Everything You Need to Know About Working in Germany as a Foreigner

If you’re thinking about relocating to Germany or working there for an extended period of time, here are some of your top questions answered. You will find links on how to apply for various jobs and other important information

  Immigration   Jun 19, 2022   0  Add to Reading List
Everything You Need to Know About Working in Germany as a Foreigner

If you’re thinking about moving to Germany to work, you’ll want to know the ins and outs of working in the country before you arrive. This guide will tell you everything you need to know about getting your visa, applying for a job, navigating German tax laws, getting health insurance, and setting up your residence abroad before you make the big move. Plus, we’ll tell you about specific things that are different or easier if you’re coming from the United States or other English-speaking countries.

About Jobs in Germany

More and more people are looking at jobs in Germany these days, but few know much about what types of jobs are available or how to find them. Many assume that their only option is teaching English; while it’s true that many opportunities for foreigners exist in fields such as education, healthcare, construction, and engineering (to name just a few), there are also several Top Jobs that may surprise you.

Getting Settled

Finding work is always one of your first priorities when moving abroad, and Germany is no exception. But finding a job isn’t quite as simple for foreigners looking to move there; there are many details you need to consider.

First, it helps if you speak at least some German before you arrive: it will make finding housing easier on your own (if you don’t have an apartment lined up), and it may even help with getting work.

While most companies aren’t required to hire someone who doesn’t speak German, they might be more likely to give you a chance if they know that you’re willing to learn. And while speaking English won’t hurt your chances of getting hired, especially in larger cities like Berlin or Munich, knowing some basic phrases can go a long way toward making your transition smoother.

However, in other to live and work in Germany as a foreigner there are certain requirements you must meet up. Here are those requirements.

Work Permits

In order to work in Germany, you’ll need a work permit (Aufenthaltsgenehmigung) from your local immigration office. However, these aren’t guaranteed and there is no clear-cut way to get one the best advice for foreigners looking for jobs and living in Germany is simply: to be flexible. If you want one of the most sought-after positions, apply for it before you arrive! Many companies won’t even consider hiring someone who doesn’t have all their paperwork ready to go.

For example, if you want to teach English in Germany or work at an international company, make sure you have your teaching certificate or degree translated into German and certified by a notary public before applying for a job. Otherwise, expect months of frustration while you try to figure out how to prove that your credentials are legitimate

Banking, Taxes, and Health Insurance

All foreigners coming to Germany need a so-called Aufenthaltsgenehmigung, or residence permit. This document is issued by your local German Ausländerbehörde (immigration office) and allows you to live and work here on a temporary basis. What’s more, you’ll also need health insurance while living in Germany; just as important, you must pay taxes here.

So how do you get these things? And what are some of the other things you should know about working in Germany for foreigners? Here are some answers. To begin with, when it comes to taxes, it doesn’t matter whether you come from Europe or elsewhere

you will have to file a tax return each year that shows all income earned during that time period. For example, if you work part-time in addition to your full-time job, that income needs to be reported on your tax return.

Finding Jobs

Finding a job in Germany isn’t always easy. The German labor market is tight and there are relatively few positions available. If you’re moving to Munich, Berlin, or Frankfurt, you might want to get started on your search early. Your top options for finding work in Germany include: networking with ex-pats and German companies; scouring job boards; and applying directly at organizations that interest you.
There are lots of job-hunting websites out there, but these are some of our favorites Here’s where you’ll find jobs listed by category and by city. Job vacancies are continuously updated here, with thousands of new job listings posted each day. If you don’t see what you need, refine your search using an advanced search feature (you can adjust categories, location, and more). Browse through these job postings for ideas or submit your resume online for consideration. These sites allow you to search for jobs across multiple cities in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.
Use Google Translate if necessary! These sites allow you to apply directly for open positions without having to go through a third-party site like Monster or CareerBuilder.
Forums & Networking: Getting involved with local ex-pat communities is one of the best ways to network with Germans and other foreigners who have already set up shop abroad.

