Welcome to "Make it in Germany"!

Thinking about starting your professional life abroad? Whether you bring professional expertise and commitment, wish to pursue vocational training, or plan to study here – Germany is looking for people just like you.

"Make it in Germany" is the German Federal Government's official information portal for international skilled workers. Here you'll find everything you need to know: from job applications and visas to settling into your new home country. Ready to get started? Read on and take the first step.

Top 5 questions from international skilled workers

1. Where do I find job offers in Germany?

The easiest way to find current job offers in Germany is online: in the “Make it in Germany” job listings, on other known job portals on the Internet, or on social career platforms. In regard to all job offers in the „Make it in Germany” job listings, the employers agreed to receive applications from foreign skilled workers.

Please find more tips on the topic of job searching on the “Looking for a job” subpage.

2. Do I need a visa to work in Germany?

The necessity for a visa when working in Germany depends on your nationality.

• If you come from an EU or EEA country or Switzerland, you can work in Germany without restriction and do not need a residence permit.
• Nationals of Australia, Israel, Japan, Canada, the Republic of Korea, New Zealand, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and the USA can enter Germany without a visa but must apply for a suitable residence permit from the relevant foreigners authority in Germany before taking up employment. 
• All other nationals also require a corresponding residence permit in order to live and work in Germany. Before entering Germany, you must apply for the appropriate visa (long-term stay – D visa) at the German mission abroad in their country of residence. Upon arrival in Germany, you must apply for a corresponding residence permit at the competent foreigners authority.

Further information can be found in the “How do I apply for a visa?" section.

3. Do I need to have my foreign qualification recognised in Germany?

Whether your qualification needs to be recognised depends on the profession you wish to pursue and the country you come from. For example, you will always need recognition if you want to work in a regulated profession in Germany (such as a physician, lawyer, or teacher). Regardless of your profession, recognition may also be necessary if you wish to enter Germany with a specific visa (e.g., the visa for qualified professionals).

Find out about the exact regulations in the “Who needs recognition?” section.

4. I would like to study in Germany. What requirements do I have to meet? 

You can study at a German university if you meet certain requirements. You need an offer from a university (study place), a recognised school-leaving certificate that qualifies you for a study programme in Germany, and you usually must provide proof of your language skills. If you are from a third country, you will also need a visa. To obtain a visa, you must also prove that you have sufficient financial resources.

Further information is available in the Quick-Check and in the “Requirements for studying” section.

5. Can I complete vocational training in Germany?

In order to complete vocational training in Germany, persons from a third country require a visa or residence permit to complete vocational training. To obtain a visa, you need confirmation of a vocational training place and German language skills (usually at level B1). You must also prove that you have sufficient funds to live in Germany. For school-based training, you must also have your school-leaving certificate recognised; for a dual study programme, you need a university entrance qualification.

As a citizen of the EU, the EEA, or Switzerland, you do not need a residence permit to undertake vocational training in Germany. However, it is important that you have German language skills at least at level B1, as lessons and exams at vocational schools are held in German.

You can find more information in the “Requirements for vocational training” section.