What does compulsory pension insurance cost me in a mini-job?
Last updated: · under the rules from 1 January 2027 · Publisher: INTERNA · responsible: Marc A. Schnitzler, in mortgage financing since 2005
In a mini-job (Minijob, a small job with a low wage) at a company you pay 3.6% of your wage into the pension insurance yourself. At €633 a month, the limit for mini-jobs from 2027, that is €22.79. At €400 it is €14.40. In return you become eligible for the subsidy, and every month counts in full towards the qualifying period for your statutory pension.
Your share by wage
| Wage per month | your share (3.6%) | paid out |
|---|---|---|
| €200 | €7.20 | €192.80 |
| €300 | €10.80 | €289.20 |
| €400 | €14.40 | €385.60 |
| €520 | €18.72 | €501.28 |
| €633 | €22.79 | €610.21 |
Applies to mini-jobs at companies. The employer pays 15% on top, and has to do so even if you get yourself exempted. So your decision does not make it more expensive for the employer. For wages under €175 a month a minimum contribution applies, and then your share is higher than 3.6%.
What you get in return
- Eligibility for the subsidy: From 2027 you can get up to €540 subsidy a year if you pay €150 a month into a subsidised contract. With a wage of €633 you pay €273.46 a year into the pension insurance for this.
- Full months for your pension: Every month counts towards the qualifying period, meaning the minimum time you need for a state pension.
- Other benefits of the pension insurance, such as rehabilitation or a pension for reduced earning capacity, can become possible if the other conditions are met.
In a private household it costs more
If you work in a mini-job in a private household, for example cleaning or babysitting, the employer pays only 5% and you pay 13.6%. With a wage of €633 that is €86.09 a month. For the subsidy, this is usually not worth it.
How much subsidy does your household get? The subsidy calculator works out in one minute how much subsidy you can get. An advisor then checks with you whether everything fits your situation. This conversation is free of charge and in English.
Calculate your subsidyFrequently asked questions
How much do I pay into the pension insurance in a mini-job?
In a mini-job at a company, 3.6% of your wage. At €633 a month that is €22.79, at €400 it is €14.40.
Does my employer pay more if I do not get exempted?
No. Your employer pays 15% in both cases. Your share is simply also deducted from your wage and paid over with it.
Is it worth it for the subsidy?
If you can save €150 a month, yes: for a contribution of €22.79 a month, up to €540 subsidy a year is possible, and under 25 a one-off €200 more. Whether you can keep up the savings rate in the long term is best checked with an advisor.
Read more
Sources
- Minijob-Zentrale: which contribution has to be paid with compulsory pension insurance? (in German)
- Minijob-Zentrale: compulsory pension insurance in a mini-job (in German)
- Minijob-Zentrale: what are the advantages if a mini-jobber pays into the pension insurance? (in German)
- Federal Ministry of Finance: questions and answers on the reform of private pensions (in German)
The money in the contract is meant for your retirement and your own home. If you have the subsidised savings paid out early, for example by cancelling the contract, you have to pay back the subsidies and tax benefits.
The examples explain the legal rules in simplified form. They do not replace tax or legal advice for your personal situation. Contract costs and interest are not included. This page was created with the help of artificial intelligence and translated from the German original. INTERNA is responsible for its content. More information