How to Find Work in Germany. Guide for Foreign Job Seekers

Germany now employs about 9.5 million foreign professionals, which is about 12% of the total labor force. However, the country needs more skilled migrants. So how to find work in Germany for foreigners and get officially employed? Where should one look for vacancies, and what salary can be expected on average? We tell you all about it in our detailed guide.

Pros and Cons of Working in Germany

Despite the current threat of an economic recession, employment in Germany remains a popular option for labor migrants. However, keep in mind that it is a different country, and the work ethic here can differ significantly from what you're used to. Work relationships in Germany are business-oriented, and attempts to build close or friendly relationships at the workplace are often met with criticism from employers. Moreover, criticism, as understood by Germans, is considered a common tool for improving employee performance, so it is expressed openly and constructively.

Features of Job Search in Germany

The German labor market is known for its structure and the wide variety of resources available to job seekers, whether it’s recruitment agencies, online platforms, or networking through social media. 

Recruitment agencies can be an excellent option for highly qualified candidates or those with management experience. Agencies are typically well-acquainted with the German labor market and have extensive networks with employers. Often, they have access to exclusive job openings that are not publicly advertised. Some of the most well-known agencies are Robert Walters, Hays, Michael Page, and Manpower Germany.

There are several ways to look for a job in Germany, both online and offline.

Online:

• Platforms that publish job advertisements. The most popular ones include Indeed.de, Stepstone.de, Monster.de, Kimeta.de, Berufsstart.de, Arbeitsagentur.de (website of the Federal Employment Agency), and Xing.com (German-language social network for professionals).
• Company websites. Many companies also post their job openings on their own websites.
• Recruitment agencies. There are a number of recruitment agencies that specialize in placing job seekers in Germany.

Offline:

• Job Fairs. This is a great way to meet potential employers and find work in Germany about available vacancies. There are many such events held in Germany every year, including some that are specifically geared towards foreign job seekers.
• Networking. Networking with people who are already working in Germany can be a great way to learn about job opportunities and get a leg up. You can network in online communities, professional associations, or even just with friends and family members who have similar experiences.

Many companies use LinkedIn to search for candidates, so having an up-to-date and well-organized profile plays an important role in attracting employers. Facebook is also useful for job hunting, especially in groups where companies post job openings and job seekers share experiences and tips on employment. Popular groups are usually called “Jobs in Germany” or “Jobs in Berlin,” where you can find helpful job postings and advice from those who already have work experience in the country.

Job searching on-site in Germany includes attending job fairs and professional exhibitions, such as Jobmesse and Connecticum, which are held periodically in major cities. You can also reach out to the Arbeitsagentur, the national employment agency, where you can receive job search consultations, information about available vacancies, and advice on adapting to the German labor market.

Work in Germany for Refugees

In Germany, refugees have access to the labor market, but the employment process varies depending on their status and the stage of their case review. During the first three months after applying for asylum, working in Germany is usually prohibited. Exceptions can be made for certain voluntary positions that do not involve formal employment.

After three months, refugees can apply to the Federal Employment Agency in Germany (Bundesagentur für Arbeit) for a work permit. Upon receiving a positive decision on their asylum case, refugees are allowed to work in any job without additional permits or restrictions. However, employers hiring a refugee must confirm that there is no demand for this position from German or EU citizens and that the pay and working conditions meet German standards.

Documents necessary for refugees to gain employment:

• Passport or ID. It is important to have proof of refugee status or a temporary residence permit (Aufenthaltsgestattung).
• Work permit. Refugees can obtain a work permit in Germany through local immigration authorities if they have a temporary stay permit (Duldung).
• German language proficiency. Most jobs require at least a basic knowledge of German. Language courses may be available through local integration programs, both volunteer-led and government-sponsored.
• Diplomas and qualification recognition. For professional jobs, recognition of foreign qualifications is necessary. There is a program called Anerkennung in Deutschland that helps assess and confirm qualifications.

Refugees who have obtained the right to work can use all the usual job search resources: recruitment agencies, specialized job sites in Germany (such as Jobbörse on the Federal Employment Agency's portal), as well as social media, and job fairs.

What do I Need to Work as a Foreigner in Germany?

At the moment, the following are the main criteria for legal employment in Germany:

• A valid work visa or residence permit.

The type of visa or residence permit depends on your nationality and the type of job you are applying for. For example, if you are a highly skilled worker, you may qualify for a European blue card in Germany. If you are coming to the country to study and then work, you can get a student visa with a work permit.

To obtain a work visa, you will need to submit a number of documents, including your passport, visa application form, proof of qualifications, and work experience. You may also be required to submit an offer from a German employer.

More information about requirements for work visas in Germany can be found on the website of the German Federal Foreign Office.

