A note about COVID-19: This guide is based on the general rules, but there may be some temporary restrictions in place due to the presence of the COVID-19 virus. We are keeping the situation under close review and will update our guidance as necessary.
Unless you are retired or independently wealthy, the chances are that you will need ajob to pay your way while you are living in Germany.
The good news is that Germany has a buoyant labor market with low rates of unemployment, and providing you know where to look, you will find plenty of jobs.
To help you get started, look at our guide on finding a job in Germany and the best sites to use.
The German Job Market
In the last decade, unemployment rates in Germany have tracked at consistently low levels, but some areas are better than others.
Some states have lower rates of unemployment, particularly southern regions such as Bavaria.
Do not automatically head to the main cities; look at the employment rates for your field of work before you choose where to move to.
The jobs that you will find available in Germany depend on the skills you have and the industry you are searching in. Some industries are more open to hiring foreign workers than others, and you might not even need to speak German to get the job. There tends to be a general shortage of skilled and qualified workers, and there is also a demand for vocational professionals.
In general, the unemployment rate is higher for expats than German nationals, so you will need to take every opportunity to improve your chances.
One way to do this is to learn the language;you will find many guides telling you it is not essential, and that is true. Nevertheless, if you speak at least a reasonable level of German more positions will open, and you will be more attractive as a prospect.
You will find there are lots of languageschools in Germanywhere you can improve your skills, or even just have a refresher if you’re a bit rusty.
Would you like to receive our pieces of advice and tips ?
Subscribe to our newsletter to get the best of Luko in our mailbox.
Getting Prepared – Do I Need a Visa?
Before you can start work in Germany, you’ll need to make sure you have the right type ofvisaor permit in place. These are different depending on where you’re coming from.
If you are a citizen of a fellow EU/EEA country or Switzerland, no visa is required to work, just a valid passport or ID card.
Individuals from some countries, such as the US, Australia and Japan, do not need a visa to travel to Germany, but on arrival must obtain a German residence and work permit.They can stay for up to 90 days without working with no need to apply for a permit, but extended stays or the intent to work requires the residence permit.
If you are from neither of these groups of countries, you will need to obtain a German visa and residence permit to be able to work.It is not always easy to get approved for a working permit, and much will depend on your qualifications. There is a website –Make It In Germany– where you can find out the likelihood of being able to work in your chosen area in Germany.
For those that need a visa to be able to work, planning is essential as the process can take several months to complete.
International Qualifications
If you are a professional where qualifications are essential for the job, you may not immediately be able to work upon arrival in Germany.
Qualifications from your home country may not be accepted as proof of your competence,and without further preparation, you may discover that you’re unable to work in your chosen field.
There is a service thatenables existing qualifications to be verifiedfor use in Germany. Even if it is not essential for your work in Germany, having recognized qualifications may place you into a higher pay-scale.
University degrees can receive validation for Germany from the Central Office for Foreign Education (known in German asZentralstelle für ausländisches Bildungswesen).A Statement of Comparability can be issued, which describes the foreign qualification and its application but doesn’t go quite as far as issuing a formal recognition certificate for use.
Best Sites to Find Work in Germany
One of the easiest ways to find a job in Germany is by searching online. Countless German job sites carry all types of employment, from casual and part-time positions to highly-skilled, professional roles.
Here are some of the best sites to try:
- EURES– the online network of jobs provided by the European Commission. All types of jobs are included here and there are multiple ways to search.
- Make It In Germany– geared towards skilled workers, the site is available in both German and English, plus six additional languages.
- Deutscher Pflegeverband(the German Care Association) – a dedicated portal for those seeking employment in the caring industry.
- Monster– a very busy and popular general job site, with a wide variety of types of work
- Stepstone– available in German or English, you can search by sector or location
- Indeed– acts as a type of metasearch, collating jobs from multiple sources
- Die Zeit– the online newspaper publishes the latest academic jobs online every Thursday
Aside from job sites, there are other ways to search online. Social media are increasingly popular and many companies are reaching out to engage with potential employees rather than pursuing traditional routes.
