{"id":9806,"date":"2026-03-11T10:13:07","date_gmt":"2026-03-11T10:13:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/global-business-recruiting.de\/?page_id=9806"},"modified":"2026-03-29T12:51:19","modified_gmt":"2026-03-29T12:51:19","slug":"legal-aspects-of-foreign-subcontractors","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/global-business-recruiting.de\/en\/wissen\/rechtliche-aspekte-auslaendische-subunternehmer\/","title":{"rendered":"Legal aspects of building with foreign subcontractors - what is important"},"content":{"rendered":"<section class=\"l-section wpb_row height_custom\"><div class=\"l-section-h i-cf\"><div class=\"g-cols vc_row via_grid cols_1 laptops-cols_inherit tablets-cols_inherit mobiles-cols_1 valign_top type_default stacking_default\"><div class=\"wpb_column vc_column_container\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner\"><div class=\"wpb_text_column\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><p>The building with<span>\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/global-business-recruiting.de\/en\/branches\/construction-industry\/\">foreign subcontractors<\/a>, especially from Eastern Europe, can offer many advantages. These include low-cost labour and specialist expertise. However, there are important legal aspects to consider. In this article, we explain what is legally important when you are building with foreign subcontractors.<\/p>\n<h2>What are the advantages of building with subcontractors from Eastern Europe?<\/h2>\n<p>When building with<span>\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/global-business-recruiting.de\/en\/branches\/construction-industry\/\">Subcontractors from Eastern Europe<\/a><span>\u00a0<\/span>companies benefit from numerous specific advantages:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Cost efficiency:<\/strong><span>\u00a0<\/span>Subcontractors from Eastern Europe often offer cheaper labour costs, which leads to considerable savings on construction projects.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Expertise:<\/strong><span>\u00a0<\/span>Many Eastern European professionals have specialised know-how in building and construction, which contributes to the quality and efficiency of the project.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Flexibility:<\/strong><span>\u00a0<\/span>These subcontractors are often very flexible and can quickly adapt to changing requirements and schedules on the construction site.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>These benefits allow contractors to realise their projects more efficiently and cost-effectively while ensuring high-quality construction services.<\/p>\n<h2>Legal basis for the use of foreign subcontractors<\/h2>\n<p>When building with foreign subcontractors, compliance with legal regulations is crucial. Here are the most important points:<\/p>\n<h3>1 Temporary Employment Act (A\u00dcG)<\/h3>\n<p>The Temporary Employment Act regulates the hiring out of workers. If you use Eastern European subcontractors, you must ensure that all<span>\u00a0<\/span><strong>provisions of the A\u00dcG are complied with<\/strong>. This protects both the client and the workers. Read more:<span>\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/global-business-recruiting.de\/en\/know\/labour-leasing-vs-subcontracting\/\">Temporary employment vs. subcontracting - the most important differences<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h3>2. secondment law<\/h3>\n<p>The Posted Workers Act is relevant when subcontractors are posted from Eastern Europe. It stipulates that these workers must be given the same conditions as German workers.<span>\u00a0<\/span><strong>This includes wages, working hours and holidays.<\/strong><span>\u00a0<\/span>Employers who violate this rule risk severe fines and liability claims.<\/p>\n<h3>3. work permits and visas<\/h3>\n<p>In many cases, subcontractors from Eastern Europe require work permits and visas. Make sure that all<span>\u00a0<\/span><strong>relevant documents are available and valid<\/strong>, to avoid legal problems. Although EU citizens have freedom of movement in principle, they still need the<span>\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/global-business-recruiting.de\/en\/know\/a1-certificate\/\">A1 certificate<\/a><span>\u00a0<\/span>for every assignment in another EU country. Additional requirements apply to third-country nationals, such as work contract agreements or the Vander-Elst exemption.<\/p>\n<h2>What are the contractual aspects of using subcontractors from Eastern Europe?<\/h2>\n<p>Clear contractual regulations are essential when using Eastern European subcontractors. Here are the most important points that should be included in the contracts:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Service description:<\/strong><span>\u00a0<\/span>Clear definition of the services to be provided.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Remuneration:<\/strong><span>\u00a0<\/span>Precise details of remuneration and terms of payment.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Liability:<\/strong><span>\u00a0<\/span>Regulation of liability in the event of defects or delays.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Terms of cancellation:<\/strong><span>\u00a0<\/span>Clear regulations for cancelling the contract.