Germany Guide: Jobs

Finding a job abroad is not easy, and foreign working conditions are often quite different from those at home. Our job guide explains where to look for a job and how to apply for it. You will also find information on salaries, working conditions and social security issues.

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  Introduction

  The German job market for foreigners

  For many foreigners, Germany has amazing working conditions. German employees enjoy some of the highest salaries in the world, generous benefits and state-mandated job protection. In some industries, working hours have been reduced to 35 hours/week.

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  Work permits

  When and how to apply for them

  If you plan to work in Germany you will need to get a residence and a work permit. Only if you are an EU national these may not be necessary.

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  Finding a job

  Where to look for a job in Germany

  There are lots of places to look for jobs in Germany and many can be contacted before you arrive. To get you started, we have gathered together some of the more effective resources:

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  Job applications

  How to apply for a job in Germany

  Germany is quite a bureaucratic country; this generalisation also tends to be true for the job application process. You may be required to provide more than a CV (curriculum vitae/résumé) and cover letter common to applications in many countries (referred to in German as a Kurzbewerbung).

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  Student jobs

  How to finance your studies in Germany

  Many students work part-time to finance their studies and foreign students can do the same without having to get a work permit.

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  Working in Germany

  Management culture, salaries and labour regulations

  Many foreigners need some time to adapt to the German attitude to work. People don't tend to work long hours; in many offices, especially in the public sector, the day ends at around 4 pm.

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  Social security

  The German social security system

  Insurance policies can be divided between compulsory and voluntary insurance. Compulsory insurance falls under the German social security system.

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  Unemployment insurance

  Getting money when you lose your job

  Unemployment insurance is mandatory for all employees in Germany. As of 2013 contributions are 3.0% of gross monthly salary up to €5,600. This is split equally between employer and employee.

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  Pension insurance

  An introduction to the German pension system

  Rentenversicherung (pension insurance) securing pension payments for retirement. All employees, along with apprentices and certain groups of self-employed people are obliged to have public pension insurance.

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  Accident insurance

  How you are insured at your working place

  Occupational accident insurance covers accidents while working and is paid by your employer. Regardless of your earnings, you are automatically covered if you are employed or undergoing training.

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