LinkedIn,Xing,TwitterandFacebookcan always all be very productive, but remember to keep your social media presence professional!
Many multinational companies are based in Germany, and they often advertise their vacancies on their own website. If you have an idea about who you want to work for, look on their site for the latest positions.You might find these under the headings of “Vakanzen“, “Karriere” or “Stellenangebote“.
Other Ways to Find a Job
Although online is arguably the most popular and convenient way to find a job, there are other places to search too.
Germany has employment exchanges, known as Agentur für Arbeit, dotted around the country.
TheBundesagentur für Arbeit(Federal Employment Agency) is the largest of these with a network of approximately 700 dotted around the country. Its ZAV (International Placement Services) are set up for foreigners trying to find work.
They offer communication in both English and German, and you can ring or email to find your local office.Aside from local offices, they also have an online portal where you can search for jobs.
Another option is private recruitment agencies in Germany. You will find under them as Arbeitsvermittlung in Gelbe Seiten, the German Yellow Pages.You have to be very careful with these agencies as some may charge a fee for placing you in a job; this can be as much as €2000.
Look out for recruitment agencies that are registered withBAP –Bundesarbeitgeberverband der Personaldienstleister(the Federal Employer’s Association of Personnel Service Providers).
For those seeking academic or highly qualified positions, the Saturday editions of the national German newspapers publish the latest vacancies.
Networking is another way to find new positions, and it is a popular approach in Germany. If you are not familiar with this very direct way of looking for work, it can feel a bit intimidating at first. However, it does not take long to get into the swing of things, and after a few attempts, you’ll be much more comfortable.
Search for local networking meetups in your districtand turn up, armed with a copy of your portfolio (die Mappe – see more about that below).Meetups.comis a good place to start looking for groups that suit your needs.
If the idea of real-life meetups sounds too overwhelming, there are often virtual hangouts too. LinkedIn, or Xing – the German equivalent – are ideal for improving your connections.
What is the Recruitment Process in Germany?
You may have gone through the recruitment process many times in your own country but do not make the mistake of assuming it will be identical in Germany.
There are very specific expectations that a prospective employer will expect you to follow, and if you are not aware of these, you may fail at the first hurdle.
Submitting a portfolio,die Mappe, is the usual procedure in Germany, and sometimes you may even be explicitly asked for this.Die Mappeis a suite of documents that comprehensively outline your suitability for the role. The following should be included:
- A covering letter (anschreiben)
- Your CV (lebenslauf)
- Copies of your academic certificates (including recognition certificates, if appropriate)
- Copies of references and testimonials
- Passport photos
If you are submitted this in paper,all of the documentation apart from the letter should be printed on good quality paper and placed inside a folder. The letter goes on top of the folder, and this is then placed into an A4 envelope, not folded.
Increasingly, companies may ask you to submit your portfolio electronically, but the requirements are the same.
You should take the covering letter seriously; it is not just a token gesture.Every part of die Mappe is scrutinized during the process and will contribute to the decision whether to call you for an interview.
The letter should always be typed and be no longer than one side of A4.The letter should be concise and factual; personal motivation is less persuasive than why you are the best person for the job.
Before applying for the job, take the time to find out the precise title of the person you are writing to; titles are important in Germany. Speculative applications are fine and can be addressed toPersonalabteilung.
If you don’t know the name of the person, you can open the letter withSehr geehrte Damen und Herren.
If you know the person’s name you should start withSehr geehrte(r) Frau/Herrand their last name. The letter can be closed withMit freundlichen Grußen.
YourGerman CVshould be laid out in the way a German employer expects, otherwise, it may not even get read. You can find more guidance about how to write a CV the German way here.
If your German is very basic or non-existent, it is better to make the application in English. This will avoid any embarrassment should you reach the interview stage.
