In this article, we will provide a step-by-step guide on how to find a job in Germany as a foreigner. As the 5th largest economy in the world and with a meager unemployment rate, Germany is a rich hunting ground for international job seekers, especially if you are a skilled worker with a university education.
Salaries and Benefits for Employees in Germany
The salary and benefits packages for employees in Germany are generally considered to be comprehensive and competitive.
The minimum wage in Germany is €12.41 ($13.51) per hour for most industries, and many companies offer salaries above this level, often based on the employee’s qualifications, experience, and job responsibilities.
Mandatory employee benefits in Germany include retirement, unemployment insurance, healthcare, long-term nursing care, and workers’ compensation.
Meanwhile, common supplementary employee benefits include retirement, life insurance, and disability. Perks may include company cars, job bikes, transportation allowances, childcare, gym memberships, and lunch vouchers.
Additionally, Germany is known for its generous statutory holiday entitlements, with workers typically receiving around 24 paid holidays per year.
How to Get a Job in Germany as a Foreigner: A Step-by-Step Guide
Overview of the German Job Market
The German job market is renowned for its stability and low unemployment rate, which makes it an attractive place for individuals seeking to start or advance their careers.
The key industries in Germany include management, computer science, and finance, with leading companies such as Siemens, BMW, and Deutsche Bank setting the pace in these sectors.
Additionally, Germany is a popular destination for international job seekers, as the country has a well-established immigration process and supports integration initiatives for immigrants to help them settle into the country and its job market smoothly.
Understanding the Working Culture in Germany
The working culture in Germany is renowned for its strong emphasis on punctuality, efficiency, and high-quality work.
Employees are expected to adhere to set schedules and deadlines and to take their job responsibilities seriously.
A hierarchical structure is often present in the workplace, with clear lines of authority and communication.
In terms of work-life balance, Germans tend to value their leisure time and prioritize it over long work hours.
However, the culture is shifting towards a more flexible approach, with many companies now offering flexible working hours and remote work options.
Additionally, the country has a strong focus on continuing education and professional development, with employees encouraged to upskill and progress in their careers.
Check Your Chances
The Quick Check on the Make it in Germany website should indicate your chances of working in Germany. There is demand, among others, for doctors, nursing staff, engineers, mechatronic technicians, IT specialists, and train drivers. Before you start looking for a job it is best to first clarify whether you need a visa to work in Germany.
Get Your Qualifications Recognised
For many jobs, it can be useful and for some, it is even necessary that vocational or educational qualifications from your home country are recognized in Germany. You can check whether this applies to you on the Recognition in Germany website.
Look for a Job
The job listings on the Make It in Germany website give details of vacancies where international specialists are explicitly sought. You can also carry out job searches on the Federal Employment Agency website, in large employment exchanges like Stepstone, Indeed, and Monster, or among the vacancies published on business networks like LinkedIn or Xing. If you’re interested in specific companies, look for vacancies directly on their corporate websites.
Overview of job exchanges in Germany
Write an Application
Normally, an application to a German company includes a cover letter, a CV with a photograph, certificates, and testimonials. Make sure you have the required qualifications and emphasize them in your cover letter.
Apply for a Visa
Citizens from EU countries, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Iceland do not require a visa to work in Germany.
Are you a citizen of Australia, Canada, Israel, Japan, South Korea, New Zealand or the USA? Then you can enter Germany without a visa and remain for up to three months. If you want to work here, however, you will need to apply for a residence permit that allows you to take up gainful employment.
Citizens of all other countries require a visa. You should only apply for one when you already have a contract of employment in Germany. Make an appointment at the German Embassy in your country and inform your future employer that it can take some time before all visa formalities are completed.
If you have a higher education qualification that is recognized in Germany, you can receive a six-month visa to look for a job.
How to Get a Work Visa for Germany
- First things first, find a job offer in Germany. This is your ticket to getting a work visa, so make sure you secure a job offer from a German employer before applying for an employment visa.
- Next, determine whether you need a visa for long stays in Germany. If you’re a citizen of the European Union (EU) or European Economic Area (EEA), you’re in luck as you do not need a German work visa. However, if you’re not from the EU or EEA, you’ll need an employment visa.
- Once you’ve sorted that out, it’s time to determine where to submit your visa application. This can vary depending on your location, so be sure to check whether you need to submit your visa application to the German Embassy or Consulate.
- Now comes the time to collect all the necessary documents. Before applying for an employment visa, you’ll need to gather all the relevant documents, including your passport, CV, job offer letter, and other certificates.
- Finally, attend a visa interview to submit your documents and answer questions related to your application. Be sure to schedule an appointment and prepare for your interview in advance.
How to Get a Job Seeker Visa for Germany
If you’re a non-EU citizen and wish to search for employment opportunities in Germany, you can apply for a Job Seeker visa.
Here are the general steps to follow to obtain a Job Seeker visa for Germany:
- First, you should check if you meet the eligibility requirements, which include providing proof of vocational or academic training and having qualifications recognized in Germany or equivalent to a German degree or diploma. If you are seeking employment in a regulated profession like healthcare, a professional practice permit is mandatory [3].
- To apply for a job seeker visa for Germany, you need to find out where in your country to submit your application. You’ll likely submit your application to an embassy or consulate where a fee is required [1][2].
- Once you have completed all necessary steps and submitted your application, you can retrieve your job seeker visa upon entering Germany and if you find a job within the six months, you can then apply for a work visa to stay and work in Germany.
As an international student learning on-campus at IU International University of Applied Sciences, you can change your residence permit into an 18-month post-study job seeker’s visa as soon as you finish, allowing you to stay in Germany and find work.
Obtain Health Insurance
Health insurance is mandatory in Germany, and that applies from the first day of your stay.
Here you will find checklists to help you look for work in Germany.
Jobs in demand in Germany
Resources for Finding Jobs in Germany
1. Online Job Portals
Popular online job portals such as Monster.de, Stepstone.de, and Indeed.de can be a great starting point for job seekers. These websites host job postings from employers across various industries and allow you to create a profile with the option of uploading your resume.
Some of these online job portals include:
2. Networking
Networking is a key component of the job search process in Germany. Attend career fairs, and industry events, and connect with people in your field through professional organizations and social media.
3. Recruitment Agencies
Recruitment agencies specialize in finding job candidates for employers. Many job seekers find success by working with a recruitment agency that understands their skills and qualifications.
4. Company Websites:
Directly applying to companies through their websites can be a good way to find job opportunities. Many companies post job openings on their websites, and you can also use the company’s website to learn about the company culture and see if the company aligns with your values and career goals.
5. Internship Programmes:
Internships can be a great way to gain experience and make connections in your desired industry. Many companies offer internships to students or recent graduates, and these opportunities can lead to full-time employment.
Conclusion
Germany’s thriving job market is a magnet for international talent, with expats making up over one-eighth of the population. This is especially true in sectors with skills gaps, where companies actively seek qualified individuals from abroad
