Germany is a country with a strong economy and a high standard of living, which makes it an attractive destination for foreigners seeking employment opportunities. With a population of over 83 million people and a GDP of $4.2 trillion, Germany has a diverse and thriving labor market that offers a range of job opportunities for both German and non-German citizens.
One of the biggest advantages of working in Germany is the country's low unemployment rate, which currently stands at 3.7%. This means that there are plenty of job opportunities available in a variety of industries, including engineering, IT, healthcare, finance, and manufacturing.
In-demand Professions
Germany has a shortage of skilled workers in certain professions, particularly in the fields of engineering, healthcare, and IT. Some of the most in-demand professions in Germany include:
- Engineers (mechanical, electrical, software, etc.)
- IT professionals (programmers, developers, software engineers, etc.)
- Healthcare workers (nurses, doctors, pharmacists, etc.)
- Scientists (biologists, chemists, physicists, etc.)
- Teachers (primary, secondary, and tertiary education)
Job Search Strategies
There are several ways to search for jobs in Germany, including online job portals, recruitment agencies, and networking. Some popular job portals include:
- Indeed.de
- Stepstone.de
- Xing.com
- Monster.de
- LinkedIn.com
It's also a good idea to network with people in your industry and attend job fairs and events. Many companies in Germany prefer to hire candidates who have already established a presence in the country and can speak German, so it's important to learn the language and immerse yourself in the culture.
Useful Job Portals
- Indeed.de is a popular job portal that aggregates job postings from across the web. Users can search for jobs by location, salary, and industry, and can create a profile to receive job alerts and save job postings.
- Stepstone.de is another popular job portal that allows users to search for jobs by keyword, location, and industry. The site also features a salary calculator and a company database that provides information on company size, turnover, and employee satisfaction.
- Xing.com is a professional networking site that allows users to connect with other professionals and search for jobs. The site features job postings from a variety of industries, as well as a company database and a salary calculator.
- Monster.de is a job portal that allows users to search for jobs by keyword, location, and industry. The site also features a salary calculator and a career advice section with tips on job searching and interviewing.
- LinkedIn.com is a professional networking site that allows users to connect with other professionals and search for jobs. The site features job postings from a variety of industries, as well as a company database and a salary calculator.
Who needs a visa to work in Germany?
There are several countries whose citizens do not need a visa to work in Germany. However, most countries in the world fall under the German visa regime when it comes to working in Germany.
A visa is not required to work in Germany for:
- Citizens of one of the member states of the European Union, the European Economic Area and the European Free Trade Association do not need a German visa to be able to work in Germany.
- Applicants, who are citizens of Australia, Canada, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, the United States of America or South Korea, can apply for a residence permit upon arrival in Germany without having to initiate such procedures in their home country. The above-mentioned only need a passport to be able to enter the country.
As for citizens of other countries of the world who do not fall into these two categories, they must apply for and receive a visa in order to be able to enter and work in Germany.
Types of long-term work visa to Germany
There are three types of long-term work visas depending on your field of expertise and the economic needs of the Federal Republic of Germany.
General work visa to Germany
Those intending to apply for this type of national work visa must fulfill two vital conditions:
- Professional and technical qualification;
- Specific offer in an employment contract.
Special work visa to Germany
Germany has established visas for specialist professionals who wish to work and live in Germany. This type of visa applies, in particular, to graduates with special professional knowledge, university teachers with outstanding professional profiles and experienced managers with a job offer with a salary of at least 86 400 euros per year.
The only condition that must be fulfilled by the applicant of these categories is the availability of sufficient funds for maintenance and an employment contract.
According to information from the European Commission, a foreign applicant applying for a German visa must be able to prove the availability of 45 euros per day at a German embassy or consulate during the period of stay in Germany. This could be a document with your personal financial statements for the last three months, a fixed deposit statement, a written confirmation from your parents or sponsor that they will cover your expenses together with a document showing that they have the funds to do so, or something else.
