Jobs in Germany and Germany Employment Market

Unemployment levels in Germany are currently at the lowest levels since 1992 at 7.4% (January 2011). However, expats who wish to find a job in Germany can face a difficult task.

There are regional variations in the German job market, which can make things more difficult for expats in Germany looking for a job. 25% of Germany’s GDP comes from the manufacturing industry, namely cars and aircraft but expats will find that the service industry offers the best chance of employment for them. Multinational and international companies are good targets for expats.

EU and EEA citizens do not require a work permit (but do need a residence permit) to gain employment in Germany. Non-EU citizens however do need a work permit which is issued based on the type of residence permit they have and the skill level of the job sought. Note that unskilled labourers are unlikely to be successful in obtaining a work permit.

Having a good command of English will generally only help you secure a job if you wish to enter into English language teaching. You will likely need to speak German to have any advantage in the local job market and Asian languages are also in demand.

The national and local German press is important tools for advertising job vacancies. German job sites on the internet as well as recruitment agencies remain valuable resources for job seekers.

Your CV should generally be in German, unless the local language is not required for the position you are applying for. The German application process is bureaucratic and you should include copies of your qualification and training certificates.

There are highly regulated sectors of the German economy that consequently require formal qualifications. To support this there is an apprenticeship system in place that provides young people with two or three years of practical training before they fully enter the job market. This can put expats at a distinct disadvantage although note that international internships are also available.

The relevant German professional body must certify foreign formal qualifications.

The good news for expats living in or undertaking a relocation to Germany for work purposes is that salaries and benefit packages are excellent.

In general, salaries are high (including a 13th month of pay paid in the summer or/and Christmas) and employees are well protected by labour laws. Workers in Germany enjoy the right to twenty days minimum paid holiday per year (based on full time hours), sick pay, training opportunities, paid maternity or paternity leave and the choice to work part time.

Note that tax levels in Germany can be high so ensure you know what your net salary will be.

Germany’s employment market is about efficiency rather than long working hours. Working hours are generally between 38 and 40 per week with no more than eight working hours per day. Flexi-time is also popular in Germany.