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Precise contractual provisions can avoid misunderstandings and ensure smooth cooperation. More on the individual clauses:<span>\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/global-business-recruiting.de\/en\/know\/subcontractor-contract-clauses\/\">Essential components of subcontractor contracts<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h2>Checklist for the use of foreign subcontractors<\/h2>\n<p>To minimise the use of foreign subcontractors<span>\u00a0<\/span><em>successfully<\/em>, thorough preparation is essential. Here is a checklist to help you consider all the important points:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Check compliance with the German Temporary Employment Act (A\u00dcG).<\/li>\n<li>Ensure that the Posted Workers Act is complied with.<\/li>\n<li>Check that you have all the necessary work permits and visas.<\/li>\n<li>Obtain A1 certificates for all posted workers - before they start work.<\/li>\n<li>Check whether bogus self-employment is excluded.<\/li>\n<li>Draw up clear contracts with service descriptions, remuneration, liability and cancellation conditions.<\/li>\n<li>Carry out regular checks and document all relevant information.<\/li>\n<li>Maintain open communication with subcontractors.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>By adhering to this checklist, you can organise your cooperation with foreign subcontractors efficiently and with legal certainty.<\/p>\n<h2>Study on the evaluation of the Temporary Employment Act (A\u00dcG)<\/h2>\n<p>A current study by the Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs (BMAS) on the evaluation of the Temporary Employment Act (A\u00dcG)<span>\u00a0<\/span><strong>provides valuable insights into the practice of employee leasing and its legal framework.<\/strong><span>\u00a0<\/span>The study analyses the impact and effectiveness of the A\u00dcG since its introduction.<\/p>\n<p>The study on the evaluation of the Temporary Employment Act provides valuable insights. Here are a few points:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><strong>Legal conformity:<\/strong><span>\u00a0<\/span>The study shows that the A\u00dcG is largely complied with, but there are still challenges in implementing it in practice.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Transparency and control:<\/strong><span>\u00a0<\/span>It is emphasised that increased control and transparency are necessary to prevent abuse and ensure fair working conditions.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Need for improvement:<\/strong><span>\u00a0<\/span>The study identifies areas in which the law can be improved in order to increase the protection of employees and ensure legal certainty for employers.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>These findings are crucial for further optimising the legal framework and creating a fair working environment.<\/p>\n<h2>Significance for the use of foreign subcontractors<\/h2>\n<p>For companies working with Eastern European subcontractors, it is crucial to take the findings of this study into account. The<span>\u00a0<\/span><strong>Compliance with the A\u00dcG is a key aspect of avoiding legal problems and ensuring fair working conditions.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>By implementing the procedures highlighted in the study, companies can organise their collaboration with foreign subcontractors efficiently and with legal certainty.<\/p>\n<h2>Conclusion<\/h2>\n<p>Building with foreign subcontractors and what is legally important is a complex topic that<span>\u00a0<\/span><em>Careful planning and control<\/em><span>\u00a0<\/span>requires. Subcontractors from Eastern Europe can offer many advantages if all legal and contractual aspects are taken into account.<\/p>\n<p>By complying with legal regulations and having clear contractual provisions, you can ensure that your construction project is carried out successfully and legally secure. Use the tips and checklists above to ensure smooth cooperation with Eastern European subcontractors.<\/p>\n<h2>Frequently asked questions about the use of foreign subcontractors in construction<\/h2>\n<\/div><\/div><div class=\"w-separator size_small\"><\/div><div class=\"w-tabs style_default switch_click accordion type_togglable has_scrolling\" style=\"--sections-title-size:inherit\"><div class=\"w-tabs-sections titles-align_none icon_chevron cpos_right\"><div class=\"w-tabs-section\" id=\"ta2d\" itemscope itemprop=\"mainEntity\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Question\"><button class=\"w-tabs-section-header\" aria-controls=\"content-ta2d\" aria-expanded=\"false\"><div class=\"w-tabs-section-title\" itemprop=\"name\">What happens if the A\u00dcG is not complied with when using foreign subcontractors?<\/div><div class=\"w-tabs-section-control\"><\/div><\/button><div  class=\"w-tabs-section-content\" id=\"content-ta2d\" itemscope itemprop=\"acceptedAnswer\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Answer\"><div class=\"w-tabs-section-content-h i-cf\" itemprop=\"text\"><div class=\"wpb_text_column\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><p>Violations of the A\u00dcG can result in severe fines of up to 30,000 euros per offence. In the case of serious violations - for example, unauthorised temporary employment without a permit - there is a risk of criminal prosecution. In addition, cooperation with the subcontractor concerned may be prohibited.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"w-tabs-section\" id=\"ab3b\" itemscope itemprop=\"mainEntity\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Question\"><button class=\"w-tabs-section-header\" aria-controls=\"content-ab3b\" aria-expanded=\"false\"><div class=\"w-tabs-section-title\" itemprop=\"name\">Does the Posted Workers Act also apply to subcontractors who only work on a German construction site for a few days?