#BGBl. 2026 I Nr. 58Seventh Ordinance on Mandatory Working Conditions for the Care Sector (7. PflegeArbbV)
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The Seventh Ordinance on Mandatory Working Conditions for the Care Sector (7. PflegeArbbV) was issued by the German Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs on 3 March 2026 and published in the Federal Law Gazette (BGBl. 2026 I Nr. 58) on 6 March 2026. It establishes legally binding minimum working conditions for employees in Germany's care and nursing sector, continuing the series of sectoral minimum-wage and labour standard regulations under the Posted Workers Act (AEntG). The ordinance sets updated minimum hourly wage floors differentiated by qualification level — typically distinguishing between unskilled/auxiliary care workers, qualified care assistants, and fully trained care professionals (Pflegefachkräfte). These binding rates apply to all employers operating in the care sector in Germany, regardless of whether they are bound by a collective agreement. In addition to wage floors, the regulation addresses other mandatory working conditions such as minimum paid annual leave entitlements, provisions on additional allowances, and rules on working time. These conditions must be observed by domestic employers and by foreign employers posting workers to Germany in the care sector. As the seventh iteration of this regulation, the 7. PflegeArbbV supersedes the previous version and reflects adjustments to wage levels in line with ongoing developments in sectoral collective bargaining and statutory minimum wage increases in Germany.
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Key Changes
- Updated mandatory minimum hourly wage floors for care workers, differentiated by qualification level (auxiliary, qualified assistant, and fully trained Pflegefachkraft)
- Binding conditions extended or renewed for all employers in Germany's stationary and ambulatory care sector, including those not covered by collective agreements
- Minimum paid annual leave entitlements updated or confirmed for care sector employees
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Obligations
What this law requires
All care sector employers in Germany must comply with differentiated minimum hourly wage floors based on worker qualification level (unskilled/auxiliary care workers, qualified care assistants, and fully trained care professionals)
Domestic employers in the care sector must ensure employees receive minimum paid annual leave entitlements as specified in the ordinance
Foreign employers posting workers to Germany in the care sector must comply with the mandatory minimum working conditions established by the ordinance
Care sector employers must provide additional allowances in accordance with rules specified in the ordinance
Care sector employers must observe mandatory working time rules as established in the ordinance