Guide to finding work in Germany
Here’s some information to help you find jobs in Germany.
It can be hard to find jobs in Germany if you’re not native English speaker. If you have a degree or vocational qualification and work experience, there is a chance that you will find a job in Germany. This is especially true if you are qualified in certain areas with shortages of German workers.
This guide covers everything you need to know in order to find work in Germany.
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Germany: Work
Germany is the fifth-largest economy in Europe, and the fifth largest in the world. There are many jobs available in Germany for those with special skills. However, it’s also easy to find casual work. You can also find English-speaking jobs here, though you will need to know some German.
Germany’s job market
Germany has one of the lowest unemployment rates in the European Union, measuring at 3.9% in Mai 2020. This is significantly lower than the 6.7% and 7.4% averages for Eurozone and EU countries, respectively. Bavaria, where you will find Munich, has a lower unemployment rate than other parts of southern Germany.
The German Federal Institution for Population Research found that only a third (33%) of non-EU migrants living in Germany in 2010/11 were able to find work within 12 months. However, this situation has changed significantly since 2015 when Germany experienced an influx of refugees. You have better chances of getting a job in Germany if you have basic German knowledge and are highly qualified.
Many large multinational companies are based in Germany, and Germany is especially strong in the automobile sector. The following are some of Germany’s largest companies:
- Volkswagen (automotive)
- Daimler (automotive)
- Allianz (finance)
- BMW (automotive).
- Siemens (electronics)
- Bosch (electronics)
- Deutsche Telekom (telecommunications)
But, startups and smaller businesses are common. SME’s account for approximately 90% of German businesses and two-thirds all jobs.
Germany job vacancies
Germany has low unemployment levels, so there is no shortage of skills nationwide. However, there are few skilled workers in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and maths) and in health occupations, especially in eastern and southern Germany.
According to July 2020 statistics there are currently just more than 573,000 jobs vacancies in Germany. This is a decrease of nearly 800,000. There are vacancies in skilled occupations and casual work in areas like English teaching or hospitality.
Germany’s job salaries
Each year, Germany sets its minimum wage. It currently stands at EUR9.35 per hour and is fifth in the EU.
The average monthly earnings in Germany is EUR4,021. However, this can vary across sectors, regions and genders. As of 2018, the gender pay gap was 21%
Learn more about average salaries for Germany.
Germany’s work culture
German business culture has a strong management structure and is traditional hierarchical. Germans are meticulous planners and take decisions based upon hard facts. Meetings are organized and efficient. They follow a strict schedule and agenda. Discussions aim to reach compliance and make a decision.
Germany is very strict about time when it comes down to work. People in Germany are punctual and this is something you should exhibit in your professional environment.
Germany’s labor laws and rights
Germany’s average work week is approximately 40 hours, but the maximum is 48 hours. If the average number of hours worked per day is not more than eight, an employee can work as much as 10 hours per day.
Germany’s minimum annual statutory holiday entitlement is 20 days. German workers also receive other benefits like sick pay and maternal pay. An employment contract will regulate most work, whether it is part-time or full-time. You should review the finer points of any contract you sign before signing, as some employers may include clauses that favor them.
The notice period for an employer to terminate a contract in Germany is usually two weeks after the probation period and increases to four weeks for standard contracts. Notice periods for long-term workers can be longer. For example, notice periods may last up to seven months in certain cases for those who have served more than 20 years.
Learn more about German labor laws.
How to Find a Job in Germany
Expatica jobs
Expatica job has expat-friendly and English-speaking positions in Germany. A variety of sectors offer a variety of jobs that are available for English speakers as well as speakers of other languages.
EURES
You can search for a job in Germany if you are from the EU, EEA or Switzerland through the EURES website. EURES, a job portal network that’s part of the European Commission, aims to facilitate free movement within the EEA. You can also upload your CV to search for work and receive advice about the legal and administrative aspects of working in Germany. EURES hosts job fairs in spring or autumn.
German-language job boards
The Federal Employment Agency, also known as the Bundesagentur for Arbeit, or BA, is the largest provider of labor market service in Germany. It has over 700 offices and agencies throughout the country. The International Placement Service has information on job opportunities, including casual jobs. Their job portal allows you to post your profile. In addition to your career highlights and qualifications, you can also say what type of job you are looking for in which company.
You can find their job listings right, or visit the Agency’s page if you are looking for skilled workers in jobs that are not available.
German job websites
Many jobs in Germany can be found on German job and recruiting websites ( Jobsen). Some specialize in specific industries, while others are focused on jobs in Germany that are open to foreigners.
General
German-speaking jobs
- Craigslist Casual and unusual jobs, including some English-speaking positions in Germany
- English jobs
- Next Station
- The Local
- Toplanguage Jobs– English-speaking Jobs in Germany (and Other Languages)
Specialist
- Academics– Research and academic jobs
- Jobware Management and Specialist
- Staufenbiel – internships and graduate jobs
- Stepstone includes internships as well as graduate positions
Germany’s top recruitment agencies
You can find agencies in the German Yellow Pages (Gelbe Seiten), under Arbeitsvermittlung. They’ll be reputable if they are members of the Federal Employer’s Association of Personnel Service Providers or Bundesarbeitgeberverband der Personaldienstleister (BAP).
Before you sign up, make sure you check with the company whether they will pay a fee to look for work for you. Some may charge up to EUR2,000. There are many international agencies that work in Germany. Many of them will list foreign-specific jobs.
German Language Teaching
You have many options for teaching English in Germany. This includes working with children and adults, students at language schools, tutoring private pupils, and professional English teachers in international companies. A degree and some experience are required in order to be able to teach English.
