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International employees & Corona virus - what you need to know
The current measures against the Corona pandemic affect your international employees, in Germany but also worldwide. We have gathered answers to the most frequently asked questions below to support you in this time. Kurzarbeit, closed immigration offices, expiring visa and alternative options how to engage with international talent.
How are international employees affected by Corona Virus?
When are international employees entitled to state assistance, such as unemployment benefits?
Will ‘Kurzarbeit’ (short-time work) have any effect on visa / residence permits or Blue Cards or their applications?
How long does an international employee have time to find a new job after termination?
Who is (due to the Corona virus) permitted to enter Germany?
Our future employee is residing in Germany (i.e. Schengen Visa, Privileged Country Citizen) but can not apply for visa/residence permit due to closures of immigration offices. Can he/she start to work yet?
My employee’s residence permit is expiring. Can he/she still work for me?
What alternatives do you have?
Employing international talent in Germany requires both parties to follow certain steps: Employees need proof of health insurance coverage, social security number, tax ID, bank account, and must be a resident or have a valid residence permit in Germany. In times when these requirements can hardly be met, a good option for both, the future employee and employer, is to start cooperating on a freelance basis. The following questions outline aspects to consider along the process:
Engaging with international employees in Times of COVID-19
What is a freelancer?
Where can I find international freelancers?
What do I need to consider when drafting a freelance work contract?*
What is ‘Scheinselbstständigkeit’?
How can I avoid Scheinselbstständigkeit?