For staffing agencies

Applying for the AÜG permit – step by step

You want to lend workers rather than only place them? You need a permit under Section 1 AÜG. Here is how the application works and what the employment agency looks at.

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When you need the permit

Offering temporary staffing

Anyone who lends workers to other companies as part of their business needs the permit – even as a side business or for a few assignments.

Not for placement only

If you only introduce candidates and the company hires them itself, you don't need an AÜG permit. A trade registration is usually enough.

Consequences without a permit

The employment contract with the temporary worker is void, an employment relationship with the client arises (Sections 9, 10 AÜG), and a fine may follow.

Narrow exceptions

Only in special cases is a notification enough, for example for employers with fewer than 50 staff who want to avoid short-time work or redundancies (Section 1a AÜG).

How the application works

  1. 1

    Check the requirements

    Reliability, a suitable business organisation and sufficient financial means (Section 3 AÜG).

  2. 2

    Submit the application

    With the form “Antrag auf Erlaubnis zur Arbeitnehmerüberlassung” to the Federal Employment Agency – in writing or online via its eService.

  3. 3

    Provide documents

    The agency asks for proof such as a certificate of good conduct, an extract from the central trade register, the commercial register or trade registration, and template contracts.

  4. 4

    Review

    The agency reviews documents and contracts; follow-up questions are common. Allow a few weeks.

  5. 5

    Permit and renewal

    The first permit is valid for one year. Apply for renewal no later than three months before it expires; after three years an unlimited permit is possible (Section 2 AÜG).

What does the permit cost?

The fee ranges from €218 to €2,060 depending on the application: usually €377 for the first application and €2,060 for the first renewal and for the permanent permit (as of November 2026). On top comes liquidity: the agency requires €3,000 per temporary worker, at least €15,000 in total.

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Checklist for the application

These points should be in place before you apply.

  • Certificate and register

    Certificate of good conduct and an extract from the central trade register for the owner or management.

  • Company documents

    Trade registration or commercial register extract; for companies, the articles of association.

  • Template contracts

    Employment contract for temporary workers and a staffing contract with clients, matching the collective agreement you apply.

  • Financial means

    Proof of liquid funds, for example a bank confirmation or a credit commitment.

  • Clearance certificates

    For an existing business, certificates from the tax office, health insurers and the accident insurance institution.

Find temporary staffing mandates with your permit

Companies on SilentHire also post positions as temporary staffing. Once you have proven your permit in your profile and SilentHire has checked it, you see these positions and state your bill rate directly in the proposal.

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No payment details. This overview is not legal advice.

Frequently asked questions about the AÜG permit

Who needs a temporary staffing permit?

Every employer who lends workers to third parties as part of their business (Section 1 AÜG). Pure placement does not require it.

Where do I apply for the AÜG permit?

At the Federal Employment Agency (Bundesagentur für Arbeit) – in writing with the form “Antrag auf Erlaubnis zur Arbeitnehmerüberlassung” or online via its eService.

What does the AÜG permit cost?

Usually €377 for the first application and €2,060 for the first renewal and for the permanent permit; overall the fees range from €218 to €2,060 (as of November 2026). You also need to prove liquid funds of €3,000 per temporary worker, at least €15,000 in total.

How long is the permit valid?

Initially one year. Apply for renewal no later than three months before it expires. After three years of uninterrupted activity the permit can be granted without a time limit; it lapses if you don't use it for three years.

What happens if workers are lent without a permit?

The contract with the temporary worker is void and an employment relationship arises between the worker and the client (Sections 9, 10 AÜG). It is also an administrative offence with a fine of up to €30,000 (Section 16 AÜG).

Sources

Last reviewed: 7 November 2026