Work in Germany: A Guide to Finding a Job in Germany as a Foreigner

Due to the large number of international corporations that operate there and employ individuals from all over the world, Germany is one of the most significant places to live and work. With consistent growth and relatively low unemployment over the past few years, Germany’s economy has been among the best in Europe, making it the perfect spot for foreign nationals who want to live and work in Germany to find employment. People worldwide are moving to Germany to take advantage of its vibrant job market and expanding economy.

Finding jobs in Germany as a foreign national can be difficult if you don’t know where to look or how to present yourself. In this guide, we’ll cover the main factors that influence finding a job in Germany, what you can expect after landing your first job, and we’ll also discuss the different permits and work visas available for people who want to make Germany their home for an extended period.

Working in Germany as a Foreigner

Germany’s economy is the fifth-biggest in the world and the largest in Europe, as was already noted. If you meet the qualifications, you can live and work in Germany even if you are not an EU citizen. For foreign nationals with specialized expertise, Germany offers a variety of career opportunities.

Germany needs foreign experts in specific professions to maintain its economic growth. As a result, the nation’s Federal Employment Agency estimates that it needs more than 400,000 skilled immigrants to come here each year to meet its labor need. Although several factors contribute to this need, such as an aging population, the solid German economy is the primary source of job possibilities. As a result, it is now easier than ever for foreigners with specific in-demand talents to acquire a well-paying job in Germany.

Furthermore, the job market in Germany currently has approximately 1.2 million job vacancies, and still, there are hundreds of jobs created each year. To sum up, Germany’s labor market lacks skilled workers in several vital sectors. And the German government and employers welcome foreign workers to fill the gap.

The new German Skilled Immigration Act has also resulted in a new law that permits foreign workers to work in Germany, even in jobs that might be filled by Germans or EU residents. In addition, the law allows foreign citizens to visit Germany for up to six months to look for work to give competent individuals from non-EU nations more accessible access to the German labor market.

Working Conditions and Job Salaries in Germany

All employees are given high protection under the German Labour Code, a collection of employment legislation. The maximum work week in Germany is 48 hours, with a five-day work week; however, the typical work week is around 40 hours. In addition, every employee is entitled to a minimum of 18 vacation days each year.

However, most employers give their employees 25–30 days off annually. There are also nine bank holidays and six regional holidays observed by the federal states in Germany. Germany’s minimum wage is 8.84 euros per hour or $1,498 per month. The German minimum wage, however, changes every year. It can, however, differ between industries, places, etc.

What are the Most In-Demand Jobs in Germany

The German labor market has always had a high demand for workers with specific specialized talents. These include trained professionals with occupational training, such as nurses, carers, and skilled traders of many professions, as well as highly qualified individuals with university education, such as doctors, engineers, teachers, scientists, and IT specialists. However, the healthcare and technology industries have the most in-demand positions in Germany.

Requirements for Finding Work in Germany

Any national can apply for a job in Germany, but some will have a more challenging time getting one than others. Before beginning employment in Germany, foreign nationals must obtain a work visa. In addition, to work in Germany, residents of nations outside of the European Economic Area (EU and EFTA) must have a work permit (a residence permit for gainful employment).

However, due to the new regulations we touched on earlier, foreign nationals can now secure a Job Seeker Visa. The German state issued this document through consulates or embassies abroad. It permits foreign nationals to find work in Germany. The German Job Seeker Visa allows newly arrived foreigners six months in which they can settle into German life and start contacting potential employers.

Moreover, you will need to be able to speak at least some German to get most jobs. Although you may find English-speaking jobs in Germany, it is doubtful that you would get a professional-level job without good language skills. As a result, you might be restricted to casual and informal work, typically paying lower.

How to Find Jobs in Germany

Finding a job in Germany when you’re from another country will be challenging. However, online job listing websites are available to facilitate the job hunting and application process for foreign nationals. If you want to know what your chances of finding a job and see job openings, you will find the following sites helpful:

EURES

EURES is a job portal network that is part of the European Commission and aims to aid free movement within the EEA. If you’re from the EU, EEA, or Switzerland, you can look for a job in Germany through the EURES (European Employment Services) website. As well as looking for work, you can upload your CV and get advice on the legal and administrative issues involved in working in Germany. The German Federal Employment Agency (BA) is part of EURES.

Public German Job Sites

The Federal Employment Agency (Bundesagentur für Arbeit, BA ), the largest provider of labor market services in Germany, has a network of over 700 agencies and offices around the country. The website is updated daily; you can open a profile and post, allowing employers to contact you.

Other Job Sites in Germany

Furthermore, jobs are also advertised on German job and recruitment websites. Some of them specialize in specific industries of focus on employment in Germany for foreigners. They include Craigslist, Monster, Jobstairs, etc.

How to Apply for Work in Germany

Once you’ve found a job in Germany to apply for, you will need to prepare your application according to German expectations. This means putting together an application file containing your credentials. You can usually apply for a job online, through an application portal, or by sending your CV and other required documents through email. Documents needed for the job application may include:

• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Cover letter
• Work samples
• Education certificates

Additionally, you should attach the documents as PDF files. If you do not have electronic copies, scan them but ensure they are high quality. Also, ensure the file names include your first and last name, not simply your CV, Cover Letter, etc. The recruiter is likely looking at dozens of CVs and covers letters, so you want to stand out. You can check out this guide on creating a German-style CV and tips for job interviews in Germany.