Visa for self-employed individuals to Germany
This category includes those who:
- Want to work as a freelancer in Germany;
- Want to open a business in Germany and have enough funds for this.
The procedure and required documents are the same as for other types of visas, with the additional requirement that you must prove that your work will benefit Germany.
Requirements for a work visa to Germany
The following documents are required to work in Germany:
- The letter of intent or contract offered to you by a company in Germany containing a detailed job description.
- For a general work visa to Germany: confirmation of the necessary professional qualifications.
- For a special work visa for Germany: documentation of your professional knowledge and experience – this includes a resume, reference documents from previous employers, university degrees, certificates and anything else that proves your professional ability to work.
- Health insurance for foreign workers in Germany.
Usually two copies are required for each original document, so make sure you have photocopies of all documents.
Application for a work visa to Germany
The application procedure for a long-term work visa in Germany is almost the same as applying for any long-term German visa.
You can start applying for a work visa to Germany by following these steps:
- Prepare an application for a work visa to Germany in advance. Get a list of the documents you need for the visa you want to apply for and collect them all, including the German work visa application form. Print the form and sign it at the end if required. Fill out the form here.
- Make an appointment. You can book an interview for a German work visa online through the website of the German embassy in your country. If you do not book an appointment before you come to the application center, they will not accept your documents or application.
- On the day of the interview. Make sure you arrive at the application center on time as they may not accept your application if you are late. After your appointment letter is verified, you will be issued a token. The submission process takes about 10 minutes.
- Entering information about the application. After your application has been verified, all information from the application form will be entered into the online system of the German consulate and you will receive a printed copy of your application. This process usually takes 10 to 15 minutes. After receiving the printed form, make sure that all the data is correct and sign the form.
- Pay the fees for applying for a work visa to Germany. After paying the duty, you will be issued a receipt, which you must keep in order to receive your processed application later.
- Collection of biometric data. After completing the application, biometric data will be collected. This is a quick process that captures a 10-digit fingerprint using a digital fingerprint scanner. It usually takes 7-8 minutes per applicant.
After all these steps, the application procedure is complete. The embassy or consulate where you applied will process your application. Meanwhile, they can also request additional documents as mentioned above. Be careful to provide everything they ask for in addition, otherwise your visa may be refused.
PLEASE NOTE that your passport will remain at the embassy/consulate where you applied for the duration of the German work visa process. If you need to withdraw your passport for any reason, be it travel or otherwise, you will have to apply again from the beginning.
Transportation of family members to Germany on a German work visa
Citizens of member states of the European Union working in Germany can bring their family members with them, such as spouse, children under 21 years of age, parents, grandparents, if they have the financial ability to support them and can provide enough of living space.
For non-EU nationals with a work visa, family members usually include children under the age of 18, a spouse and, in some cases, other family members. Family reunification can take place only after certain conditions are met, such as:
- Having enough rooms for the people the applicant wants to host.
- Sufficient and secured finances to be able to support the people you are willing to reunite with.
- Basic knowledge of the German language.
- Family members must apply for a German family reunification visa and complete the necessary procedures to be able to join their relative in Germany. The decision as to whether or not a candidate should be granted a visa is at the discretion of the visa officers.
Upon arrival in Germany with a work visa
When you arrive in Germany on a work visa, you have two weeks to register your address with the German authorities.
Find the registration office closest to your place of residence in Germany. Get there with your visa and proof of your address, such as a bill or rental agreement.
After that, you can apply for a residence permit in Germany. First, you should make an appointment with the German immigration office. On the day of registration, bring all the necessary documents there. Pay the fee and attend a brief meeting with an immigration officer.
How to apply for a business visa to Germany?
The process of applying for a business visa to Germany is very similar to the process of applying for a Schengen visa to Germany. You just need to follow some steps according to the given instructions:
1. Find out if you need a business visa for Germany
Individuals traveling to Germany for business activities may require a business visa to enter the country. These activities include meetings with clients, meetings with partners, participation in a specific business fair, etc.