Even if you do not need a visa to begin work, the nature of your job may mean that you need to provide proof of your background.
You can obtain a German criminal record check (a Führungszeugnis) from the local registry office in your area (Meldebehörde).
German Culture – What to Expect When You Have a Job
Once you have a job, you may notice some cultural differences compared to your home country. The following tips can help you fit in more quickly:
- Make sure you are punctual. Germans always expect rules to be followed strictly and this includes timekeeping. Even if you are only going to be a few minutes late, it would be expected to call ahead and apologize.
- Business attire is typically conservative, understated and formal. Casual wear is not the cultural norm in any season.
- Every transaction is structured, and you can expect your working day to be planned precisely.
- German speech is typically direct and in the workplace, it’s not expected to compliment others on advancing routinely. Humor is not common within a business context and subtle hints can be missed.
- Personal lives and working lives are kept very separate, which can sometimes be mistaken for lack of friendliness, but this is not the case.
- Ensure you follow colleagues’ lead on the use of “Sie” and “du“. This lack of differentiation isn’t present in the English language, and it can lead to an unintentional offense when speaking German. It is not uncommon for co-workers to continue to use the more formalSie, despite working together for many years
The above hints are a generalization and every workplace has its own individual character.
However, you can expect German employers to be fair, highly structured and very clear with their communication.
Germany has some of the lowestworking hoursin Europe, and employees are encouraged to take their holidays and enjoy family time. A healthy balance of work and personal life is expected in Germany, and employees typically get more annual leave than on average across the EU.
Start Applying
The above guide will provide you with all the basic information you need about starting work in Germany.
Whether you are planning on living and working in Germany for a relatively short time, or the longer term, you will discover there are many opportunities for all types of foreign workers in the country.
Learning German will certainly enhance your opportunities, and you will find the German people are very encouraging to those who are just starting out.
FAQs
Which website is best for job search in Germany? ›
- Job Exchange of the German Federal Employment Agency.
- The Central Agency of Foreign and Professional Affairs (ZAV)
- www.stepstone.de.
- www.indeed.de.
- www.staufenbiel.de.
- www.jobvector.de.
- www.xing.de.
- www.linkedin.de.
Job Board (Stellensuche) of the Federal Employment Agency
The BA's Stellensuche (job board) is Germany's largest online portal for jobs. You can look for jobs and enter your personal applicant profile so that German companies are able to see it and can therefore contact you directly if they are interested.
Germany has the largest economy in Europe and the fifth-largest in the world, so there are plenty of jobs in Germany for foreigners with specialist skills, although casual work is also fairly easy to come by.
How can I get a job in Germany without speaking German? ›- Look for jobs in the right place. ...
- Search for jobs at startups over big organizations. ...
- Choose bigger cities. ...
- Look for offers in the digital departments. ...
- Adapt your CV & Cover Letter to German standards. ...
- Bureaucratic visits. ...
- Sign up to services available in English.
Indeed was founded on a simple idea: to help people find jobs. It is a comprehensive job search site for German job seekers, providing them with free access to millions of jobs from thousands of direct employers, staffing agencies and job boards.
What is the minimum salary to get work permit in Germany? ›If you apply for a Blue Card, your salary must be at least 56,400€ per year (before taxes). If there is a shortage of skilled workers in your field, your salary must be at least 43,992€ per year. This list shows which fields have a shortage of skilled workers. If you can, find a job before you come to Germany.
What is the minimum wage in Germany 2022? ›Minimum Wage Updated in Germany from 01 October 2022 - September 19, 2022. The minimum wages are revised in Germany from 01 October 2022. The minimum wage has increased from €10.45 to €12.00 per hour. Note: This minimum wage increase might not reflect the inflationary trends.
What jobs are needed in Germany? ›- Software developers, architects, and programmers.
- Electronics engineers, electricians, and electrical fitters.
- Nurses.
