The legislator has decided: as of 1 January 2026, the remuneration for marginally employed workers will increase significantly. What may initially appear to be a mere administrative change is, for you as an entrepreneur or founder, a strategic opportunity. The threshold for mini-jobs will rise from the current €520 to an impressive 603 € per month. In this article, you will learn how to implement this change in compliance with the law and why it can be the perfect lever for scaling your business.

Why the €603 threshold will change your personnel management

The inflation-related increase of €83 is a response to rising living costs. For you, this means you can offer your employees a higher salary without your social security contributions skyrocketing. As you know, for mini-jobs we only pay flat-rate contributions to the Minijob Centre. This makes the model one of the most attractive tools for founder financing and the streamlined administration of your first team members.

The exact formula: why 43.38 hours is your new magic number

Caution is required regarding working hours, as the statutory minimum wage will simultaneously increase to 13,90 € per hour. If you divide the new €603 threshold by this hourly rate, you arrive at an exact monthly working time of 43.38 hours. Rounding up to 44 hours here would be a fatal mistake. Such details can determine, during a later audit by the pension insurance authority, whether you have to pay thousands of euros in arrears or remain fully compliant.

Contract adjustment and compliance: protect your business

Do you already have existing employees? Now is the time to review your contracts. An incorrect financial projection or outdated contract clauses can become very costly. Discuss with your payroll department or tax advisor how the conditions for overtime or fluctuations in working hours are regulated in your specific contracts. Only proper documentation will ensure you retain the benefits of exemption from social security contributions in the long term.

Financing and growth: keeping your business plan on track

If you are just starting out and seeking a Financing from commercial or development banks, your Business Plan must reflect these new figures. Banks are meticulous in checking whether your personnel cost calculations are up to date. At X-Group, we specialise in supporting founders in preparing plausible financial projections that also take into account the most complex Funding and funding instruments. With our 99% success rate, we ensure your scaling is built on a solid foundation.

Conclusion: your path to successful team building

The increase to €603 is good news for anyone looking to grow. It allows you to retain talent for longer and expand your team efficiently. However, as with any legal change, the devil is in the detail. Do not leave your entrepreneurial success to chance or outdated Excel spreadsheets.

About X-Group

Belief in your potential and a focus on the things that truly move you forward are the top priorities at X-Group GmbH in Berlin. You receive tailored support that identifies the most important bottlenecks. This way, you remove obstacles and can work purposefully towards your success.