You can search for TEFL job opportunities (although many websites list jobs), or look at international schools in Germany or language schools Germany or German universities.
German jobs in newspapers
Buy Saturday editions of national newspapers to find highly qualified and academic jobs at the national level. Also, look online: Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung (Munich and South), Die Welt (Dusseldorf), Handelsblatt (Dusseldorf), Frankfurter Rundshau (BerlinOnline) and Berliner Zeitung.
Websites for companies
International companies may advertise on their websites in English or German. Vacancies are usually listed under Stellenangebote or Vakanzen.
All German companies can be found via the government’s Company Register.
Consulates and embassies
You should keep an eye out for openings at the consulate or embassy of your home country in Germany. You will need to be fluent in both spoken and written German.
Networking
Many Germans view networking as something that is done among friends or close coworkers. You can make contacts through professional organizations and conferences, but don’t count on it.
LinkedIn’s Germany Business and Professional Network have job ads. You can also link up with other expats via Meetup or create your own. You never know who you might be and where it might take you.
Application for speculative jobs
You are allowed to approach German companies with speculation applications. However, you should do your research thoroughly and make sure your experience and qualifications match the requirements of the company.
Germany: Self-employment and freelance work
You can work as a freelancer or self-employed in Germany if you have a business idea or are skilled at a trade in demand. You can set up your own German business in the same way as finding work: EU/EFTA citizens and non-EU citizens who have Germany residency or the required permit are allowed to open their own businesses.
In Germany there are approximately 4.7 millions self-employed workers. An additional 764,000 self-employed people do second jobs. They make up 16.4% of Germany’s workforce.
You have the option to set up your own limited or sole trader/unlimited business, or you can register fully as a limited business and hire yourself as a director. While this has its advantages, it does not mean you can file additional paperwork or fulfill your corporate tax filing requirements in Germany.
Germany Volunteering, Internships and Traineeships
For university graduates, you can find traineeships in Europe via the European Commission Traineships Office ( Bureau de Stages). or search for summer placements and internships at AIESEC for students and recent graduates in England or IAESTE for students in engineering, science and applied arts. Go Abroad and Globalplacement both advertise internships. Praktikum, a German website that offers internship opportunities, is recommended.
Volunteering abroad can be done in exchange for food, board, and insurance. For those between 17-29, you can find volunteer programs that last up to 12 months at European Voluntary Service. Concordia offers volunteer opportunities. For holiday volunteering opportunities, check Workaway.
How to apply for jobs in Germany
After you have found a job in Germany, you need to prepare your application to meet German requirements. This often involves preparing an application file that includes your CV, copies and testimonials from your employer, and samples of your work.
A cover letter will be required to accompany your application. If you are selected for an interview, you will need to be able to communicate your expectations and know what to do during the interview.
Our guide provides details on creating a German-style resume and tips for job interviews in Germany.
Assistance while searching for a job in Germany
Germany’s social security system includes unemployment benefits for those who are out of work. You will need to have contributed to it while you were working to be eligible for full benefits. For those who are unable to contribute, funds may be available at a lower level. If you have not made enough contributions, you will need to inquire with your local job office regarding your entitlements.
You can access suitable courses through the Federal Employment Agency if you are looking to enhance your skills and career prospects in Germany.
Find out more about unemployment benefits and other forms assistance in our guide to German Social Security.
Germany’s Work Requirements
Germany Work Visas
You don’t need a permit if you are from the European Union or European Free Trade Association. However, you must register your address. Learn more about EU/EEA/Swiss movers to Germany.
Non-EU/EFTA citizens will require a work visa to enter Germany. This will depend on your country of origin and the job you want to do.
German language requirements for work
Although you might be able find English-speaking work in Germany, it is important that you can speak some German to obtain most jobs. This includes teaching English. You will likely be limited to informal and casual work, which are usually lower-paid, if you don’t speak German. It’s also unlikely that you will be able to get a job at a professional level without having good language skills.
If you want to improve your German, there are many language school in Germany.
German qualifications
In Germany there are approximately 150 regulated occupations, which include teachers, doctors, and opticians. Before you can work in Germany, your qualification must be recognized by the appropriate German authority. Find out how to recognize your job on Recognition In Germany.
Contact the Central Office for Foreign Education (Zentrale Stelle fur die Bewertung auslandischer Qualifikationen, ZAB) to get a foreign university degree verified. Germany will recognize qualifications from countries that have signed up for the Bologna Process.
Germany has both tax and social security numbers
You will be issued a social insurance number (RNVR) if you are employed in Germany or enrolled in public healthcare. This 12-digit number, which contains one letter, is used to provide social security and state pensions services. The number should be given to anyone who contributes to German social security. It should also appear on your payslips or health insurance documents.
All German residents are also assigned a tax identification number (Steueridentifikationsnummer). This number is used to calculate taxes and is made up of 11 digits.
Start a job in Germany
The German employment probation period is generally three months long, but it can go as far as six months. The notice period to terminate a job contract is shorter during this period.
As soon as you start working, your employer should enroll you in German insurance and other German social safety benefits. This includes enrolling for the German State Pension as well as for work-related Accident Insurance in Germany.
Depending on the employer, you might be eligible to opt into a company pension. This will allow you to supplement your state pension benefits and other in-work benefits.
Useful resources
- Federal Employment Agency Bundesagentur für Arbeit – Find jobs and training opportunities, as well as information about living in Germany
- EURES – EU job portal
Do you have questions about Germany? then contact us by using our Contact Me page. Checkout more posts by us on our Blog.