HOW TO FIND A JOB IN GERMANY

Germany has not only the largest economy in Europe and the fourth largest in the world, but it is also an important player in international relations, i.e. it contributes to solving the most important political and social problems of the world community. German universities offer high quality and prestigious education, which is confirmed by the large number of qualified workers among the locals. The population of Germany in 2024 is about 83.3 million people. At the same time, the unemployment rate is only 5.9%.

Jobs in Germany for foreigners in 2024 involve a high level of competition. In fact, the most realistic chances of employment are for qualified specialists with technical professions, such as engineers or workers in the field of information technology. In Germany, rather strict legislation related to labor migrants, largely due to the migration crisis in recent years, as well as the influx of foreigners from countries such as Poland and Turkey.

Work in Germany

Nevertheless, the search for work in Germany is still relevant and the flow of applicants from abroad is not decreasing. The local authorities are interested in attracting foreign specialists to keep the economy growing. In addition, the government strongly encourages foreign investment in the country, and doing business in Germany can be very profitable. German infrastructure is almost perfect, the salaries are among the highest in the EU, health care at the highest level, an excellent social package – all this creates additional conditions for labor migration to Germany.

How to go to work in Germany

One of the main tasks of any state, and especially such as Germany, is to protect the local workforce. The German labor market is subject to serious administrative influence, i.e. local officials strictly monitor the compliance of employers with labor laws, in particular on providing employees with various benefits and other social security. In turn, employees pay substantial taxes, which can reach 50% of their income.

The main problem for foreigners from countries outside the European Union when looking for a job in Germany is the need to obtain a work permit. After all, EU or Swiss citizens have the right to free employment in the German labor market without any special restrictions, and in case of a long stay, only a residence permit is issued. Working in Germany for foreigners in most cases means looking for a job even before they move to Germany.

Moreover, it is not necessary for Germans or other EU citizens to apply for the vacancy. For this purpose, an open position is posted on the website of the German Federal Employment Agency (FATG) – arbeitsagentur.de. FATG and the German Immigration Office examine every application related to the employment of foreigners from third countries in detail, after which an appropriate decision on the issuance of a work permit is made.

In case of a positive decision, the applicant goes to the German consulate in his or her home country with a list of established documents for a work visa, which also means the automatic right to continue to receive a residence permit in Germany. No later than one week after the move, you must visit the local registration office (Einwohnermeldeamt) to confirm your residential address and then apply for a residence permit (Aufenthaltserlaubnis). This is usually issued for one year and can be renewed.

Important. In 2020 in Germany came into force the law "On immigration of skilled workers", according to which migrant workers from around the world (under certain conditions) have the opportunity to come to the country for up to six months to find work, and the requirement for priority employment of citizens of Germany and the European Union was canceled. That is, some bureaucratic obstacles to the arrival of foreigners from third countries disappeared.

The ideal option for high-class specialists from abroad is to apply for the EU Blue Card. This option of labor migration to Germany can be placed in a separate category. The prerequisites for obtaining the EU Blue Card in Germany in 2024 are higher education and an annual salary of at least 58,400 euros per year.

In some types of scarce professions, such as IT, medicine, mathematics or natural sciences, this is allowed to drop to 45,600 euros. Initially the EU Blue Card in Germany is issued for 4 years or for the duration of the employment contract plus 3 months. After 2-3 years of employment it is possible to obtain permanent residency status (Niederlassungserlaubnis). Except in special cases, German citizenship is granted after at least 8 years of permanent residence in Germany.

Types of work permits in Germany

General Employment. It is issued to workers with various professional qualifications who have signed a contract with a German employer. Usually this work permit is difficult to obtain because of the great competition.

Specialist of high qualifications. This work permit in Germany is granted to the following categories of foreigners:

  • University graduates with special skills.

  • Outstanding university professors.

  • Corporate executives and top managers with a salary of at least 86,400 euros per year.

Self-employment. Suitable for foreigners planning to open their own business in Germany.

Working in Germany without intermediaries. Searching for a job.

