Krankenversicherung (health insurance)
You should get health insurance in Canada that covers you in Germany. Bring the necessary documents with you to show to a doctor, if necessary. Students from foreign countries do not have to register with a German Krankenkasse (health insurance office). Let your employer know that you have your own insurance before you start your work.

When in doubt call the citizen’s helpline of the Federal Ministry for Work at +49- (0) 180 – 5 67 67 13. If you register with a Krankenkasse in Germany the fee will be deducted from your pay automatically. Be prepared to pay unexpected medical bills in Germany since your Canadian insurance will likely only pay you through a refund.

Unfallversicherung (Accident Insurance)
Some employers require you to have insurance against accidents that might happen at work. Ask your Canadian insurance company or your travel agency for options. Make sure it covers work as well.

Rentenversicherung (pension insurance)

Students working less than 2 months or earning less than 400 €/ month do not have to pay this insurance. Otherwise an amount is deducted from your pay automatically. For more information please ask your employer.

Income Tax (Lohnsteuer)
Students working less than 2 months and not earning more than 400 € will not have to pay taxes. Otherwise taxes and social contributions (see above) will automatically be deducted from your pay, as is done in Canada.

For general questions regarding German employment law please contact the citizen’s helpline of the Federal Ministry for Work at +49- ( 0) 180 – 5 67 67 13.

At the end of the year, when you file your taxes in Canada and the total amount of money you earned that year is low enough you might be able to get back the taxes you paid in Germany. Ask the local Finanzamt while in Germany about the procedure and keep your pay cheques as proof.