Work in Germany

Germany's thriving job market is a magnet for international talent, with expats making up over one-eighth of the population. This is especially true in sectors with skills gaps, where companies actively seek qualified individuals from abroad

There's more to the country than the major cities of Berlin, Munich, and Frankfurt. You can hike through breathtaking mountains, explore the fairytale castles of Bavaria like Hohenzollern and Neuschwanstein, or find peace by serene lakes bordering Austria.

The old towns of Nuremberg, Freiburg, and Passau will captivate history enthusiasts with their charm, while Germany's central location in Western Europe makes it the perfect starting point for European adventures. With nine neighbouring countries waiting to be explored, the possibilities are endless.

Jobs in Germany

Germany holds the position as the world's third-largest economy, following only the United States and China. As the undisputed economic powerhouse in Europe, economists predict further growth in 2025, with a projected 1% increase.

The country's strong presence in exports, especially in motor vehicles, parts, and chemicals, has firmly established its position as the world's third-largest exporter. The automotive, mechanical engineering, chemical, and electrical industries continue to uphold Germany's economic strength.

It also provides a base for a range of multinational companies, including:

Adidas
Allianz
BASF
Bayer
BMW Group
Bosch
Continental
Daimler
Deutsche Bank
Deutsche Post
Haribo
Hugo Boss
Lidl
Siemens
Volkswagen.

However, it's not just the larger companies that contribute to Germany's success story - many small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and family-run businesses play a crucial role in the country's economy.

Popular graduate jobs

chemicals
electronics
iron and steel production
machinery
vehicle manufacturing

Skills shortages

Despite the country’s growth and economic positivity, it still has some issues. Germany faces a shortage of skilled workers - nearly two million strong. Despite a recent easing, predictions suggest the country's skilled worker deficit could reach 1.3 million by 2030. The most critical gaps are in:

air transport
energy technology
information technology
natural sciences
production and manufacturing
raw material extraction.

This lack of qualified professionals also impacts the social sector, particularly education, social work, and preschool teaching. The situation in healthcare is also worsening due to an ageing workforce, with many medical and care professionals nearing retirement. This has created a lengthening list of roles needing to be filled, including:

physiotherapists
anaesthetists
neurologists
psychiatrists
psychotherapists
specialists in internal medicine.

How to get a job in Germany

The job application process is similar to that in the UK, as you'll typically need to submit a well presented CV and cover letter directly to the employer, and may be invited to one or two interviews if your application is successful.

Depending on the role you're applying for, you may be required to sit psychological and aptitude tests, and for business and management roles you may also be invited to an assessment centre.

You'll need to include copies of your education certificates with your application - this includes any vocational qualifications you've completed, as well as your school leaving transcripts and university degree. If you need to get your qualifications recognised, visit Recognition in Germany.

You can check your options for working and living in Germany using The Federal Government's Quick-Check, or explore jobs opportunities in Germany at:

Professional networking sites like LinkedIn and Xing also offer valuable job postings.

Summer jobs

As a popular European holiday destination, Germany's tourism industry has job openings available throughout the year. During the summer months, there are ample opportunities for employment in bars, restaurants, and theme parks, as they often seek to hire short-term staff between April and November.

You can search for seasonal jobs in Germany at:

Alternatively, you could consider volunteering as a way to build your skillset, network with professionals, learn a new language and improve your employability.

Teaching jobs

Germany is a popular base for large international companies and has a strong demand for English teachers. Most English students in Germany are adults, but you can also find opportunities in summer camps and schools, as well as the possibility of being self-employed as a private tutor.

To teach English in Germany, you'll need a Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) certificate, which you can obtain through The TEFL Org. You'll also need a Bachelors degree and a reasonable grasp of German.

For further guidance, you can visit i-to-i - Teach English in Germany or learn about teaching abroad as an English language assistant with the British Council.

If you're ready to start looking for teaching jobs, you can search the Yellow Pages for vacancies and contact organisations directly.