The German labour market is very diverse and foreign specialists of different professions have good chances to find a job there if they are persistent enough. Nevertheless, before searching for a job in Germany, especially without intermediaries, it is necessary to know a few obligatory requirements.

Qualifications. Higher education and professional experience gained abroad must be recognized in Germany. You can check it here. Diplomas from German universities as well as British or Swiss ones rank higher than others and are a great advantage. Some regulated professions such as medicine require courses and additional examinations.

Language. Work in Germany without knowledge of the language is unskilled and low-paid work, most often illegal, which is unlikely to bring a tangible income, let alone allow you to stay in the country for a long time and take your family. The official language in Germany is German, the skills of which will allow the foreigner to apply for a more prestigious job. A minimum of English is definitely needed.

Germany is a big country, but chances to find a job in big cities such as Munich, Berlin and Hamburg are higher. Be sure to visit the German land as a tourist. In addition to seeing the sights and enjoying the fine cuisine, it will allow you to explore the situation and get acquainted with the locals. This is often the most effective way to find a job in Germany.

Large German businesses, especially in the automotive industry, and international companies operating in Germany often hire foreign applicants. For example, Volkswagen Group, Siemens, Bosch, BMW, Daimler, Adidas and many others. Contact employers directly. Actively use social networking sites, particularly professional ones like linkedin.com and xing.com.

Be sure to start your job search with the official website of the German Federal Labor Exchange – jobboerse.arbeitsagentur.de.

Popular German job search sites

experteer.de – Jobs in Germany for highly qualified premium professionals in management positions with annual salaries starting from 60,000 euros per year.

jobleads.de – jobs in Germany for professionals with salaries starting from 50,000 euros per year.

stellenanzeigen.de – German jobs in different sectors including industry, medicine and finance.

studentjob.de – Jobs for students in Germany.

International resources for finding work in Germany

de.indeed.com

learn4good.com

careerjet.de

German newspaper sites

Sueddeutsche Zeitung

Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung

Handelsblatt

Using an integrated approach to your job search in Germany – a variety of information sources – is sure to yield results.

Jobs and Salary in Germany

The German jobs for which foreigners can apply are first and foremost those that are in demand in the local economy. An official and up-to-date list of professions in short supply in Germany can be found on the website of the Federal Employment Exchange.

Jobs in Germany

Available jobs in Germany for foreigners in 2024:

  • Qualified engineers in the automotive, construction, mechanical, shipbuilding and electronics industries.

  • IT specialists of different directions.

  • Medical workers, including junior staff.

  • Scientists, researchers and teachers.

  • Bankers and financiers.

  • Professionals in tourism and hotel and restaurant business.

  • Some unskilled jobs, such as nannies and caregivers.

By categories of occupation, salaries in Germany are highest for doctors, lawyers, and qualified engineers -– more than €5,000 per month. Managers, programmers, teachers, architects, and journalists earn from €3,000 to €5,000. Ordinary workers, waiters, salespeople, cab drivers and other workers with low qualifications get up to 2,000 euros a month.

The official minimum wage in Germany in 2024 is 12.41 euros per hour, one of the highest in Europe. The average wage is 4,105 euros, leaving about 2,800 euros after taxes. Somewhere on par with France, the Netherlands and the UK. In addition to income, life in Germany has many advantages, for example, the country has free (insurance) medicine and higher education.

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Comments  

# Nesredin Mustefa 2023-05-12 03:13
My name is Nesredin Mustefa I am from Ethiopia I want to work in Germany if there are jobs don't require adegree Please help me. Thank you
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# MICHAEL SARFO 2023-09-14 14:22
My name is Sarfo Michael. I am from Ghana and I want to work in Germany if there are jobs don't require degree Please help me. Thank you
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# My name is Nicholas 2023-12-09 18:41
I am Nicholas Muyanja from Uganda Kampala. Am looking for a volunteering place in Germany please. I have a B1 Geothe language certificate. If someone can help me please ,I will be very glad
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