• Recognized diploma or degree.

If you plan to work in Germany in a regulated profession, for example, as a doctor, engineer, or teacher, you need to have a diploma or degree that is recognized in Germany. You can check this status on the Federal Government's Information Portal on the Recognition of Foreign Professional Qualifications.

• Sufficient German language skills.

Although many companies in Germany offer jobs in English, it is still useful to have at least a basic knowledge of German. At the very least, this will make it easier to communicate with potential employers and colleagues. In addition, without German, it will be more difficult to find a job in a competitive field such as engineering or finance.

Germany Work Visa Requirements

Most foreign nationals need a work visa in Germany. This visa allows non-EU/EEA citizens to legally work in Germany. To apply, you must have a confirmed job offer in Germany, which should specify the position, salary, contract duration, and other details of the employment conditions.

Steps for applying:

1. Gathering documents. The standard document package includes:
   • A completed visa application form (two copies).
   • A valid passport.
   • Two passport photos (meeting biometric requirements).
   • An employment contract or official job offer from the employer.
   • Proof of qualifications (diploma, certificates) and recognition of these documents in Germany, if necessary.
   • Proof of accommodation in Germany (rental agreement or confirmation from the landlord).
   • Proof of health insurance, which is mandatory in Germany.
2. Submitting the application and interview. The application is submitted to the German embassy or consulate in your country. You will need to schedule an appointment for the interview and present all necessary documents. During the interview, they may ask about your work experience, qualifications, and plans in Germany.
3. Paying the consular fee. The visa application fee is about €75–100, depending on the type of visa. This fee is paid at the time of document submission.
4. Receiving the visa and entering Germany. If your visa is approved, it is issued for up to two years with the possibility of an extension. Upon arrival in Germany, you must register at the local registration office (Bürgeramt) within 14 days and then obtain a residence permit for work at the Ausländerbehörde (local immigration office).

A German work visa also serves as a work permit. If the applicant receives a work visa, there is no need to apply for a separate germany work permit — the visa itself automatically grants the right to work in the country.

However, it is important to remember that the work visa is valid only for employment with the specific company listed in the application. If you need to change employers, you will require additional authorization or an extension of the existing residence permit in Germany. For this, you must contact the Ausländerbehörde (local immigration office).

Work Permit by Invitation

A work visa for Germany by invitation becomes available after receiving an official invitation from a German employer. If the employer is ready to hire you for a contract job in Germany, they send one copy of the contract to you and submit the other to the immigration authorities. The employer must get approval for the foreign candidate as the only suitable option for the position. This process is required to protect the local labor market, where the primary priority is to employ the German population.

If the employer successfully proves that the position cannot be filled by local workers, the prospective employee must apply to the German consulate in their country. There, they submit an application for a work visa; the German work permit visa cost ranges from €150 to €300, including consular fees (€75–€100) and mandatory health insurance costs (€80–€200).

If your profession requires qualification recognition, you will also need to pay for the translation and certification of your documents by German authorities. This procedure can cost an additional €100–€600, depending on the profession and the applicant’s place of residence.

A work visa for Germany requires submitting documents (passport, photographs), a work contract, proof of qualifications, and health insurance. After that, you will need to wait between 6 and 12 weeks, depending on the consulate’s workload and the time needed for processing. In some cases, the waiting time may be longer, as some highly qualified and state-relevant professions require approval from the Federal Employment Agency (Bundesagentur für Arbeit), which can take several more weeks.

Once the visa is obtained, you can travel to Germany. Upon arrival, you must register your place of residence (Anmeldung) and apply for a residence permit at the local immigration office.

Seasonal Work in Germany 

Seasonal work in Germany is closely tied to agriculture, the hospitality and restaurant industries, tourism, as well as logistics and warehousing. These positions are typically popular among foreign workers, as skilled labor and long-term residence are not required for this type of employment.

Seasonal opportunities in Germany for foreigners depend on EU residency status. EU citizens can work in seasonal jobs without a visa or special permit. For citizens of third countries, the process is more complicated, as they usually need to obtain a special seasonal visa for a stay of no more than 90 days within a six-month period.

The seasonal work visa is issued through the German consulate in the applicant’s country of residence. The process speeds up significantly if you already have a contract and the necessary documents from a German employer. The visa must be obtained before entering Germany, and its validity period is usually limited to the duration of the seasonal employment.

Overall, seasonal work is a good way to earn extra money, gain work experience abroad, and learn about German culture. However, it’s important to note that this type of work is physically demanding, and working hours may exceed the standard eight-hour day. Wages for such positions are typically lower than the national average income (€12.41 per hour) and range from €5 to €11 per hour.

