Simple calculation of daily allowances for domestic and international travel.
Please select a valid date range.
The calculated amounts correspond to the legal standard rates for meal allowances (2026). These can be reimbursed tax-free by the employer.
The calculator determines the exact duration of your trip based on start and end times. Arrival/departure days and full 24h days are automatically recognized as required by law.
Based on the country (or fallback like Luxembourg), the correct 2026 allowance is selected: "Small Allowance" (>8h or arrival/departure) or "Large Allowance" (24h).
Statutory deductions (20% breakfast, 40% lunch/dinner) are subtracted from the full daily allowance, but never below 0€. You see exactly what you are entitled to.
You are entitled to meal allowances if you are away from your home and primary workplace for more than 8 hours for business purposes. For multi-day trips, you receive an allowance for arrival and departure days regardless of duration.
Yes, this calculator uses the preliminary/current standard rates for 2026. If changes are announced by the BMF, the calculator will be updated.
If your employer does not reimburse expenses or only partially, you can claim the difference as income-related expenses (Werbungskosten) in your private tax return.
Meal allowances can only be paid tax-free for the first 3 months of a long-term professional activity at the same external workplace.
For travel through multiple countries, the allowance for the day is based on the location reached last before midnight (or the arrival location for return travel).
Yes, in addition to meals, there are often flat rates for overnight stays (Domestic: 20€) that the employer can pay tax-free if no individual receipts (hotel bill) are submitted.
If you paid for a breakfast or dinner yourself (and it was not provided by the employer), no deduction from the allowance should be made for it.
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