You will only be exempt from a German business visa if you are a citizen of one of the 62 visa-free Schengen countries.
2. Gather the necessary documents
In order to apply for a business visa to Germany, it is necessary to provide several documents. You must have the following documents for the appointment to obtain a business visa to Germany:
- Application form for a business visa to Germany.
- Valid passport. It must be valid for at least 6 months before the intended trip to Germany.
- Two identical photos for a visa to Germany.
- Proof of residence in Germany.
- Transport / Book a round trip or route.
- Health insurance in Germany.
- Confirmation of financial capabilities.
- Bank statements of your company. These reports must belong to the period of three previous months.
- Business references. They can be from your employees, customers or other competent persons.
- Invitation letter from a business partner from Germany. This document must be in English or German. It should include your data, dates and purpose of the trip with a detailed schedule of business meetings or trainings (schedule for the day), as well as information about the inviting business partner.
- A company cover letter with a complete trip plan. The letter should state your position, the length of your service, the dates and purpose of the trip, and whether or not your employer is covering your expenses.
- Business license. This is a document that confirms the right of the sending company to conduct business.
3. Schedule a visa interview
If you are applying for a business visa to Germany for the first time, you should check with the German authorities in your country where to apply. It may be:
- German Embassy.
- German Consulate.
- Visa Center.
However, the decision on your visa application is made by the German Embassy or Consulate.
If you also travel to other Schengen countries during the same trip, things may change a bit. Before applying for a business visa to Germany, check that Germany is your main destination, i.e.:
- You will spend fewer days in other Schengen countries than in Germany.
- You will enter Schengen via Germany, but spend the same number of days in each Schengen country you visit.
4. Pay the visa fee and attend the interview on the booked day
An application for a business visa to Germany costs about 80 euros. However, citizens of some countries are allowed to pay a lower fee - only 40 euros.
When to apply for a business visa to Germany?
The best time to apply for a business visa to Germany is about a month before your planned trip. In fact, the sooner the better, as this avoids possible delays. However, you can apply for a business visa to Germany no earlier than six months before your planned trip.
Processing time of a business visa to Germany
A decision on a business visa to Germany is made within 10-15 working days. In some cases, when additional study of the application may be required, this processing time may last up to 30 days.
How long can you stay in Germany with a business visa?
Because it is a short-term visa, the German business visa entitles you to stay in Germany for a maximum of 90 days in the span of 180 days.
However, it depends on the embassy how long they want to allow you to stay in Germany on a business visa. You may be limited to less days (e.g., 10 days.)
If you get a single entry visa, you can enter the country only once. If you receive a multiple-entry visa, you have the right to enter Germany more than once to use up the days of your authorized stay.
Can you open a business in Germany with a business visa?
A German business visa does not give you the right to open a business, or begin entrepreneurial activities in Germany. Instead, if you want to start a business, you should apply for a long-term self-employed visa.
Can you get a job in Germany on a business visa?
A German visa is issued only for participation in commercial activities. This does not allow you to work in Germany or any other Schengen country. If you want to work in Germany, you should apply for a long-term visa instead.
German labor law clearly defines the maximum weekly working hours, the number of days of annual leave to which each employee is entitled, and the rules for paying sick leave. Here are some of the most important principles of the German Labor Code.
Employee rights in Germany: Minimum wage
The minimum wage is the legally established lowest acceptable level of remuneration. In Germany, the minimum wage is set at an hourly rate. In 2024, the minimum wage will be 12.41 euros per hour.
Weekly working hours in Germany
40 hours per week is the full weekly working time
48 hours per week is the statutory maximum weekly working time
In some cases, the German Labor Code allows for 60 hours of work, with a leveling off of up to 48 hours in 6 months.
Daily working hours in Germany
The maximum daily working hours, breaks, work on Sundays and holidays, and time on call are regulated by the German Working Time Act (Arbeitszeitgesetz).
