US Citizens Working in Germany
See what you actually take home after US and Germany taxes: whether you're already working abroad or planning a move.
Here's what matters most for US citizens working in Germany:
- •Germany has high income tax rates (up to 45%) plus solidarity surcharge
- •Social security contributions (healthcare, pension, unemployment) add significant costs
Calculate your take-home pay
See your real take-home pay with currency conversion and cost of living adjustments.
Who taxes you?
As a US citizen working in Germany, you're subject to taxation by both countries. The US taxes citizens on worldwide income, but the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE) can exclude up to $132,900 of foreign earned income in 2026 if you meet the 330-day physical presence test. Germany taxes anyone who has a home or usual place of stay there on their worldwide income, with progressive rates up to 45%, plus a solidarity surcharge. Social security contributions for healthcare, pension, and unemployment add significant additional costs. The US-Germany tax treaty provides foreign tax credits to prevent double taxation.
Common pitfalls
- German tax rates are among the highest in Europe (up to 45% plus surcharges)
Is there a US-Germany tax treaty?
Yes. The US-Germany income tax treaty is in force, and foreign tax credits cover what it does not.
Getting paid in Euro
Salaries in Berlin are paid in Euro (EUR). A 100,000 US-dollar salary is roughly 92,000 EUR at current rates. That matters twice over: your US return is always filed in dollars, so the rate on each payday feeds straight into what you report, and a currency that moves against the dollar changes what the same nominal salary is worth to you without your pay changing at all.
Frequently asked questions
Not on the same income: a treaty is in force. You pay the higher of the two rates, not both.
The Euro (EUR). A 100,000 US-dollar salary is about 92,000 EUR at current rates. Your US tax is always calculated in dollars, so the exchange rate on the day you are paid feeds directly into what you report, and into how far the same nominal salary goes in Berlin.
Germany has a progressive income tax system with rates from 0% to 45%, plus a solidarity surcharge of 5.5% of the tax amount. Social security contributions for healthcare, pension, and unemployment add significant additional costs, typically 15-20% of gross income.
German social security includes health insurance, pension contributions, unemployment insurance, and long-term care insurance. These are typically split between employer and employee, but can add 15-20% to your total tax burden.
Official resources
Primary sources:
Calculate your take-home pay
See your real take-home pay with currency conversion and cost of living adjustments.
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