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Economy
Economy Would you like to know more about the German economy? On this page, you can learn more about the defining characteristics of Germany’s economic activity. German industry generates high earnings Despite major cyclical fluctuations, earnings have risen in most economic sectors over the past few years. The sectors focussing on export play a crucial role in this. The automotive industry remains the leader: it posted earnings of 564 billion euros in 2023. As an innovation leader, it is an important contributor to growth and prosperity. Vehicle manufacturing also secures earnings for other sectors, as it has close links with companies in the chemical, electrical engineering, steel, metal and textile industries. The German success model When reporting on Germany’s successful economy, Time magazine recently remarked that many German companies have specialised in the “unsexy side of the industrial spectrum: not smartphones or iPads but machinery and other heavy equipment”. Some German companies, such as carmakers and the world’s third-largest software supplier, might disagree and insist that their products are very much on the “sexy side” of the industry. Yet the analysis is essentially correct: highly specialised industrial companies producing highly specialised goods are the engine of growth in the German economy. Following the much-lauded era of virtual wealth creation on the financial markets, the following principle is to be kept in mind: the industry has always been a
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School system & compulsory education
School system & compulsory education Germany is known worldwide for its education system. Here you can find out more about the German school system. Germany's school system Your children need to attend school from the age of six, as school attendance is compulsory in Germany. The majority of schools in Germany are run by the state and offer free education. You also have the option of sending your children to fee-paying private and international schools. Home education is only allowed in exceptional cases, such as when children are ill and unable to attend school for a prolonged period. As a parent, you will receive an invitation from the relevant school authority with details of the exact dates and registration procedures. You can also obtain information on compulsory school attendance from the competent Ministry of Education. Education policy is the responsibility of Germany’s federal states. Searching the websites of the ministries in the relevant federal state is therefore the most effective way of finding a suitable school for your child. You can filter by region, school type and internationality. For more information about specialisations, all-day education and how to register, please visit the schools’ own websites. School search Websites for the school search by federal state Baden-Württemberg Bavaria Berlin Brandenburg Bremen Hamburg Hesse Mecklenburg-West Pomerania Lower Saxony North Rhine-Westphalia Rhineland-Palatinate Saarland Saxony Saxony-Anhalt Schleswig-Holstein
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Health insurance
Health insurance In Germany, health insurance protects you in case you need medical care. Here you will find an overview of the types of health insurance and what they cover. On this page On this page Statutory health insurance Private health insurance Health insurance without an employer In Germany, you are required to take out health insurance. There are two main types: statutory health insurance and private health insurance. The two systems differ in what they cover and in the requirements you need to meet. Switching from one to the other is not always possible. If you are employed, contributions to your health insurance are usually deducted directly from your salary. Health insurance cover from the first day in Germany Take out travel health insurance in your home country to cover the period between your arrival and the start of your employment. Check in advance with the relevant German mission abroad which requirements your travel health insurance must meet. Make sure you have continuous insurance cover, particularly for the period between your arrival in Germany and the start of your regular health insurance. Depending on the purpose of your stay, you will then either have insurance cover through your employer or training company, or you will need to arrange it by yourself. Statutory health insurance Most employees in Germany have statutory health insurance. If you have statutory health insurance, you can choose from a wide range of health insurance providers to find
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Mexico
in Service
Your German Adventure Starts Here! Discover the path to your career in Germany. Find essential contacts in Mexico to guide you every step of the way. Discover your path to Germany. Find contact information and services provided by German institutions in Mexico Discover why Germany is the place to be! Thinking about a move? Germany offers secure jobs, a thriving economy, and a high quality of life. Watch this video to see a Mexican couple who have successfully started a new life in Germany. Specialized Programmes for Skilled Professionals from Mexico Ready to make the move? Explore programmes designed to help Mexican professionals like you to build a career in Germany. Nurses for Germany Are you a nurse looking for new challenges? The Federal Employment Agency (BA) is looking for qualified healthcare and nursing staff from Mexico for companies in the healthcare sector in Germany. Further training to become a specialist doctor Would you like to train as a specialist doctor in Germany? The ‘Specialized!’ programme by the Federal Employment Agency (BA) offers employment and specialisation opportunities. You will receive support in finding a job, obtaining professional recognition, and the necessary qualification for it. APAL Project: Start your qualified Apprenticeship in Germany Ready for a medical or industrial/technical trainee in Germany? The APAL project offers motivated students from select countries like Mexico a chance to gain a valuable German qualification. Support
