Documents from your employment in Germany may be needed to check your salary, prove the period during which you worked, claim a possible tax refund or prepare an application for certain benefits.
After your contract ends, it is important not to throw away the documents received from your employer. Your employment contract, payslips, tax records and proof of accommodation or transport may help you if questions arise or if you want to check whether you can recover part of the tax you paid.
Lucicosm recommends keeping all documents received from your employer because they may be required when assessing a tax refund application.
List of documents you should keep
After completing your period of employment in Germany, organize all documents connected to your contract and income in one folder.
It is recommended that you keep:
• your employment contract
• any amendments to the contract
• your payslips
• your annual tax certificate
• records showing taxes and social contributions deducted
• proof of salary payments
• documents confirming the end of employment
• the employer’s identification and contact details
• accommodation documents
• transport tickets and booking confirmations
• important correspondence with the employer or recruitment agency
• copies of the personal documents used during recruitment
Not every document will be required in every situation, but keeping them can make it easier to confirm your employment period and the income you received.
Employment contract
The employment contract is one of the most important documents to keep after working in Germany. It shows who your employer was, the period during which you worked and the conditions agreed at the beginning of the employment relationship.
The contract may contain information about:
• the type of work performed
• the employment start date
• the duration of the contract
• the agreed salary
• working hours
• the probationary period, where applicable
• termination conditions
• possible benefits or costs
You should keep both the original contract and any amendments received during your employment.
If you intend to return to work, you can also check the available job opportunities in Germany to view current activities and recruitment periods.
Payslips
A payslip may be called a Lohnabrechnung or Gehaltsabrechnung in Germany. It shows how your salary was calculated for a specific pay period.
A payslip may include:
• gross salary
• number of hours worked
• additional payments or bonuses
• taxes deducted
• social security contributions
• other deductions
• net salary
• the amount paid to the employee
Check whether your name, the pay period, the number of hours and the amount received are correct. If you notice a difference, it is easier to request clarification while you still have the documents and the employer’s contact details.
Annual German tax certificate
An important document is the Lohnsteuerbescheinigung, which is the annual certificate showing employment income and the amount of tax withheld.
It may include information such as:
• income earned during the relevant year
• wage tax withheld
• certain social security contributions
• employer details
• the period for which the income was reported
The Lohnsteuerbescheinigung is used when preparing a tax return and checking the amount of tax paid in Germany.
Do not confuse the annual tax certificate with the monthly payslip. A payslip shows the calculation for one pay period, while the annual tax certificate summarizes the amounts reported for the entire year.
Proof of salary payment
It is also recommended that you keep bank statements or other evidence showing the payments received from your employer.
These documents may help you verify:
• the date on which your salary was paid
• the amount transferred
• the name of the payer
• any differences between the payslip and the amount received
Do not publish bank statements or send them to unknown individuals. They may contain personal and financial information that must be protected.
Documents confirming the end of employment
At the end of the employment relationship, you may receive documents confirming the date on which the contract ended or the exact period during which you were employed.
Keep any document containing:
• the first and last day of work
• the reason for the contract ending
• the number of days worked
• the status of any unused holiday
• any remaining payments
• the employer’s details
This information may be useful when you need to prove the period during which you worked or prepare a new application.
Accommodation documents
If accommodation was arranged for you, keep any documents showing the cost and the period during which you stayed there.
Useful records may include:
• an accommodation agreement or confirmation
• receipts
• invoices
• evidence of amounts deducted from your salary
• messages explaining the accommodation conditions
• the full address
These documents can help you verify your expenses and any deductions made from your salary.
For more information about accommodation costs included in Lucicosm offers, you can read the guide about accommodation for workers in Germany.
Transport documents
Keep your ticket, booking confirmation, invoice or any message confirming the transport arrangements to Germany and back to Romania.
Transport documents can help you:
• confirm your departure and return dates
• prove the period during which you were abroad
• identify the route and transport operator
• keep a record of your expenses
Lucicosm also provides passenger transport services between Romania and Germany for people travelling for work, visits or personal reasons.
Documents needed for a tax refund
To assess whether you may be entitled to a tax refund, documents showing your income and the taxes you paid are important.
Depending on your individual situation, you may be asked to provide:
• your employment contract
• your payslips
• your annual tax certificate
• copies of your identity documents
• proof of the periods during which you worked
• tax documents received from the authorities
• other records requested after your application has been reviewed
The exact list may vary depending on the year in which you worked and your personal situation.