- IT consultants and analysts.
- Economists and business management experts.
- Customer advisors and account managers.
- Researchers in Biotechnology and Neuroscience. ...
- Surgeons and doctors. ...
- Judges. ...
- Bank managers. ...
- Director of Finance. ...
- Tourism and hospitality professionals. ...
- Engineering professions. ...
- Sales managers.
A good annual average salary in Germany is between €64,000 to €81,000. This gross salary (salary before taxes or social contributions) depends on your profession, industry, and education.
How much does Germany pay per hour? ›
| Date | Minimum wage (gross) |
|---|---|
| January 1 - June 30, 2021 | 9,50 euros per hour |
| July 1 - December 31, 2021 | 9,60 euros per hour |
| January 1 - June 30, 2022 | 9,82 euros per hour |
| July 1, 2022 onwards | 10,45 euros per hour |
- Internship. ...
- Student work in a company. ...
- Writing thesis in a company. ...
- Scholarship. ...
- University jobs. ...
- Bartender/ waiter. ...
- Babysitter, and other jobs from private persons. ...
- Street performance.
The cost for a German work permit (employment visa) is 75 EUR (90 USD). You will need to complete Germany's work permit visa (or employment permit) application form, called Antrag auf Erlaubnis einer Beschäftigung, and get a residence permit or Antrag auf Erteilung eines Aufenthaltstitels.
Which country is easiest to get a job? ›- Estonia.
- Norway & Svalbard.
- Australia.
- New Zealand.
- Germany.
- Netherlands.
- South Korea.
- Canada.
Germany. Germany is a part of the European Union and offers visa options for those who have good strong skills and educational background. The EU Blue Card Scheme offers you a residence and also a work permit. You need to have a professional experience and also an employment contract in Germany.
What is the most common job in Germany? ›- Software developer and programmer.
- Electronics engineer, electrician.
- Healthcare worker and nurse.
- IT consultant, IT analyst.
- Economist, business administrator.
- Account manager, client consultant.
- Production assistant.
- Sales representative, sales assistant.
- Create an account and upload your resume. ...
- Search for salaries by job title and location. ...
- Verify employer offerings by looking at company reviews. ...
- Get the Indeed app. ...
- Click the "Find jobs" tab and enter job title details. ...
- Refine your search by adjusting search criteria. ...
- Save jobs that interest you.
- Go to your 'My Jobs' page.
- Locate the job you would like to report in your Saved or Applied jobs folder. ...
- Fill out the 'Report this job' form and click 'Submit'.
Indeed's search results explained
Organic listings are ranked solely by relevance or date, according to Indeed's proprietary algorithm. These are the latest jobs related to your search query, and will naturally fall back in search results over time as new roles are added.
Which type of visa do you need? Probably one of the four main types: tourist, immigration, student, or work.
What is the age limit to work in Germany? ›
There is no maximum age for an apprenticeship. As a German or a foreigner, you can apply for vocational training at practically any age. Traditionally, it is still common in Germany for apprentices to be of a younger age: most are between 15 and 25 years old.
How much bank balance is required for Germany work visa? ›German embassies and consulates generally require that you provide a bank statement of an escrow/blocked account (Sperrkonto) with a balance of at least €720 for each month of the visa. For a six-month Job Seeker Visa, this is €4,320 (although this may vary depending on where you apply).
How much is basic salary in Germany? ›According to the Federal Statistical Office of Germany, full-time employees work on average 41 hours a week. So the gross minimum wage for a full-time employee on a four-week month would be 1.968 euros. Part-time employees work on average 19,5 hours a week, making their minimum wage 936 euros.
How much is euro per hour in Germany? ›Employees earn 19.37 euros per hour
Employees in Germany earned an average of € 19.37 per hour in April 2018. The wage level of € 16.27 in the New Länder was € 3.57 less and well below the average earnings in the Former territory of the Federal Republic (€ 19.84).