Seasonal workers, particularly from non-EU countries, have limited access to social benefits and rights. Often, they do not have full health insurance coverage, although much of this depends on the employer. For instance, in some cases, employers provide housing, but the quality can vary greatly, ranging from poor to satisfactory. There have been cases where seasonal workers lived in cramped rooms with a lack of basic amenities, such as showers.

Seasonal work as part-time work in Germany is an option for students, expats, and professionals seeking flexible employment opportunities. Therefore, it is important to clarify all the details. In particular, you should find out what type of accommodation is provided, who pays for it, whether meals are provided, and, if so, who covers the cost.

Blue Card Requirements

The Blue Card in Germany is a type of residence and work permit for highly qualified foreign professionals. Germany is one of the countries that is gradually making it easier for non-EU nationals to relocate. A significant step in this direction was the final approval of the updated Skilled Immigration Act in July 2023.

Key changes include lowering the salary threshold for obtaining a Blue Card to €43,800 per year, introducing an "opportunity card" with a points system, and easing the rules for individuals with higher education and professional experience. For example, all foreign nationals with higher education will be able to take up any qualified job, and foreign nationals with at least two years of work experience in a specific field will be able to immigrate to Germany. Points are awarded for factors such as knowledge of German and/or English, connections to Germany, and prior work experience in the country.

Of course, the easing of conditions for the relocation of foreign workers in Germany was not accidental; the number of open vacancies in the country reached historical figures, namely 2 million at the moment. Basically, the country lacks people in the fields of agriculture, transportation, and construction.

Advantages of a blue card visa in Germany:

• Right to work and reside in Germany. The Blue Card allows you to work for a specific company and live in Germany for up to four years. After this period, it can be extended or converted into a permanent residence permit (Niederlassungserlaubnis).
• Mobility within the EU. The Blue Card allows you to move and work in other EU countries, provided you meet the local employment requirements.
• Simple renewal and obtaining permanent residency. The Blue Card to permanent residence in Germany is a streamlined process that is available after holding a Blue Card for 21 months. Candidates must demonstrate B1-level German language proficiency. If their language level is lower, they can still apply for permanent residency after 33 months.

Germany blue card requirements:

• Higher education. The degree must be recognized in Germany or be equivalent to a German qualification.
• Job offer in Germany. The applicant must receive an offer for a specific position that matches their qualifications, with a minimum contract length of one year.
• Meeting the minimum salary threshold. As of 2024, the Germany minimum salary (annual) is €56,400 for most professions. For in-demand professions such as doctors, engineers, IT specialists, and natural scientists, the minimum threshold is reduced to €43,992 per year.

Steps for applying for the Blue Card (Germany):

1. Job offer. The first step is securing a job offer from an employer in Germany. Without this step, further processing is not possible.
2. Preparing documents. The applicant will need a completed application form, passport, proof of qualifications (diploma), employment contract, and proof of health insurance.
3. Submitting the visa and residence permit application. The application is submitted to the nearest German consulate. The application is reviewed, background checks are conducted, and an interview is scheduled.
4. Registration and health insurance. After arriving in Germany, you must register at the local citizens’ office and arrange for health insurance if it hasn't been done already.

Blue Card holders benefit from simplified procedures for family reunification. Spouses and children can obtain residence permits and gain access to employment, regardless of their level of German language proficiency.

Average Salaries in Germany

Germany's lowest wage is €12.41 per hour. This is the established minimum for all workers in the country, regardless of region or industry. It is regulated by federal law, and the same conditions apply to all workers, including foreign citizens working in Germany. The government plans to counteract the effects of inflation by raising the minimum wage to €12.82 per hour in January 2025.

Wages vary significantly depending on the region. For example, working as a driver in Germany typically earns an average of €12,000 per year, but the same job in Berlin can bring in €2000–€5000 more compared to Dortmund or Cologne.

Here is a breakdown of average wages by industry, city, and profession for 2024:

Sources: destatis.de, stepstone.de, Numbeo.

It is important to note that the table shows average wages (gross salary) before taxes. In reality, tax in Germany on salary ranges from 25% to 45% of the stated amount, which significantly reduces the figures provided.

Tax System in Germany

Taxes in Germany for foreigners are the same as for local residents and include several types of taxes applied to both individuals and businesses. In addition to the standard VAT, which in Germany is 19% (7% on certain products and books), a significant part of deductions comes from income tax. In Germany, it is progressive and varies depending on the level of annual income:

• Up to €11,604 — income is tax-free.
• From €11,605 to €66,760 — the rate ranges from 14% to 42%.
• Income between €66,761 and €277,825 is taxed at a rate of 42%.
• Income over €277,825 per year is taxed at the maximum rate of 45%.