You can check the documents required for a German tax refund or request an assessment through the German tax refund service.
Documents that may be needed for child benefit
People with children may need additional documents depending on their family situation and the procedure that applies to their case.
Documents that may be requested include:
• a copy of your identity document
• your marriage certificate, where applicable
• a divorce or death certificate, depending on the situation
• the child’s birth certificate or identity document
• your employment contract
• your payslips
• your annual tax certificate
• documents issued by your employer
The list should not be considered identical for every application. Additional documents may be requested depending on the family situation and the periods during which the applicant worked.
More information is available on the page dedicated to taxes, income tax and child benefits.
How should you organize your documents?
The simplest approach is to create a separate folder for each year and for each employer.
You can divide the documents into the following categories:
Contract
Keep the employment contract, any amendments and documents confirming the end of employment.
Salary
Add your payslips and proof of the payments you received.
Taxes
Keep your annual tax certificate and any documents received from the tax authorities.
Accommodation and transport
Add confirmations, invoices, receipts and proof of payment.
Personal documents
Keep copies of the personal documents used in your application, but do not leave the originals with other people.
Should you also keep digital copies?
Yes. In addition to the original documents, it is useful to create digital copies.
Photograph or scan each document and save the files in a secure location. Give the files clear names so you can find them quickly.
For example:
Employment_Contract_Germany_2026.pdf
Payslip_June_2026.pdf
German_Tax_Certificate_2026.pdf
Transport_Proof_Departure.pdf
Avoid keeping the only copy on a phone that may be lost or damaged. Use a password-protected backup as well.
What should you do if you did not receive all the documents?
If you notice that a document is missing, contact your employer or the agency as soon as possible.
Make a written request that includes:
• the name of the document
• the year or period for which you need it
• your full name
• your date of birth, if required for identification
• the period during which you worked
• the address where you would like to receive the document
Do not wait until the moment when you need to submit an application. Obtaining a missing document may take time, especially if a long period has passed since your contract ended.
Why should you not throw away the documents after receiving your salary?
Receiving your final salary does not mean that the documents are no longer necessary.
The records may later be used for:
• checking your income
• clarifying the taxes deducted
• proving the period during which you worked
• claiming a tax refund
• preparing a child benefit application
• resolving payment differences
• applying for another job
Not having the documents does not automatically mean that the situation cannot be resolved, but the process may become more difficult.
How Lucicosm can help after your contract ends
Your relationship with Lucicosm does not necessarily have to end when you return to Romania.
The team can help you identify the documents you received, check which records may still be required and determine whether your situation can be assessed for a tax refund or other available services.
People who want to work abroad again can view the available jobs in Germany, while those who need support with tax matters can check the services offered by Lucicosm Tax.
Frequently asked questions about documents after working in Germany
What is the most important document after working in Germany?
The employment contract, payslips and annual tax certificate are among the most important documents. Each record provides different information about your employment period and income.
What is a Lohnsteuerbescheinigung?
A Lohnsteuerbescheinigung is the annual certificate showing employment income and the taxes reported for the relevant year. It is important for checking your tax situation and preparing a tax return.
Should I keep all my payslips?
Yes, it is recommended that you keep them. Payslips show your gross salary, deductions and net income for every pay period.
Can I recover tax without the annual tax certificate?
Your situation must be assessed individually. If the document is missing, contact your employer or the team reviewing your application to find out what alternatives may be available.
Are photographs of the documents enough?
Digital copies are useful, but it is recommended that you keep the original documents as well. Make sure the photographs are clear and that every page can be read.
Should I also keep accommodation records?
Yes, especially if accommodation costs were paid separately or deducted from your salary. These documents can help you verify your expenses.
Can I request help if I did not work through Lucicosm?
The possibility of receiving assistance depends on the service requested and the documents you have available. Contact the team directly and explain your exact situation.
What you should remember
Documents from your employment in Germany should be kept and organized even after you have received your salary and the contract has ended.
The most important records include your employment contract, payslips, annual tax certificate, proof of payments and documents confirming the period during which you worked. Accommodation records, transport documents and correspondence with the employer may also complete your file.
Keep the originals, create digital copies and request any missing documents as soon as possible. This will make it easier to verify your income, taxes and any rights that may result from the period during which you worked in Germany.