Work and Finances – Germany – Guides for the Polish Diaspora

SCHUFA in Germany – what it is, how to check, credit score without history (2026)

SCHUFA (Schutzgemeinschaft für allgemeine Kreditsicherung) is the dominant German credit bureau – equivalent to Experian/Equifax, with a score range of 0-100 (higher is better), affecting rental agreements, mortgages, credit cards, phone contracts, and leasing, posing challenges for newly arrived Poles with a zero/null score.

🇩🇪 Germany Work and Finances

Minijob in Germany – what it is, earnings, taxes, insurance (2026)

Minijob is a popular form of employment in Germany up to 538 EUR/month (2024-25) or 556 EUR/month (2026 increase), where the employee does not pay Lohnsteuer (income tax) or social security contributions except for 3.6% Rentenversicherung (pension, optional opt-out).