Corporate tax for companies is 15%, to which a local trade tax is added, depending on the region. This increases the total rate to approximately 30%, depending on the place of registration of the taxpayer.

There are several real estate taxes and transaction taxes that go not to the federal budget but directly to the local budgets of municipalities and cities:

• Property transfer tax (Grunderwerbsteuer). This tax is levied when purchasing real estate and varies by federal state from 3.5% to 6.5% of the property's value. For example, in Bavaria, the rate is 3.5%, while in Berlin, it is 6%.
• Annual property tax (Grundsteuer). This is paid annually, and its amount depends on the assessed value of the property and the rate set by the municipality. The tax amount can fluctuate and is determined based on the type and value of the property and the local rate.

Other types of personal income taxes in Germany:

• Solidarity surcharge (Solidaritätszuschlag). This 5.5% surcharge on income tax in Germany in 2024 applies only to taxpayers whose income exceeds €62,127 (for singles) and €123,246 (for married couples).
• Health insurance contribution (Krankenversicherung). Health insurance is mandatory for all workers and residents in Germany. The basic rate is 14.6%, split equally between the employee and employer (7.3% each). Additionally, depending on the insurance company, a surcharge of approximately 1.3% is charged, bringing the total rate to around 15.9%. Individuals with incomes above €66,500 may opt for private health insurance. However, the majority of the population uses public insurance.
• Pension insurance contribution (Rentenversicherung). German career opportunities include obligatory pension insurance contributions. It is the foundation of the public pension system. The contribution rate is 18.6% of the gross salary, also shared equally between employer and employee, with each side paying 9.3%. Contributions are only calculated on amounts up to €85,200 (in West Germany) and €81,000 (in East Germany). For example, if an employee earns €100,000 a year, the contribution is still calculated based on €81,000/€85,200.
• Nursing care insurance contribution (Pflegeversicherung). This contribution applies to everyone who has health insurance in Germany. It covers care for people requiring long-term support (elderly, disabled individuals). The basic rate of 3.05% is split equally between the employee and employer (1.525% each). However, for childless individuals over 23, the rate is 3.4%.
• Unemployment insurance contribution (Arbeitslosenversicherung). The rate is 2.6% (1.3% each from the employee and employer).
• Church tax (Kirchensteuer). Church tax is only levied on members of registered religious organizations. Depending on the federal state, it amounts to 8% (in Bavaria) or 9% (in North Rhine-Westphalia) of the income tax.

For the 2023 tax year, the deadline for filing the tax return is September 2, 2024. For the 2024 tax year, the deadline is July 31, 2025. If a tax return in Germany is filed through a consultant, the deadline is extended by several months.

In-demand Jobs and Popular Professions

The unstable global economic situation is contributing to the worsening labor shortage. In Germany in 2024, there is a high demand for specialists in several key industries, primarily related to manufacturing, healthcare, and construction. There is also still a high demand for IT specialists, though the issue is not as critical, with the shortage of skilled labor in other areas remaining higher.

Key sectors with labor shortages:

• Medicine and healthcare. Healthcare is one of the most in-demand sectors with the largest share of open vacancies in Germany. This demand is primarily driven by the aging population, not only in Germany but globally. The sector has a high demand for nurses, doctors, and therapists.
• Information technology (IT). Specialists in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and cybersecurity are in demand in this sector. Local companies are actively seeking qualified IT workers, but they often struggle to offer sufficiently competitive salaries compared to countries like the UAE, especially due to high tax deductions.
• Engineering and technical professions. Germany is a country with a strong industrial potential, and the general trend of choosing careers in the IT sector is affecting the shortage of personnel in factories and plants. Industries like mechanical engineering, automation, and electrical engineering are experiencing a severe shortage of both engineers and workers. The most acute labor shortages are in electronics and civil construction.
• Transport and logistics. Truck drivers, bus drivers, railway operators, and station operators are among the most in-demand professions.
• Construction and skilled trades. Germany needs construction workers, plumbers, electricians, and welders. Metalworkers, glaziers, and interior finishers are also in short supply, especially as urban and industrial areas expand.
• Education and social services. The growing demand for teachers, social workers, and kindergarten educators is due to a shortage of specialists in the education sector. The country is also experiencing a shortage of personnel in social services, which is driven by the increasing need to support elderly people and families.

Top Shortage Occupations in Germany

Here's a list of the occupations with the highest labor shortages: 

• Animal husbandry
• Forestry
• Gardening
• Tire vulcanization
• Woodworking, furniture making
• Metalwork
• Automation
• Geodetic works
• Finishing and plastering works
• Glazing
• Pipeline construction
• Mechanical engineering, apparatus, and container construction
• Railway infrastructure maintenance
• Catering
• Bus and streetcar drivers
• Doctors and nurses
• Engineers