According to the regulations, daily working hours in Germany cannot exceed 10 hours, and weekly working hours cannot exceed 60 hours. In many companies, it is customary to work 8 hours from Monday to Thursday and 7 hours on Friday.
In some industries, the weekly working time is 48 hours, 6 days including Saturday.
10-hour working hours during the peak season
During the peak season, when the company receives an exceptionally large number of orders, daily working hours can be up to 10 hours or 60 hours per week. This is in line with the German code, provided, however, that the working day in a 6-month or 24-week billing period averages 8 hours.
Vacation leave in Germany
As with working hours, the amount of paid annual vacation depends on the regulations contained in collective bargaining agreements. Most often, it is 30 working days per year.
The minimum duration of annual leave is 24 working days per calendar year. More information about annual leave in Germany can be found here.
Sick leave in Germany
In Germany, the employer must be informed immediately of an employee's inability to work due to illness. A sick note (certificate of sickness absence) issued by a doctor must usually be submitted no later than the fourth day. However, it should be borne in mind that, according to the law, the employer may require a medical certificate as early as the first day of absence from work.
WORTH KNOWING:
Only in certain cases (e.g., in the case of a serious infectious disease) may the employer be informed of the type of disease the employee is suffering from. In any other case, information about the disease is subject to medical confidentiality. This means that the doctor who writes the sick note only states how many days the employee is unable to work, but does not disclose what the employee is ill with.
Payments during sickness
According to the regulations, an employer is obliged to pay an employee 100% of his or her average monthly salary for the first 6 weeks of sickness. After this period, the employee must apply for sickness benefits from an insurance company.
IMPORTANT:
In Germany, an employer can dismiss an employee on sick leave. The law allows this.
Termination of an employment contract in Germany
Companies with more than 10 employees are subject to the Protection Against Dismissal Act, which protects pregnant women and women on maternity leave from so-called socially unjustified dismissal.
Detailed information on the German Labor Code is available on the website of the Federal Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs (Bundesministerium für Arbeit und Soziales).
What forms of business can be set up in Germany
The choice of legal form depends on the specific goals of your business and the purpose of establishing a presence in Germany. If you have decided to set up a business in Germany, there are several options for the legal presence of your business:
1. representative office
2. company or subsidiary
3. partnership
Six steps to start a company and what documents are required
- Checking the company name. Preparation and notarization of constituent documents (Articles of Association).
- Opening a bank account. Placement of the authorized capital in a bank account. Providing the notary with evidence of the authorized capital deposit to the account.
- Notarization of the company's records in the commercial register and the "transparent" register (where the data on the ultimate beneficial owners are disclosed).
- Registration with the tax authorities, social insurance authorities, the register of employees, notification of the municipal trade office.
- If necessary, obtain insurance for the company (e.g., business insurance).
- Registration with the relevant chamber (e.g. HWK or IHK) - is carried out automatically by sending data from the Trade Licensing Office.
What about taxes
Here are the taxes that will apply to a business and a representative office in Germany:
- corporate tax
- trade tax
- turnover tax;
- income tax (applicable only to individuals and associations of individuals or partnerships);
- other taxes;
- solidarity surcharge (charged on corporate and personal income tax; amounts to 5.5%).
In Germany, taxation is handled by the following bodies and government agencies
- tax advisors (Steuerberater);
- tax administration (Finanzamt);
- trade administration (Gewerbeamt);
- financial courts (Finanzgerichte).
How to apply for a business visa to Germany?
The process of applying for a business visa to Germany is very similar to the process of applying for a Schengen visa to Germany. You just need to follow some steps according to the given instructions:
1. Find out if you need a business visa for Germany
Individuals traveling to Germany for business activities may require a business visa to enter the country. These activities include meetings with clients, meetings with partners, participation in a specific business fair, etc.
You will only be exempt from a German business visa if you are a citizen of one of the 62 visa-free Schengen countries.
