Icon

Work in Germany: the most popular jobs for expats

Work
Expats
Employment
Germany
Work in Germany: the most popular jobs for expats

Many people are considering moving to Germany in search of new opportunities. Due to the recent shortage of skilled workers in Germany, there are many opportunities for trained and qualified professionals in various fields. Find out about the most popular vacancies and tips for successful employment of expats in Germany

Get more information about Germany
Get more information about Germany
Click here


Most people who plan to move abroad often worry about employment: will they be able to find a job in a new country and how relevant is their specialty? In Germany, as in many other countries of the world, there is a list of professions that have the greatest demand among expats.

Where do foreigners work in Germany? Below is a selection of the most popular jobs for expats in Germany.


Vacancies in the IT sector


The most popular area that most expats pay attention to is the technology sector, because IT experience gained in one country can easily be applied in another state.

There is also a minimal language barrier in the industry. Technical teams are usually multilingual, and most of the time they use programming languages or English when communicating. That is, finding a job in the IT sector is quite simple, because it doesn't matter where you come from, the main thing is your skills.

Popular tech jobs that are typically in demand in Germany among expats:

● IT specialist;

● IT consultant/analyst;

● Scientific specialist/data analyst;

● Software developer;

●UI/UX designers;

● Product manager.


Health care system


Many expats work in the healthcare sector. There is a shortage of doctors, nurses and other medical professionals in German clinics. Depending on your specialty, you may need to take qualification courses to meet German standards. The most popular vacancies:

● Doctor;

● Nurse;

● Senior caretaker;

● Specialist in working with children.


Engineering


Germany is a world leader in the field of mechanical engineering, which is why there are so many engineering vacancies in the country. The following specialists have excellent chances of finding a job in Germany:

● Engineer;

● Electrical engineer;

● Civil engineer;

● Specialist in working with metals;

● Electricians or electricians;

● Managers in the field of engineering.


Interesting fact! Every year, one million foreigners move to Germany for work, the largest share of people come from the USA, India, Italy, Great Britain and Spain.


The field of science and research


Many popular universities and research centers operate in Germany. Also, thanks to a strong economy and participation in European programs, the country provides scientists with good funding. That is why many scientists apply for a researcher's visa in Germany every year.

Guest lecturers or foreign researchers are a fairly common phenomenon in the European education system, as universities and research centers try to become international and attract foreign workers. It is also a good exchange of experience, because expats bring practices and research methods from their home countries and apply them in Germany or study European protocols to improve their level of knowledge.

The majority of research jobs in Germany are in technology, engineering and mathematics, but Germany certainly has opportunities for researchers in all fields. Popular vacancies:

● Scientist;

● Mathematician;

● Psychologist.


Tourism and hotel and restaurant business


Migrants with an average level of qualification and foreign students work most often in the tourism sector and the hotel and restaurant business. In order to find a job in this field, it is important to have a good command of German, especially if you plan to work with customers. Most expats work in:

● Retail trade;

● Barach;

● Hotels and hostels;

● In the field of customer service.


Foreign language teacher


Many expats find work as a foreign language teacher after moving to Germany. It is especially popular among migrants from English-speaking countries. Most Germans speak at least a basic level of English, but native speakers are always in high demand. Therefore, you can teach not only children in schools, but also become a specialist in business communication.

The vacancy of an English language teacher for refugees is also very popular at the moment. This is extremely useful work, as more and more people are coming from Ukraine. The demand for this vacancy is only growing.

● EFL teachers (English as a foreign language);

● Freelance English video lecturer;

● Teacher of business English.


Sales area


The headquarters of many international companies are located in Germany, and sales departments usually work in markets of different countries around the world. As a foreigner, you have unique knowledge about the operation of the market of the country of origin, the peculiarities of sales, habits and preferences of the population. Such knowledge is very valuable for the field of sales.

Popular vacancies:

● Sales representative;

● Customer service manager.


