Working and living in Germany - German Education Server

The internationalisation of the labour market emphasises the need for information on working abroad. If you are looking for a placement or an internship in Germany, or thinking of settling permanently, you need advice on visa, the recognition of your vocational training or studies, and the social security system. This website collects useful web links on legal issues, and practical advice, as well as official addresses.

Germany is facing a shortage of skilled workers in some areas, e.g. IT professions, nursing and care. Against this background, the German parliament has passed an act which is to facilitate access to the German labour market for non-EU citizens. The article informs about the projected regulations: whom does this concern? Applicants with a university degree or recognised qualification in a profession can find [...]

Are you interested in working and Living in Germany, the German labour market, the visa and recognition process, learning german and succesful applications? The Federal Employment Agency runs regular online workshops, for which you can register .  - Once a month, from 10am till 12am (CET/MEZ).  Participation is free of charge and information is given about visa, conditions of work, [...]

Legal conditions, background info

To strengthen the international competitiveness of research in Germany, the legal framework was adapted. The document informs about regulations applicable to prospective students, students enrolled at German universities, postgraduates, spouses, long-term prospects. (as of 01/2017)

The Federal Foreign Office publishes information on working in Germany on its website. The main issues are: access to the labour market (finding work and visa regulations), training and studying in Germany.

As of April 1, 2012, a legal act for the recognition of foreign qualifications came into force in Germany. “Recognition in Germany“ is a new information portal regarding the German government`s Recognition Act. This portal provides up-to-date information on the legal basis and procedure for the recognition of foreign professional qualifications. If you would like to have a professional qualification that you [...]

The aim of the brochure “Studying and Working in Germany“ is to provide economic migrants and migrants who wish to acquire occupational qualifications or to pursue a course of studies in Germany with the relevant legal guidelines. The brochure lists the different possibilities of migration to Germany and would like to attend to nationals from third countries when dealing with authorities, list alternatives [...]

The brochure gives a comprehensive overview of the Social Security system in the Federal Republic of Germany. Contents include pension, health, long-term care and occupational accident insurance schemes as well as the fields of promotion of employment, labour law and educational assistance, rehabilitation of disabled persons, housing allowance and social assistance. This brochure is the English summary of an [...]

This portal is provided by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy. It offers basic information and links as well as downloads for people interested in setting up their own business or wanting to become self-employed in Germany. The English language version addresses migrants and foreign entrepreneues. Also available in French, Italian, Russian, Turkish.

document from: Bundesministerium für Wirtschaft und Klimaschutz

Portals for job seekers

The official portal of the Federal Employment Agency in Germany. Employment seekers from abroad can find links to information about recognition of qualifications, job seeking and financial support, education and training, work experience placements, education for young refugees in Germany.

The Federal Employment Service in Germany offers counselling, information and online workshops in English to parties interested in work and life in Germany. Thematic workshops are streamed once a month, focusing on visa, application procedures, working in Germany, recognition of qualifications and learning German. An application is necessary for participation, to be submitted at least two days in advance. Dates [...]

The portal disseminates information regarding diverse countries, in several languages, with the section on jobs in Germany listing residential and work requirements and application procedures, social insurance, job application, student jobs etc.. Just Landed also provides a job market with advertisements.

EU citizens

A short overview of the labour market situation in Germany, including statistics relating to unemployment, vacancies, regions and sectors.

The europass opens doors to learning and working in Europe. With its various components, the europass offers a fitting tool for documenting and presenting worthwhile experiences at home and abroad. It conveys a comprehensive picture of the holder`s qualifications and skills, enabling easier comparison between European countries.

EURES (the European Job Mobility Portal) is a network of employment administrators and agencies in 29 countries. The website offers a search engine for people interested in finding work in the associated countries, among them Germany. It is available in many European languages, including French, English, German, Italian, Polish, Swedish, and Hungarian.

The EU has launched the portal YOUR EUROPE to provide citizens with EU membership nationality with comprehensible information about everyday aspects of life, e.g. education, health, consumer rights. The portal also offers this category of aspects addressing employment, unemployment, retirement in other EU countries.