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Colombia
in Service
Contacts worldwide Are you looking for a competent German mission abroad? You can find their services and contact details in our overview of advisory and contact points. Enter the corresponding country below. Discover your path to Germany. Find contact information and services provided by German institutions in Colombia Ask Me Anything – Studying in Germany Specialized Programmes for Skilled Professionals from Colombia Ready to make the move? Explore programmes designed to help Colombian professionals like you to build a career in Germany. Further training to become a specialist doctor Would you like to train as a specialist doctor in Germany? The ‘Specialized!’ programme by the Federal Employment Agency (BA) offers employment and specialisation opportunities. You will receive support in finding a job, obtaining professional recognition, and the necessary qualification for it. APAL: Start your vocational training in Germany Ready for a medical or industrial/technical trainee in Germany? The APAL project offers motivated students from select countries like Colombia a chance to gain a valuable German qualification. Support and fair mobility guaranteed. Your chance to work as an education professional in German The Shaping the Future project provides step-by-step support to qualified education professionals from Colombia – from learning German and obtaining recognition for their qualifications to starting work in a German kindergarten. Advisory Services: ProRecognition Looking for a
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Morocco
in Service
Contacts worldwide Are you looking for a competent German mission abroad? You can find their services and contact details in our overview of advisory and contact points. Enter the corresponding country below. Discover your path to Germany. Find contact information and services provided by German institutions in Morocco I made it - Jamal from Morocco Brochure on labour migration in the nursing sector Are you considering continuing your professional career as a nurse in Germany? “Faire Anwerbung Pflege Deutschland” provides you with a comprehensive overview of the German nursing profession, as well as the recognition and entry process. Download PDF Specialized Programmes for Skilled Professionals from Morocco Ready to make the move? Explore programmes designed to help Moroccan professionals like you to build a career in Germany. Advisory Services: ProRecognition Looking for a career in Germany? The ProRecognition experts help you recognize your foreign qualifications, prepare for the German job market, and find your dream job. Benefit from a variety of free advisory services. Preparation Courses at Goethe-Institut Whether you're looking for information on language courses, or simply want to know what to expect when moving to a new country? The expert advisors of the Goethe-Institut are here to help.
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Kosovo
in Service
Contacts worldwide Are you looking for a competent German mission abroad? You can find their services and contact details in our overview of advisory and contact points. Enter the corresponding country below. Discover your path to Germany. Find contact information and services provided by German institutions in Kosovo Nationals of the Western Balkans Are you froma Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia or Serbia? We show you what options you have to access the German labour market. Download PDF Specialized Programmes for Skilled Professionals from Kosovo Ready to make the move? Explore programmes designed to help Kosovar professionals like you to build a career in Germany. Supporting service of the Diakonie on site Are you thinking about moving to Germany? The Diakonie supports you with this endeavour in your home country. Get help with the visa process, the recognition of qualifications, learning German and preparing for life in Germany. Preparation Courses at Goethe-Institut Whether you're looking for information on language courses, or simply want to know what to expect when moving to a new country? The expert advisors of the Goethe-Intstiut are here to help.
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Nigeria
in Service
Contacts worldwide Are you looking for a competent German mission abroad? You can find their services and contact details in our overview of advisory and contact points. Enter the corresponding country below. Discover your path to Germany. Find contact information and services provided by German institutions in Nigeria Specialized Programmes for Skilled Professionals from Nigeria Ready to make the move? Explore programmes designed to help Nigerian professionals like you to build a career in Germany. Supporting service of the Diakonie on site Are you thinking about moving to Germany? The Diakonie supports you with this endeavour in your home country. Get help with the visa process, the recognition of qualifications, learning German and preparing for life in Germany. Preparation Courses at Goethe-Institut Whether you're looking for information on language courses, or simply want to know what to expect when moving to a new country? The expert advisors of the Goethe-Institut are here to help.
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Ghana
in Service
Discover your path to Germany. Find contact information and services provided by German institutions in Ghana Preparation Courses at Goethe-Institut Whether you're looking for information on language courses, or simply want to know what to expect when moving to a new country? The expert advisors of the Goethe-Institut are here to help. Learn more
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Receive advice on your opportunities to work and live in Germany. Expert support is offered for questions regarding job search, visas, recognition of qualifications and learning German.