Social security contribution ceiling 2026 in Germany

Each year the German government adjusts the social insurance figures to wage growth. The contribution ceiling (Beitragsbemessungsgrenze) sets the income up to which contributions are charged; anything above is contribution-free. It matters especially to the self-employed, who pay their contributions themselves.

Figures for 2026

Since 2025 the figures apply uniformly across Germany; the East/West distinction has gone.

Self-employed in statutory health insurance

Voluntarily insured self-employed people pay contributions on their actual income – at least on €1,318.33 and at most on €5,812.50 a month. With the reduced rate of 14.0% (without sickness benefit), the average additional contribution of 2.9% and 3.6% long-term care insurance this gives:

• Minimum contribution: around €270 a month (slightly more without children),
• Maximum contribution: around €1,190 a month (slightly more without children).

The actual amount depends on your insurer’s additional contribution and whether you insure sickness benefit. Details in health insurance for the self-employed.

Pension insurance

Most self-employed people are not subject to compulsory pension insurance. Exceptions include employee-like self-employed people with essentially one client (see false self-employment). Without proof of income they pay the standard contribution: 18.6% of the reference value, around €736 a month. With proof the contribution follows actual profit, up to the ceiling.

Other figures for 2026

The minimum wage and the basic tax allowance also rose. If you come from another EU country, first check which social security law applies to you – see our article on the A1 certificate.