Work in German: A Guide to Finding Jobs in Germany for Foreigners

Germany is one of the best countries in Europe to live and work, as many multinational companies operate there and offer jobs to people from all over the world. The German economy has been one of the strongest in Europe over the past several years, with steady growth and relatively low unemployment, making it an ideal place to find jobs for foreign nationals who wish to live and work in Germany. Foreign nationals are flocking to Germany from all over the world in order to take advantage of its lively labor market and booming 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 of time.

Working in Germany

Just like we mentioned above, Germany has the largest economy in Europe and the fifth-largest economy in the world. You can live and work in Germany even if you are not an EU citizen, as long as you meet the eligibility requirements. There are several jobs in Germany for foreign nationals with specialist skills

Well, to sustain the growth of the German economy the country needs foreign specialists in certain professions. According to the country's own Federal Employment Agency, the country needs over 400,000 skilled migrants to arrive every year in order to feed its demand for labor. There are a number of reasons for this demand, including an aging population, but the most important driver of employment opportunities in Germany's robust economy. For foreigners with specific in-demand qualifications finding a well-paid job in Germany is now more real than ever.

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

Moreover, there's a new regulation due to the new German Skilled Immigration Act, which makes it possible for foreign workers to gain employment in Germany even in positions that could be filled by Germans or EU citizens. The regulation aims to provide qualified workers from non-EU countries easier access to the German labor market, as it allows foreign nationals to come to Germany for up to half a year to look for work.

Working Conditions and Job Salaries in Germany

German Labour Code (which is actually a set of employment laws) provides a high level of protection to all employees. The average working week in Germany is around 40 hours per week, although the maximum working week is 48 hours, with a five-day working week. All employees are entitled to a minimum of 18 days of holiday per year.

However, most employers offer their employees 25-30 days of holiday. In addition, there are nine bank holidays in Germany and six regional holidays celebrated in different federal states. The minimum wage in Germany is 8.84 Euros per hour, which is 1,498 euros per month. On the other hand, the minimum wage in Germany varies each year. However, it can also vary across sectors, regions, etc.

What are the Most In-Demand Jobs in Germany

There's always been a high demand for workers with certain special skills in the German labor market. These include highly skilled individuals with university education such as physicians, engineers, teachers, natural scientists, and IT specialists as well as qualified specialists with vocational education such as nurses, caregivers, and skilled traders of different professions. However, the most in-demand jobs in Germany are in the healthcare and technology sector.

Requirements for Finding Work in Germany

Citizens of any country can apply for a job in Germany but some nationals will find it more difficult than others to get it. Foreign nationals will need to secure a work visa before they can take up work in Germany. In general, citizens of countries outside of the European Economic Area (EU and EFTA) need a work permit (that is a residence permit for gainful employment) to be allowed to work in Germany.

However, due to the new regulations we touched on earlier, foreign nationals can now secure a Job Seeker Visa. This is a document issued by the German state through consulates or embassies abroad. It gives foreign nationals permission 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 very unlikely that you would get a professional-level job without good language skills. You might be restricted to casual and informal work, which will typically pay lower.

How to Find Jobs in Germany

Finding a job in Germany when you're from another country is going to be challenging. However, there are online job listing websites 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 useful:

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, which allows employers to contact you as well. 

Other Job Sites in Germany

Furthermore, jobs are also advertised on German job and recruitment websites. Some of them specialize in certain industries of focus on jobs 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. Required documents for the job application may include:

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

Furthermore, you should attach the documents as PDF files. If you do not have electronic copies, scan them but make sure it is high quality. Also make sure the file names include your first and last name, not simply 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 how to create a German-style CV and tips for job interviews in Germany.

That's all we have for all, hope you found this guide helpful and will soon find work in Germany.