Student Work Visas

If you’re under 30 years old, you may qualify for a student work visa. To secure one of these coveted documents, you must prove that your university or vocational school is certified and accredited. There are strict educational standards that must be met: Your course of study must last at least three months and can’t exceed three years, which means there must be structured final exams at some point during your time studying

Work Visas for Highly Skilled Workers

If you’re talented and skilled, then you might be able to immigrate with a work visa. But that’s not your only option; if you want to travel or live abroad, you can even find jobs for foreigners without paperwork. Because of globalization and EU laws, it’s becoming easier than ever for people from other countries to legally move around Europe. And there are now plenty of international job opportunities available outside of just Britain and America.
If you’re an experienced professional, you may be eligible for one of three different types of work visas, which grant you permission to live and work in Germany.

The first type is for highly skilled workers;

These are limited but do exist if you fall into very specific job categories. This work visa only allows you to come and go freely within Europe.

The second type is a long-term residence permit,

This grants you full access to Germany and its social benefits system.

The third type is a settlement permit.

This lets you apply for German citizenship after five years of living in Germany. However, most jobs will require at least some sort of German language skills, so if English isn’t your native tongue, start learning! In addition, many employers prefer candidates who have completed formal training or education in their field.
So if you don’t already have a degree, consider enrolling in German classes while looking for work. These programs aren’t free, but they can help you qualify for a better position. In general, though, working in Germany is possible for anyone who has a decent grasp of German and wants to make an effort to integrate into society. It’s also worth noting that German labor law favors employees over employers when it comes to wages and contracts so if you feel like something isn’t right during your interview process or on your first day on the job, speak up

Top Jobs opening in Germany

A recent study by Adzuna found that German companies are creating more job openings than any other country. This may not come as much of a surprise, considering German companies like BMW and Siemens have received millions of dollars worth of orders recently. If you’re looking for top jobs opening in Germany.
The best way to get started is to speak with an expert who can help guide you through every step of your search. An experienced consultant will be able to connect you with top employers in their network and help you navigate local labor laws. Plus, they’ll give you advice on how to make yourself stand out from other candidates during interviews so that you can start your new career off on the right foot.
  • Software developers, architects, programmers.
  • Electronics engineers.
  • IT consultants, IT analysts.
  • Nurses.
  • Business managers.
  • Account managers.
  • Production assistants.
  • Sales managers, representatives

Which field has more job opportunities in Germany?

First, let’s take a look at which field has more job opportunities in Germany. At first glance, it seems like engineering and IT have their pick of jobs over other fields. However, looking into that further shows that there are many jobs for architects and graphic designers too.
Most job openings are expected in Southern and Eastern Germany. However, there are many jobs that one can easily get in Germany, you can receive your license from the state to practice in Germany even if you have a foreign degree.

Which subject is best for a job in Germany?

As an international job seeker, you’re probably wondering which subject would be best for your stay in Germany. Well, there are so many possibilities. First, let’s break down some of your options by profession. If you have a trade (i.e., automotive engineer), then your best option is typically to work for an established company like Daimler or BMW that does business internationally and has no qualms about hiring foreigners.
Statista, a market research company has conducted a study to find the best jobs in Germany. Highest Paid Degrees in Germany
  • Medicine and Dentistry. ...
  • Law. ...
  • Industrial Engineering. ...
  • Engineering. ...
  • Mathematics and Computer Science. ...
  • Natural Sciences. ...
  • Business and Economics

Sometimes many people do ask if Companies hire foreigners, The German labor market lacks skilled professionals in several important areas and the German government and employers are welcoming foreigners to fill this gap.

Meanwhile, we have provided you with the most demanding jobs in Germany here are the highest demanding jobs in Germany. 

  1. Electronics Engineer.
  2. Computer Science, IT professionals, and Software Developers.
  3. Mechanical Engineering.
  4. Account Managers / Business analysts.
  5. Civil Engineer / Architect
  6. Civil Engineers
  7. Mechatronics Engineers

Final Thought

People come from all over to work in Germany, with Berlin and Munich being at the top of everyone’s list. When choosing your location, it’s worth looking at cost of living and average salaries for your skill set; both tend to be higher in northern Europe. If you’re just starting out, you might consider taking an entry-level job in one of these cities – and save up for some time before moving on