Welcome and how to use this guide
This website is for individuals relocating from a third country (non-EU country) to Germany for work. It provides an overview of essential information and a curated compilation of resources from various official websites, in order to empower you to find the information you need for yourself, and to help you navigate the key online platforms.
However, please be aware that this resource is not exhaustive, and does not provide every single piece of information when you will need to relocate to Germany for work.
We strive for ensuring that the content remains up to date and accessible in English. However, some references may be up to three years old or available only in German. In cases where material is only available in German, we recommend using a translation tool of your choice (such as DeepL).
For reliable and authoritative guidance, you should consult official German government sites like Make it in Germany and Anerkennung in Deutschland, as well as union-affiliated resources such as Faire Mobilität or Faire Integration (see Quicklinks.)
As German immigration law is largely based on the Residence Act (Aufenthaltsgesetz – AufenthG), the link to an English translation of the act is provided here.
Quick links
We recommend the following websites for your own research:
- Make it in Germany
- Anerkennung in Deutschland [Recognition in Germany]
- Faire Mobilität [Fair mobility]
- Faire Integration [Fair integration]
- Bundesagentur für Arbeit [Federal Employment Agency]
Anabin – Information Portal on Foreign Educational Credentials (only in German)
Overview of additional helpful resources
Download "Working in Germany"
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Working in Germany: Information and signposting for migrant workers aiming to work in Germany (PDF, 373 KB) This document is for individuals relocating from a third country (non-EU country) to Germany for work. It provides an overview of essential information and a curated compilation of resources from various official web sites, in order to empower you to find the information you need for yourself, and to help you navigate the key online platforms. Download PDF
Before you come to Germany
The Federal Employment Agency (Bundesagentur für Arbeit, BA) provides information on preparing to migrate to Germany.
Language requirements (Levels A1 to C1)
Language skills are often the decisive factor for successful visa applications and integration. Skilled workers with vocational training usually need at least level B1. In regulated professions, such as nursing or medicine, the requirements are significantly higher (B2 to C1).
Your path to Germany: Visa, entry, and residence permits
This section explains the various pathways for entry and residence. Each pathway is strictly limited to a particular purpose, such as vocational training, academic study, or taking up employment.
General information on residence and long stay visas provided by German US missions
Overview of different types of visas: see the section “Explanatory graphics on the visa process”
Vocational training visa
This visa category allows third-country nationals to complete vocational training in Germany's apprenticeship system, provided that a vocational training contract is signed.
- Make it in Germany: Official info page explaining the detailed requirements and the visa procedure for training
- Flowcharts explaining the process of obtaining a training visa. See the section “Explanatory graphics on the visa process”, specifically “Visa for vocational training” or “Visa for seeking a vocational training place”
- Flyer summarising the apprenticeship system and the rights of trainees (PDF)
- Document focusing on labour law aspects and protection against exploitation during vocational training (PDF)
Student visa
Student visas permit international students to study for an academic degree and include the option to remain in Germany after graduation to find a job.
- List of required steps for prospective students from third countries (PDF)
- Flowcharts explaining the process of obtaining a student visa. See the section “Explanatory graphics on the visa process” and then “Visa for studying” or “Visa for seeking a place in higher education”
- Detailed explanation of the legal requirements for international students
Visa for recognition of foreign qualifications
The recognition visa is specifically for individuals whose foreign qualifications have only been partially recognized, and who aim to complete the recognition procedure in Germany.
- Information on the recognition procedure as it relates to job placements
- Explanation of how the visa for recognition under § 16d Residence Act works (PDF)
- Summary of the visa conditions for recognition procedures (PDF)
- Short step-by-step guide from the German government about the visa for the recognition of foreign vocational qualifications (PDF)
Recognition procedure
The recognition procedure is the formal process of assessing whether your foreign professional qualification is equivalent to a corresponding German reference occupation. This is relevant for most skilled foreign professionals.
- How can my professional qualification be recognised?
- Step-by-step guide to the formal process of equivalence testing
- How do I get recognition?
- Anerkennungs-Finder [Recognition finder]. German only, use a translation tool, please
- Information on the “Recognition notification”
- Professional recognition
- Recognition procedure
Central Service Point for Professional Recognition (Zentrale Servicestelle Berufsanerkennung – ZSBA)
The ZSBA acts as a central advisory body providing free guidance and support to professionals undergoing the entire recognition process remotely, while based outside Germany.
Information on the “Specialized!” program for medical professionals from Colombia and Mexiko.
For quick answers, call the “Working and Living in Germany” hotline
Topics
- Job search, work and career
- Visa and residence
- Recognition of foreign qualifications
- entry and residence Learning German
Phone: +49 (0)30 18 15 111 (German/English)
Monday–Thursday: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Fridays: 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
E-mail contact: “Working and Living in Germany” e-mail form
Skilled workers (vocational and academic): Standard work visas
Skilled workers whose degrees are already recognized as being equivalent have several options for taking up employment in Germany, each of which has different requirements. The appropriate route depends mainly on factors such as salary and academic background.
