You are an unregistered worker/are working without a work permit. Now your employer doesn't want to pay your wages, what can you do?

As a matter of principle: if you work, you have the right to be paid for your work. This also applies if you work illegally/unregistered or without the necessary work permit. You can go to the labour court and sue for your wages.

If you are a member of a trade union, the union will provide you with a lawyer.

If you have not been registered, your employer may deny that you have worked for them. Then you must try to prove when and for how long your employment relationship existed. The best way to do this is if you have witnesses, documents, mobile phone messages or photos. You can use these to prove that you have worked. The best idea is to write down your working hours yourself every day!

Please note: even if you win in court, there may still be negative consequences for you.

If you go to court, the judge can report violations of the law to the relevant authorities. It is possible that proceedings are initiated against you. German courts handle this differently. This can happen if you have worked and at the same time received benefits from an authority (such as the job centre or employment agency) and have not reported this. It can also happen if you have worked without the necessary work permit.

Important: if your employer does not pay your wages but you are not registered/you are working without a permit, always contact your Fair Integration advice centre! We will advise and support you in enforcing your rights.