Working and living in Germany

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.
Legal conditions, background info
Studying and working in Germany
The Federal Foreign Office publishes information on studying and 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.
Information on the Legal Framework Conditions for the Gainful Employment of foreign students, university graduates, scientists and other academics
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. (01/2017)
Recognition (of foreign qualifications) 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 [...]
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Studying and Working in Germany
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 [...]
Setting up a business - entrepreneurship portal for Germany
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.
Dokument von: Bundesministerium für Wirtschaft und Energie
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Social Security at a Glance - as of 2017
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 translation of [...]
Portals for job seekers
Federal Employment Agency ( Arbeitsagentur.de
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.
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Jobs and careers at Alumniportal Deutschland
Alumniportal Deutschland hosts this service for alumni who have studied or experienced work and training in Germany, as well as employers seeking skilled (academic) staff. Alumni are invited to upload their own profiles (CV) here.
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Working in Germany: What you should know
An English language website providing information for job-seekers and persons intending to start up their own business in Germany, which includes an index of articles - covering aspects of job application, insurance, workplace related problems, bankruptcy.
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Europass (Qualifications and Skills)
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.
Just Landed Germany: Jobs
The portal disseminates information regardin divers 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
EURES Labour market information for Germany
A short overview of the labour market situation in Germany, including statistics relating to unemployment, vacancies, regions and sectors.
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EURES: The European job mobility portal
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.
Your Europe: Work and Retirement
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.