<\/div><div class=\"w-tabs-section-control\"><\/div><\/button><div  class=\"w-tabs-section-content\" id=\"content-ab3b\" itemscope itemprop=\"acceptedAnswer\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Answer\"><div class=\"w-tabs-section-content-h i-cf\" itemprop=\"text\"><div class=\"wpb_text_column\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><p>Yes, the Posted Workers Act (AEntG) applies from the first day of work in Germany, regardless of the duration of the assignment. Minimum wage, holiday entitlements and working hours in accordance with German law must be observed from the outset.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"w-tabs-section\" id=\"vc10\" itemscope itemprop=\"mainEntity\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Question\"><button class=\"w-tabs-section-header\" aria-controls=\"content-vc10\" aria-expanded=\"false\"><div class=\"w-tabs-section-title\" itemprop=\"name\">As the main contractor, do I have to check whether my foreign subcontractor pays the minimum wage?<\/div><div class=\"w-tabs-section-control\"><\/div><\/button><div  class=\"w-tabs-section-content\" id=\"content-vc10\" itemscope itemprop=\"acceptedAnswer\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Answer\"><div class=\"w-tabs-section-content-h i-cf\" itemprop=\"text\"><div class=\"wpb_text_column\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><p>Yes, according to \u00a7 13 MiLoG, you as the main contractor are liable as a guarantor if your subcontractor does not pay the statutory minimum wage. You should therefore obtain the relevant evidence and regularly check compliance.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"w-tabs-section\" id=\"oce2\" itemscope itemprop=\"mainEntity\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Question\"><button class=\"w-tabs-section-header\" aria-controls=\"content-oce2\" aria-expanded=\"false\"><div class=\"w-tabs-section-title\" itemprop=\"name\">Do Polish or Czech subcontractors still need special authorisations as EU citizens?<\/div><div class=\"w-tabs-section-control\"><\/div><\/button><div  class=\"w-tabs-section-content\" id=\"content-oce2\" itemscope itemprop=\"acceptedAnswer\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Answer\"><div class=\"w-tabs-section-content-h i-cf\" itemprop=\"text\"><div class=\"wpb_text_column\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><p>EU citizens have free access to the German labour market and do not require a work permit. However, they must carry an A1 certificate with them for every assignment abroad, which proves in which country they are subject to social security contributions. If this is missing, fines may be imposed.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"w-tabs-section\" id=\"idbb\" itemscope itemprop=\"mainEntity\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Question\"><button class=\"w-tabs-section-header\" aria-controls=\"content-idbb\" aria-expanded=\"false\"><div class=\"w-tabs-section-title\" itemprop=\"name\">How can Global Business Recruiting help with the legally compliant employment of foreign subcontractors?<\/div><div class=\"w-tabs-section-control\"><\/div><\/button><div  class=\"w-tabs-section-content\" id=\"content-idbb\" itemscope itemprop=\"acceptedAnswer\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Answer\"><div class=\"w-tabs-section-content-h i-cf\" itemprop=\"text\"><div class=\"wpb_text_column\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><p>Global Business Recruiting takes care of the entire process for you: from obtaining all work permits and documents to checking compliance with the Posted Workers Act and drawing up clear contractual agreements. This allows you to concentrate on your construction project.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Der Bau mit\u00a0ausl\u00e4ndischen Subunternehmern, insbesondere aus Osteuropa, kann viele Vorteile bieten. Dazu z\u00e4hlen kosteng\u00fcnstige Arbeitskraft und spezielles Fachwissen. Allerdings gibt es wichtige rechtliche Aspekte, die man beachten muss. In diesem Artikel erkl\u00e4ren wir, worauf es rechtlich ankommt, wenn Sie mit ausl\u00e4ndischen Subunternehmern bauen. Was sind Vorteile beim Bauen mit Subunternehmern aus Osteuropa? Beim Bauen mit\u00a0Subunternehmern...","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":11148,"parent":9347,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-9806","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/global-business-recruiting.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/9806","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/global-business-recruiting.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/global-business-recruiting.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/global-business-recruiting.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/global-business-recruiting.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=9806"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/global-business-recruiting.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/9806\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":11204,"href":"https:\/\/global-business-recruiting.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/9806\/revisions\/11204"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/global-business-recruiting.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/9347"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/global-business-recruiting.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/11148"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/global-business-recruiting.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=9806"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}