- EU Blue Card vs. Qualified Work Visa vs. Chancenkarte: Which One Should You Apply For in 2026?
- Overview about work visas for qualified professionals
- Looking for a job: Find out how to encounter job opportunities in Germany
- Germany Working (Employment)
- Overview of different types of visas. See the section “Explanatory graphics on the visa process”
The Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte)
The Opportunity Card (§ 20a AufenthG) is an established route for individuals who do not yet have an employment contract but show high potential for the German labour market based on their qualifications.
The EU Blue Card: For academics and high earners
The EU Blue Card is the flagship route to working in Germany for academics and individuals with tertiary education degrees.
Special paths: IT specialists with practical experience and professional drivers
These paths offer simplified immigration processes for specific high-demand groups, such as IT specialists or professional drivers.
Information for professional drivers from third countries, including fast-track access to the German labour market:
Arrival and first steps
The following section focuses on the immediate administrative requirements after you arrive, such as official registration and mandatory social and health protections.
Registration
You must report your new German address to the local citizens’ office within two weeks of moving in. Registration (Anmeldung) is a legal requirement.
Healt insurance
Under German law, it is compulsory to have health insurance. You are allowed to choose your insurance yourself to suit your personal goals, circumstances, and needs.
Housing and accommodation
Information on the practical and legal issues around finding a home, including your rights as a tenant and protection against unfair practices.
- Step-by-step guide to renting in Germany
- Information on dishonest real estate agents (PDF)
- Quick Guide: What should I keep in mind if my employer also provides my apartment? Only available in German language (Kurzinformation “Was sollte ich beachten, wenn mein Arbeitgeber auch meine Wohnung stellt?”). Use translation tool. (PDF)
Accommodation standards
Housing must meet mandatory health and safety standards.
- Federal Ministry of Labour and social affairs; Occupational Safety and Health
- Information on accommodation regulations from the German customs agency
Cost of living and rent brake
Proof of a secure livelihood
Having a secure livelihood is a central requirement for obtaining and renewing most residence permits in Germany. The law considers you to have a secure livelihood if you can cover your living expenses and maintain adequate health insurance entirely through your own means (e. g., your salary or savings) without relying on state/social benefits.
Workers’ rights and forms of employment
Workers’ rights
German labour law protects employees from arbitrary treatment and ensures fair conditions.
To prevent exploitation, it is essential that foreign workers know their rights.
- Overview of working conditions by the EU Equal Treatment Office
- Information on labour rights (in multiple languages)
- Overview of workers’ rights as they apply to migrant workers, provided by the Federal Employment Agency (BA)
- “Deine Rechte” [Your rights] (PDF)
- “Schutz vor Ausbeutung“ [Protection against exploitation] (PDF)
- Publication by the federal government on workers’ rights (German, use translation tool)
The employment contract: Essential points and compulsory clauses
Minimum wage
A fair day’s work for a fair day’s pay.
Make sure you check the current minimum wage online.
- Minimum wage Q & A
- Specific industries (like parcel delivery or construction) may have higher mandatory minimum wages. Detailed rights for parcel delivery drivers can be found here)
- Overview of current minimum wages
Gross wage vs net wage
Your gross wage is the total salary agreed upon in your employment contract before taxes and social security contributions (such as pension or health insurance) are deducted.
Your net wage is the amount that remains after all these deductions, i.e., the amount that is actually deposited into your bank account.
Working hours, breaks, and overtime
The length of the working day is regulated by law. In most cases, employers must either pay for overtime or give time off in lieu.
Probationary period (Probezeit)
Illness (sick pay) and workplace accidents (Berufsgenossenschaft)
This covers your right to paid sick leave and the mandatory insurance coverage for accidents that occur during working hours and on the way to and from work.
Even when you are ill, you must still be paid.
All accidents at work must be reported!
Holiday entitlement
Everybody is entitled to paid annual leave
Notice of termination and protection against dismissal
Your employer must give you notice if they want to terminate your employment. Dismissals must always be in writing and are subject to a notice period. In case of sickness, the employer is obliged to continue paying wages.
If your employer does not pay you
You can take action if you do not receive your wages.
- Information on how to defend your rights
- Information being paid below the minimum wage or the industry-specific minimum wage
Sample letter and instructions to claim wages (German, use translation tool)
Discrimination in employment
The General Equal Treatment Act (AGG) prohibits workplace bias.
- Guide for immigrants concerning their rights: Protection against discrimination in Germany; A Guide for Refugees and New Immigrants (PDF)
- Employer obligations information from the Federal Anti-Discrimination Agency
- Developments in German Employment Law
Since January 1, 2026, every employer is obliged to inform newly hired third-country nationals in writing about the free advisory services of the “Fair Integration” network on their first working day at the latest (§ 45c AufenthG).
