldwide income. Non residents pay tax only on German sourced income. Tax treaties with other countries ensure that the same income will not be taxed twice in relation to those other countries.
The rate of tax increases progressively to 45%. In addition a 'solidarity surcharge' of 5.5% of that tax is applied to cover the costs of integrating the states of the former East Germany.
If a taxpayer is a member of a church entitled to impose a church tax, chuch tax would be assessed on income tax liability at a rate of 8% or 9%.
Deductions
Travel may be tax deductible in some cases along with other business expenses.
There are a number of allowances available to resident taxpayers.
Contributions to manditory state pension scheme, unemployment insurance, health and nursing care insurance are tax deductible up to certain limits.
Social Security
Contribution rates are 9.95% for pension insurance, 1.4% for unemployment insurance on a salary up to €5,400 per month. The employer makes an identical contribution.
Healthcare
Contribution rates are 7.75% for health insurance and 1.1% for disability insurance on a salary up to €3,675 per month, with similar contributions from the employer.
Liberty Bishop
Unit A1, Basepoint Business & Innovation Centre, 110 Butterfield, Great Marlings, Luton, Bedfordshire, LU2 8DL
