Travel Expenses for (Seasonal) Workers from Central Asia Travelling to Germany

Overview

Seasonal and temporary workers from Central Asia often travel to Germany to work in agriculture, logistics, hospitality, or manufacturing. Many German employers support this process by covering or reimbursing part of the travel costs. This page explains the typical travel expenses, accommodation options, and reimbursement process — using Pegasus Airlines as an example for affordable travel connections between Central Asia and Germany.

Pegasus Airlines: Affordable Flights from Central Asia to Germany

Pegasus Airlines is a popular low-cost carrier offering convenient connections from several airports in Central Asia to Germany via Istanbul.

Examples of departure airports in Central Asia:

• Almaty International Airport (ALA), Kazakhstan

• Astana International Airport (NQZ), Kazakhstan

• Tashkent International Airport (TAS), Uzbekistan

• Bishkek Manas International Airport (FRU), Kyrgyzstan

• Osh International Airport (OSS), Kyrgyzstan

German destination airports served by Pegasus Airlines:

• Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER)

• Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN)

• Hamburg Airport (HAM)

• Düsseldorf Airport (DUS)

• Stuttgart Airport (STR)

• Munich Airport (MUC)

This makes Pegasus Airlines a cost-effective choice for seasonal workers travelling from Central Asia to various regions in Germany. Flights are usually routed via Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW), Pegasus’ main hub.

Typical Travel and Temporary Accommodation Costs

When arriving in Germany, many seasonal workers first stay in a temporary hostel or guesthouse for a few days before continuing to their final work location.

Estimated short-term accommodation costs:

• Hostel or shared dorm: €25 – €40 per night

• Short stay (3–5 days): €75 – €200 total, depending on city and availability

After this short stay, workers usually travel to their final destination — such as a farm, factory, or company housing — where accommodation is often already arranged by the employer.

Reimbursement Policy by the Employer

Many German employers offer partial or full reimbursement of travel expenses once the worker has started employment.

Typical reimbursement conditions:

• The worker pays for the flight ticket and short-term accommodation initially.

• Original invoices and receipts (flight ticket, hostel booking, transfer costs) must be presented to the employer.

• Reimbursement usually occurs after the first month of work, once employment has been confirmed.

• Travel cost reimbursement is often tax-free for the worker if properly documented under German tax rules.

This policy ensures fairness for both sides — the worker proves they have arrived and started working, and the employer can correctly document the reimbursement.

Practical Steps for Workers

1. Before departure

   • Confirm with your employer the reimbursement conditions (eligible expenses, reimbursement timeline, documentation).

   • Book a Pegasus Airlines flight and keep the electronic invoice.

   • Reserve a hostel or budget accommodation for the first few days in Germany near your arrival airport or work region.

2. Upon arrival

   • Stay in your temporary accommodation while completing onboarding and transportation to the final worksite.

   • Keep all original receipts (flight, hostel, local transfer).

3. After the first month of work

   • Submit your invoices to the employer’s HR or finance department.

   • Receive reimbursement as agreed in your employment contract or recruitment documents.

Why This Process Matters

• For workers: Understanding the cost structure helps with travel budgeting and ensures you bring the necessary funds for your initial stay.

• For employers: Having a transparent reimbursement process after the first working month builds trust and simplifies administration.