Germany's minimum wage is €12 per hour, pre-tax since 1 October 2022. The legislation (German: Gesetz zur Regelung eines allgemeinen Mindestlohns) was introduced on January 1, 2015, by Angela Merkel's third government, a coalition between the SPD and the CDU.
Which city in Germany has more job opportunities? ›Berlin - one of the economic hubs of the world
The capital city of Germany offers some of the best employment opportunities in Berlin. It is one of the economic hubs of the world and attracts a growing number of expats each year that come in search of better career options.
According to a recent study, the shortage of skilled workers in Germany is primarily in craft and technical professions. Strong increase in the logistics sector as well as constantly high demand in IT.
Which is the cheapest city to live in Germany? ›Cost of living in Berlin
Despite being the capital, Berlin is one of Germany's cheapest cities. Rental prices vary massively, but as a rule of thumb, the west remains much more expensive than the east. You can rent a one-bed flat in Berlin for €00 upwards.
German employers typically look for your education, professional experience, skills and extracurricular activities. Learn more about writing German CVs from this comprehensive guide. Career events are your chance to connect directly with German employers and to learn more about their organization and opportunities.
Which jobs are in demand in Germany 2022? ›- IT Specialists.
- IT Consultants/Analysts.
- Data Scientists/Analysts.
- Software Developers.
- Doctors.
- Engineers.
- Mechanical and Vehicle Engineers.
- Electrical Engineers.
Is IT easy for foreigners to get job in Germany? ›
Unemployment here is categorically higher than many other German cities. As of 2019, Berlin's unemployment rate was 8% which is 3% higher than the national average. There is a notable lack of big industry in Berlin, which makes it harder to find well-paid, corporate jobs for both expats and locals.
Which degree is best in Germany? ›Engineering is by far the most popular and one of the best degrees to study in Germany, and it usually leads to an MS degree. Mechanical engineering, automotive engineering, and electrical engineering are among the engineering disciplines chosen by students.
Which company pays highest salary in Germany? ›The best paying company in Germany is Rothschild & Co, offering an average salary of $625,000.
Which course is best in Germany? ›By far the most popular and one of the top courses to study in Germany, engineering mostly translates into an MS degree. Some of the engineering specializations that students opt for are Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering and Electrical Engineering, among others.
Is 1500 euros enough in Germany? ›It depends on where and how you want to live. With that income you pay almost zero tax. A room in a shared apartment will cost you anything between 250 Euros in a small town that is not so attractive to 500 Euros or even more in Munich. Food will set you back about 200 Euros.
Is 1000 euros enough for a month in Germany? ›You will need around 934 euros a month to cover your living expenses in Germany as of 2022. On average, to cover your living expenses in Germany you will need around 934 euros per month (around $906 US dollars) or 11,208 euros per year (around $10,876 US dollars).
How much is rent in Germany? ›What is the average cost of rent in Germany? Average rent costs in Germany range from €300 to €800 per calendar month for a room in shared accommodation and from €500 to €1,346 for a one-bedroom flat. The overall average rental price is €750 for a one-bedroom apartment.
How much is tax in Germany? ›It's a progressive tax: if you earn more, you pay a bigger percentage of your income. If you earn less than 10,347€ per year, you don't pay income tax. The median income tax rate is around 18%. The maximum income tax rate is 45%1.
How much is a waiter paid in Germany? ›1.430 € (EUR)/yr
The average waiter/waitress gross salary in Germany is 27.039 € or an equivalent hourly rate of 13 €. In addition, they earn an average bonus of 1.430 €. Salary estimates based on salary survey data collected directly from employers and anonymous employees in Germany.
Before taxes it is decent. After taxes it is quite luxurious.
What is the highest paying part-time job in Germany? ›
- Research scholars.
- Research assistants/academic assistants.
- Support staff.
- Teaching English as an English tutor.
- Industrial production assistants.