Marketing


Almost every German company has a marketing department, and as the business develops, most corporations are increasingly looking for employees who speak different languages in order to enter the markets of other countries. If you have experience in developing content or strategies in international markets, then you definitely have a chance to get a marketing-related job in Germany:

● Digital marketer;

● Editor.


Tips for successful employment in Germany


Here are some useful tips to help you find a job in Germany:


● Learn German - to live and work comfortably in Germany, you need to learn the language. Also, one of the main requirements for obtaining a work visa is knowledge of the German language. Therefore, if you are planning to move to Germany, you should start attending courses in advance.

● Improve your qualifications – to get a job in Germany, you have to prove that you are the best candidate among all.

● Use your knowledge of your home country, especially if you work for an international company or a German business that wants to enter the global market. Experience of doing business in different countries of the world and consumer habits will be a huge plus for you.

● In order to legally work in Germany, a foreigner must obtain a work visa before moving. The list of documents and the procedure for issuing a permit depends on your citizenship. Look for the rules of entry to Germany on the Visit World portal.

● Sponsored visa – in most cases, in order to obtain a visa, a German company undertakes to sponsor you. Don't be afraid to ask managers right away during the interview whether they are willing to sponsor a visa application. In the long run, this will save you both a lot of time and effort if the firm is unwilling to sponsor you.

● Choose the right city to move to - different industries are the most developed in different cities in Germany. For example, if you want to work in banking or IT, you can focus on finding a job in Frankfurt. On the other hand, if you're more into media and fashion, then look out for Dusseldorf and the like.

● Configure notifications from job search sites for a specific position and region in which you are looking for work.






Legal advice from Igor Usyk, Head of Legal at Visit World


Please note that you are not allowed to work until you have received a residence permit, which entitles you to work, from the local authorities responsible for foreigners. However, you can start working if, after applying for a residence permit in accordance with § 24 AufenthG, you are granted a temporary residence permit in Germany until the final decision of the authorities responsible for foreigners (Fiktionsbescheinigung), which states "Work permit granted" ("Erwerbstätigkeit erlaubt").




Products from Visit World for a comfortable trip:


Checklist for obtaining a visa and necessary documents in Germany;

Legal advice for business in Germany;

Immigration lawyer services in Germany;

Travel and health insurance for foreigners in Germany;

Insurance for foreign students in Germany.




The Jobcenter for refugees in Germany: what help Ukrainians can get - read here.

Employment in Germany: how to get a work permit for a foreigner here.

How to properly resign from a job in Germany: stages of dismissal for foreigners.

Health insurance in Germany: types depending on the purpose of the trip.

Recommended articles

3 min

Work Work Visa and Work Permit in the UK 2023: requirements for obtaining

Work Visa and Work Permit in the UK 2023: requirements for obtaining

A work visa allows foreign nationals to live and work in the UK for a certain period of time. However, in order to apply for a UK work visa, you must meet the requirements and provide the necessary documents. Find out more about the types and main requirements for obtaining work visas in the UK

24 Aug. 2023

More details

3 min

Residence permit How to get permanent residency in the UAE: ways to obtain citizenship

How to get permanent residency in the UAE: ways to obtain citizenship

The United Arab Emirates is one of the most attractive countries in the world of living. Not only does it promise economic and political stability, but it also offers an unrivaled lifestyle. Find out more about how to obtain UAE citizenship, how to obtain a UAE residence permit for investors, and what are the benefits of living in the Emirates for expats

25 Aug. 2023

More details

3 min

Popular The 10 best cities to live in America: U.S in 2023-2024

The 10 best cities to live in America: U.S in 2023-2024

When choosing a city to move to, it is important to consider many factors, such as quality of life, job prospects, crime rates, education and healthcare, etc. Find out more about the top 10 best cities to live in the US

26 Aug. 2023

More details

3 min

Popular Top 5 best countries for a comfortable retirement in 2023

Top 5 best countries for a comfortable retirement in 2023

The trend of moving to other countries is gaining popularity among people of retirement age. Find out which five countries are among the best for a comfortable retirement

27 Aug. 2023

More details