Obligation to remain with your employer
Forms of employment
In Germany, employment contracts are often concluded as permanent full-time employment relationships. This ensures full social and labour law protection for employees. There also other forms of employment available within the labour market.
In some cases, your immigration paperwork may require you to remain with a specific employer. In these situations, you may only move to another employer under certain circumstances.
Forms of employment
Students working in Germany without a German passport
Information for international students. Do I have access to the German labour market? Which rules apply? Do I have to pay social security contributions or taxes? Our DGB leaflet explains your rights and various job models.
Minijob
So-called minijobs are a form of part-time employment.
Temporary work (Zeitarbeit/Leiharbeit)
Temporary employment agencies supply their workers to another company for a certain period of time. The temporary employment agency is paid a fee by the company where the worker is employed.
- Temporary work Q & A
- Basics of temporary employment flyer (PDF)
- Temporary work flyer from the Federal Employment Agency [German] (PDF)
- Germany employment law update: Changes to temporary employment tariffs
- “Leiharbeit – Deine Rechte” flyer [Temporary work – your rights] (German, use translation tool) (PDF)
Internships
Internships are a form of training or employment orientation. Internships can be mandatory or voluntary.
Self-employment
Beware of bogus self-employment!
Recruitment practices
Employment agencies connect employers and those seeking work or training. There are two types of employment agencies: public and private.
In Germany, public employment services are provided by the Federal Employment Agency (Bundesagentur für Arbeit). Every jobseeker has a right to counselling on their training or job search, career development, and, if necessary, support services. These services are free of charge.
Private intermediary services (Private Arbeitsvermittlung) are provided by companies that match jobseekers with employers for a fee.
- Federal Central Office for International and Specialized Placement website
- Overview of placement agencies from the federal government
- Information sheet on agency work (PDF)
- Federal Employment Agency services (BA) (German, use translation tool)
- Article on private placement agencies by the BA (German, use translation tool)
Social security and family life
The German social system offers protection against major risks like aging or disability and supports families through benefits.
The 5 pillars of social insurance
Most employment relationships in Germany are subject to social insurance. This means that contributions for health, pension, unemployment, and nursing care insurance are automatically deducted from your salary.
- Health insurance (Krankenversicherung) covers costs relating to illness and maternity. In the event of illness, health insurance reimburses, among other things, the costs of treatment and loss of wages.
- Long-term care insurance (Pflegeversicherung) covers the consequences of needing long-term care. If an insured event occurs, domestic and inpatient care costs are covered.
- Accident insurance (Unfallversicherung) covers the consequences of an accident at work or occupational diseases. If an insured event occurs, costs for medical and occupational rehabilitation, pensions for injured persons, survivors' pensions, etc. are paid.
- Pension insurance (Rentenversicherung) covers the consequences of disability and ensures subsistence when you reach retirement age. If an insured event occurs, old-age pension, disability pension, rehabilitation benefits, and survivors' pensions are paid.
- Unemployment insurance (Arbeitslosenversicherung) covers the consequences of unemployment. If an insured event occurs, unemployment benefit is paid, and employment promotion measures are granted.
German pension health insurance service hotline
The service telephone answers all questions about the statutory pension insurance. For example from questions of medical and vocational rehabilitation to pension applications. It's also possible to arrange individual consultation appointments.
Phone: +49 (0)800 1000 4800 (in German language)
Monday to Thursday: 8.00 a.m. till 7.00 p.m.
Fridays: 8.00 a.m. to 3.30 p.m.
Family benefits and welfare
Family benefits
Benefits
Germany operates various different social welfare programs.
Housing allowance (Wohngeld)
A subsidy for rent; eligibility depends on household income, household size, individual rent, and the local rent level.
Basic income support/Citizen's income (Grundsicherung/Bürgergeld)
A system providing basic income support for all households unable to support themselves; eligibility depends on household income.
- Information from the Federal Employment Agency. Recently Available only in German language Use a translation tool!
Unemployment benefits (Arbeitslosengeld)
Unemployment benefits operate on an insurance model and require you to have been employed for at least 12 months, and to have made social security contributions during that time.
- Overview of unemployment benefits from the German federal government's official website on labour migration
- General information about unemployment benefits
Eligibility is restricted: Not everybody is entitled to all the different kinds of benefits.
Protection and solidarity
Why join a union?
The German Trade Union Confederation (DGB) is an umbrella organisation of eight German trade unions, representing the shared economic, social, and political interests of approximately five million workers concerning their rights as employees. Unions are democratic organisations of employees fighting for better working conditions. Union members receive free legal representation in labour courts, and unions negotiate collective agreements and provide strike support.
Flyer: Join a union!
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Are you working in Germany? Join a Trade Union – you’ll be glad you did! Many employers fail to comply with applicable labor laws. Workers are not paid for overtime and are often threatened with dismissal when they are ill. Individuals find it difficult to assert their rights vis-à-vis their employers. If you are a union member, we can work together to improve your work situation. Download PDF