Once you work more than 20 hours per week, you are no longer treated as a working student in Germany and instead considered an employee in the first place. To put it in other words: as soon as you work more than 20 hours a week, you'll be obliged to pay social security contributions, such as health insurance.
How much can a foreign student earn in Germany? ›You may earn up to 450 euros per month. With a minimum wage of 9.50 euros per hour (as of Jan. 2021), you have to work a maximum of around eleven hours per week or around 47 hours per month for this amount. As a full-time student, you do not have to pay taxes or social security contributions on this amount.
Is Germany giving visa now? ›A residence visa is required if you intend to stay in Germany for more than 90 days for work or study or if you intend to move to Germany permanently.
How long can you stay in Germany without a visa? ›Non- EU nationals
Generally speaking, all other foreigners require a visa for stays in Germany. A visa is not required for visits of up to 90 days in an 180‑day period for nationals of those countries for which the European Community has abolished the visa requirement.
Germany is the highest job provider country with an unemployment rate of 3.9%. So, Germany can offer you high-profile jobs if you are qualified and possess the relevant skills and knowledge. If you seek employment in Germany then you must apply for a job when you are studying at a university.
How can students find jobs in Germany? ›- Use the Right Job Search Websites to Cast your Net Widely. ...
- Create a CV that Employers Won't Be Able to Ignore. ...
- Think About Working at Your University. ...
- Be Aware of German Regulations When Taking Student Work. ...
- Be Ready for Your Student Interviews.
The Federal Republic of Germany is structured as a federal state and parliamentary democracy. The Basic Law. Section 1 of the Basic Law is of particular relevance. It stipulates that respect for human dignity is the most important aspect of the constitution: “Human dignity shall be…
What is the minimum salary to get work permit in Germany? ›If you apply for a Blue Card, your salary must be at least 56,400€ per year (before taxes). If there is a shortage of skilled workers in your field, your salary must be at least 43,992€ per year. This list shows which fields have a shortage of skilled workers. If you can, find a job before you come to Germany.
Which job is best in Germany? ›- Researchers in Biotechnology and Neuroscience. ...
- Surgeons and doctors. ...
- Judges. ...
- Bank managers. ...
- Director of Finance. ...
- Tourism and hospitality professionals. ...
- Engineering professions. ...
- Sales managers.
Which country is best for job? ›
- Canada. #1 in A good job market. #3 in Best Countries Overall. ...
- Germany. #2 in A good job market. ...
- United Kingdom. #3 in A good job market. ...
- United States. #4 in A good job market. ...
- Australia. #5 in A good job market. ...
- Japan. #6 in A good job market. ...
- Switzerland. #7 in A good job market. ...
- Sweden. #8 in A good job market.
| Date | Minimum wage (gross) |
|---|---|
| January 1 - June 30, 2021 | 9,50 euros per hour |
| July 1 - December 31, 2021 | 9,60 euros per hour |
| January 1 - June 30, 2022 | 9,82 euros per hour |
| July 1, 2022 onwards | 10,45 euros per hour |
You may earn up to 450 euros per month. With a minimum wage of 9.50 euros per hour (as of Jan. 2021), you have to work a maximum of around eleven hours per week or around 47 hours per month for this amount. As a full-time student, you do not have to pay taxes or social security contributions on this amount.
What is the highest paying part-time job in Germany? ›- Research scholars.
- Research assistants/academic assistants.
- Support staff.
- Teaching English as an English tutor.
- Industrial production assistants.
With plenty of straightforward rules, German is not actually as hard to learn as most people think. And since English and German stem from the same language family, you might actually be surprised at the things you pick up without even trying! And on top of it all, it's definitely a useful one, too.
What was Germany called before? ›Before it was called Germany, it was called Germania. In the years A.D. 900 – 1806, Germany was part of the Holy Roman Empire. From 1949 to 1990, Germany was made up of two countries called the Federal Republic of Germany (inf. West Germany) and the German Democratic Republic (inf.