Work In Germany
Is working in Germany as a foreigner feasible? What are the hours like? How do you even get a work visa? If you've been asking yourself these questions, here's everything you need to know.
Is working in Germany as a foreigner feasible? What are the hours like? How do you even get a work visa? If you've been asking yourself these questions, here's everything you need to know.
How is the German job market for foreigners?
Germany is short on workers. The unemployment rate was 3.9% in mid-pandemic, one of the lowest in the world. The German Federal Employment Agency says the country needs well over 400,000 skilled foreign workers arriving every year to barely satisfy demand. The reasons: an ever-growing economy and an aging population that can't keep up.
That's good news for you.
What jobs are in demand?
Engineering is a no-brainer. Germany is one of the biggest industrial countries in the world. Automotive and aerospace engineering, automation, civil and chemical engineering, and all kinds of computer science. The IT sector is one of the fastest growing in the country.
Not into engineering? Hospitality and tourism continue to grow. Green technology (solar energy, hydropower, sustainable architecture, biomass) and healthcare are also expanding fast. The pandemic exposed just how understaffed German healthcare is.
What are salaries like?
| Metric | Amount |
|---|---|
| Minimum wage (2022) | 1,600 euros/month |
| Average monthly income | 4,021 euros |
| Gender pay gap (2018) | 21% |
| Paid holiday (minimum) | 20 days + public holidays |
| Work week | 40 hours (max 48) |
How do I find a job in Germany?
The biggest factor: whether you speak German, and how well. If you're unsure whether your German is enough, check here.
If you already speak German, start with public job sites like Make it in Germany. There are also specialized Jobborsen (job boards):
General jobs: Jooble, JobStairs, Kimeta, Kununu
Specialist jobs: Academics (research), Jobware (management), Stepstone (graduates/internships)
Can I work in Germany without speaking German?
Yes. English-speaking jobs exist, especially in tech and international companies. Sites like English Jobs, The Local, and Toplanguage Jobs list them. Native English speakers can also teach English in Germany with a degree, teaching experience, and a TEFL qualification.
Can I freelance in Germany?
Yes, and it's relatively straightforward. Freelancing can actually help you score a residency permit more easily on the basis of self-employment. You'll need to prove you have the skills and enough resources to stay afloat while your business gets going.
How do I get a German work visa?
You need a Job Seeker Visa. It lets you stay in Germany for six months while you find work. To get one, you usually need to be a skilled worker with recognized higher education in your field.
The process: gather documents, fill out the application, submit it to a German embassy or consulate near you. About three months later, you'll attend a short visa interview. Within six weeks after that, your visa gets approved. The whole thing takes less than five months.
Once you've landed a job, you can apply for a residence permit. Requirements include German proficiency and proof that the position couldn't be filled by German or EU citizens. Your employment contract determines how long the permit lasts, but you can extend it as long as you stay employed.
Do I need to get my qualifications recognized?
Yes. Having your vocational or educational qualifications from your home country recognized in Germany is useful for most jobs and sometimes required. Use the Recognition in Germany website to find out how.
What about health insurance?
Health insurance in Germany is mandatory from your first day. Your employer enrolls you for public health insurance and social security benefits after you start working. This includes the state pension and work-related accident insurance.
You'll get a social insurance number (for pension and social security) and a tax identification number (Steueridentifikationsnummer) for tax purposes. Your employer may also offer a company pension on top of the state one.
| Resource | What it offers |
|---|---|
| Federal Employment Agency | Jobs, training, working information |
| EURES | EU-wide job portal |
| Make it in Germany | Official government guide for foreign workers |
| Recognition in Germany | Qualification recognition |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work in Germany as an American?
Yes. Americans need a Job Seeker Visa to look for work in Germany. It's valid for six months. Once you find a job, you apply for a residence permit. Skilled workers with recognized qualifications have the best chances.
How many hours do Germans work per week?
The standard German work week is 40 hours, with a legal maximum of 48. You can work up to 10 hours per day as long as your average doesn't exceed 8 hours over a 24-week period. You're entitled to at least 20 days paid holiday per year plus public holidays.
Do I need to speak German to work in Germany?
Not always. English-speaking jobs exist, especially in tech and international companies. But knowing German significantly expands your options and is required for most roles outside of multinational environments.
What is the minimum wage in Germany?
As of 2022, the minimum wage in Germany is 1,600 euros per month, placing Germany fifth among European countries. The average monthly income for skilled workers is around 4,000 euros.