Internships

Interning in Germany can greatly enhance your career by providing an insight into how Europe's largest economy operates, while also allowing you to experience the German lifestyle and further develop your skills.

Typically lasting 12 months, many internships are paid in Germany. Some companies even offer scholarships for unpaid positions. The specific terms and conditions, including payment and scholarship availability, vary depending on the organisation you are interested in. It's best to contact the company directly to inquire about these details before applying.

You can find internship opportunities at:

AIESEC - for students and recent graduates.
GoAbroad.com - Internships abroad in Germany
GoOverseas - Internships in Germany
IAESTE - for science, engineering and arts students.

Your university may also be able to help you secure an internship, and German companies will appreciate the direct approach - send speculative applications or use social media to start networking.

German visas

The process of finding a job in Germany is smoother if you're a European Union (EU) citizen, as you won't need a visa. However, you'll need to register your residence at your local registration office within three months of your arrival - to do this you'll need a valid passport and proof of your residency (such as a rental contract).

Non-EU citizens will need a work visa, like the Job Seeker Visa, which allows for a six-month job search.

The Skilled Immigration Act streamlines the process of securing a job in Germany for qualified non-EU citizens. It uses a points system that considers your qualifications, work experience, ties to Germany, and even your age. This makes it easier for skilled workers to find opportunities.

German law defines qualified professionals as those with either a:

university degree
vocational training qualification obtained through a programme lasting at least two years.

Visit the Federal Foreign Office - Visa information to find out more about your exact entry requirements. Those from the UK can get more information from the German Embassy in London.

If you studied in Germany you may apply for a residence permit, which gives you 18 months to find a job after graduation.

Read about getting a German EU Blue Card, the main residence permit for university graduates from abroad, at VisaGuide.World.

Language requirements

While the majority of the German workforce has a strong grasp of English, being able to speak a decent level of German is essential for securing a job and living comfortably in the country.

This is not enforceable by law and there's no compulsory proficiency test to take. While you'll need fluency in German to hold some positions, such as within the healthcare sector, for others your employer will decide whether your proficiency is sufficient for the role.

It's best to start learning from home before you move. There are plenty of language courses available in the UK, and websites such as BBC Languages - German will help you improve.

A comprehensive beginner's guide to learning German that covers German grammar, idioms and daily expressions is available at Studying in Germany - Learn German.

Once you arrive in the country, there are plenty of other opportunities to get your standard of German up to speed. For more information, see German Visa - Integration courses.

How to explain your qualifications to employers

UK qualifications are usually equivalent to their German counterparts and will typically be accepted by employers. However, individuals in one of Germany's 60-plus regulated professions, such as doctors and lawyers, must have their qualifications recognised in Germany before they can start working. You can use the finder tool at Recognition in Germany for the recognition of professional qualifications.

The cost of applications for recognition can be up to €600 (£508). It's also advisable for professionals in non-regulated professions to have their qualifications recognised, as this can provide potential employers with a clear understanding of their skills.

What it's like to work in Germany

According to the Federal Holiday Act, employees who work a five-day week are entitled to a minimum of 20 days of annual leave, or 24 days for a six-day week. However, most companies provide their workers with around 27 to 30 days per year. Germany has more public holidays than any other European country, making it easy for you to find time to explore the country during your stay.

The national minimum wage in Germany for 2024 is €12.41 (£10.50) per hour. Your annual earnings will be subject to a basic tax allowance of €11,604 (£9,841). Once your salary exceeds this amount, you'll be taxed between 14% and 42%, based on your income.

For higher earners, the tax rate can reach up to 45%, but this applies to those earning over €277,825 (£235,031). If you're employed in Germany, you'll likely be subject to withholding tax, where your income tax is calculated and deducted from your monthly pay.

The workplace environment in Germany is formal and professional, characterised by a strict hierarchy and a strong emphasis on rank and responsibility.

Find out more

Discover what it's like to study in Germany.
For a career, education and lifestyle guide, see deutschland.de.