2. Gather the necessary documents
In order to apply for a business visa to Germany, it is necessary to provide several documents. You must have the following documents for the appointment to obtain a business visa to Germany:
- Application form for a business visa to Germany.
- Valid passport. It must be valid for at least 6 months before the intended trip to Germany.
- Two identical photos for a visa to Germany.
- Proof of residence in Germany.
- Transport / Book a round trip or route.
- Health insurance in Germany.
- Confirmation of financial capabilities.
- Bank statements of your company. These reports must belong to the period of three previous months.
- Business references. They can be from your employees, customers or other competent persons.
- Invitation letter from a business partner from Germany. This document must be in English or German. It should include your data, dates and purpose of the trip with a detailed schedule of business meetings or trainings (schedule for the day), as well as information about the inviting business partner.
- A company cover letter with a complete trip plan. The letter should state your position, the length of your service, the dates and purpose of the trip, and whether or not your employer is covering your expenses.
- Business license. This is a document that confirms the right of the sending company to conduct business.
3. Schedule a visa interview
If you are applying for a business visa to Germany for the first time, you should check with the German authorities in your country where to apply. It may be:
- German Embassy.
- German Consulate.
- Visa Center.
However, the decision on your visa application is made by the German Embassy or Consulate.
If you also travel to other Schengen countries during the same trip, things may change a bit. Before applying for a business visa to Germany, check that Germany is your main destination, i.e.:
- You will spend fewer days in other Schengen countries than in Germany.
- You will enter Schengen via Germany, but spend the same number of days in each Schengen country you visit.
4. Pay the visa fee and attend the interview on the booked day
An application for a business visa to Germany costs about 80 euros. However, citizens of some countries are allowed to pay a lower fee - only 40 euros.
When to apply for a business visa to Germany?
The best time to apply for a business visa to Germany is about a month before your planned trip. In fact, the sooner the better, as this avoids possible delays. However, you can apply for a business visa to Germany no earlier than six months before your planned trip.
Processing time of a business visa to Germany
A decision on a business visa to Germany is made within 10-15 working days. In some cases, when additional study of the application may be required, this processing time may last up to 30 days.
How long can you stay in Germany with a business visa?
Because it is a short-term visa, the German business visa entitles you to stay in Germany for a maximum of 90 days in the span of 180 days.
However, it depends on the embassy how long they want to allow you to stay in Germany on a business visa. You may be limited to less days (e.g., 10 days.)
If you get a single entry visa, you can enter the country only once. If you receive a multiple-entry visa, you have the right to enter Germany more than once to use up the days of your authorized stay.
Can you open a business in Germany with a business visa?
A German business visa does not give you the right to open a business, or begin entrepreneurial activities in Germany. Instead, if you want to start a business, you should apply for a long-term self-employed visa.
Can you get a job in Germany on a business visa?
A German visa is issued only for participation in commercial activities. This does not allow you to work in Germany or any other Schengen country. If you want to work in Germany, you should apply for a long-term visa instead.
If you are looking for a job in Germany, there are some tips that can help you in your search:
1. Learn German: While it is possible to find a job in Germany without speaking German, knowing the language will greatly increase your chances of getting hired. German is the official language of the country, and many companies prefer candidates who are fluent in German.
2. Adapt your resume to the German labor market: German employers expect certain standards for resumes and cover letters, so make sure your resume is relevant to the German job market. This means that you should emphasize your relevant qualifications, work experience, and language skills.
3. Use online job portals: Online job portals are a great way to search for jobs in Germany. Popular job portals include Indeed.de, Stepstone.de, Xing.com, Monster.de, and LinkedIn.com.
4. Attend job fairs: Job fairs are a great way to meet potential employers and find out about job openings in your field. Many cities in Germany host job fairs throughout the year, so keep an eye out for events in your area.
5. Consider an internship: If you are having trouble finding a job, consider an internship in Germany. It can be a great way to gain work experience, network, and improve your German language skills.
By following these tips, you can increase your chances of finding a job in Germany and start a new career in this exciting and dynamic country.
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