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Placement agencies
restricted by the German Skilled Immigration Act [FEG]. Residence titles for employment with a temporary employment agency can only be issued if the residence title does not require approval from the Federal Employment Agency (BA), such as the “big” EU Blue Card under Section 18g (1) of the Residence Act [AufenthG] . According to Section 40 of the Residence Act [AufenthG] , residence titles or residence permits subject to approval by the Federal Employment Agency (BA) are denied for foreigners intending
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Salary, taxes & social security
insurance schemes. There are no private providers, except for health insurance. Social security card As an employee, you will be sent a social security card with a social security number. Please give this number to your employer. Keep the social security card in a safe place, as you will need the number from time to time; it will remain the same, even if you change your employer. If you lose your social security card, you can request a replacement from the German Pension Insurance ( Deutsche Rentenversicherung [...] Insurance Work and pension in Germany and in noncontracting states Top-Level Association of Statutory Health Insurance Providers List of all statutory health insurance providers Federal Ministry of Finance Information about the rights of citizens of the EU and the European Economic Area on portable social contributions ELSTER The electronic income tax return Handbook Germany Information and tips on tax returns Print page share on LinkedIn share on X (before: Twitter) share on Facebook share on WhatsApp
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Careers in transport
driver. To start working as a professional driver, you must hold a category C1, C1E, C, CE, D1, D1E, D or DE driving licence issued by the EU or the EEA , and you must be able to provide evidence of your EU or EEA initial qualification to drive vehicles in the relevant driving licence category. What if I do not possess an EU or EEA driving licence or the EU or EEA initial qualification yet? Under certain conditions, you can still immigrate to Germany and obtain your driving licence and initial [...] qualified professionals . Tip Under certain conditions, you may also enter Germany for up to one year after completing your vocational training to look for a job. You can find more information in the “ Job search opportunity card ” section. Do I need recognition? If you are from a non-EU country and need a visa or residence permit for Germany, your qualifications will usually need to be recognised. In fact, it is easier for employers to assess jobseekers’ qualifications if they have been recognised. If [...] depends on the country where your driving licence was issued. This matter is regulated by the Ordinance on the Admission of Persons to Road Traffic (FeV). For some countries, there is a simplified process for exchanging a driving licence from a non-EU/EEA country for a German driving licence. Regarding this, please refer to the Fact Sheet issued by the German Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport . Training as professional driver Would you like to become a professional driver, but have no experience
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Useful everyday knowledge
too ill to go to the doctor, the emergency medical services can also send a doctor on call to your home. How can I buy a SIM card? You can buy a German SIM card in places like supermarkets, discounters and drugstore chains, or directly from a mobile phone provider’s shop, and sometimes at kiosks and petrol stations. You will need to bring proof of identity to activate the card. If you do not yet have German documents such as a registration certificate or a residence permit, you may have problems with [...] asked questions about Germany. Topics range from public holidays and emergency numbers to mobile phone contracts. Useful everyday knowledge Many things are different in Germany, such as opening hours of stores, waste separation or the purchase of a SIM card. Here you will find answers to the most important questions about everyday life in Germany. What public holidays are there in Germany? In Germany, public holidays are determined by the federal states. The only exception is the national holiday on 3 [...] Germany” website under the heading Mobile Phone Contracts . What do I need to consider when taking out a mobile phone contract in Germany? To take out a mobile contract in Germany, you need to meet a number of requirements: you must have an identity card or passport, bank details and a place of residence in Germany. Mobile phone providers often also require a Schufa report – a document that proves your creditworthiness. In most cases, however, you do not have to provide the Schufa report yourself,
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Looking for a job
detailed information on various professional fields as well as find out what your profession is called in Germany and what it entails. EURES The EURES portal (available in multiple languages) presents job prospects all over Europe and information on EU funding programmes. Via the job search you can find job vacancies, information on living and working conditions in the countries and contact details for EURES advisers. EURES regularly organises job fairs in many countries and online. Check the dates [...] a job specifically suited for you. Make sure to get information on potential fees in advance in case you choose to make use of their services. Explainer video: How do I find a job in Germany? Explainer video: how do I get the job search opportunity card? Job listings: Find the right position in Germany Webinar on the job search in Germany WebTutorials for qualified professionals German exercises for job seeking and application process Information on the web Federal Employment Agency Tips for the job
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Driving licence & car
weekends and on public holidays. Driving licences If you hold a driving licence issued in your home country, different rules apply in Germany depending on the country where you originally obtained your driving licence. Driving licences issued in the EU, Liechtenstein, Norway and Iceland: Your driving licence is valid without restrictions. You do not need to have anything amended or exchanged. Driving licences issued in another country: You can use your driving licence to drive in Germany for six months [...] (see above). What else should I be aware of when driving in Germany? Right-hand driving is compulsory in Germany, as are seat belts, winter tyres and child seats. You must also carry your driving licence, vehicle registration document and identity card with you at all times when driving. If you are involved in a car accident, call the emergency number 110 (police emergency number). There are also strict alcohol limits for drivers in Germany. For serious traffic offences, such as speeding, penalty
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Applying for a job
cover the costs. You can also ask if you can alternatively conduct the interview on the phone or via a video conference platform. Keep the time difference in mind! Non-EU citizens should also check which entry regulations apply to them if you are entering the country at short notice for an interview. The job search opportunity card gives you the opportunity to come to Germany for up to one year to look for work. Any costs incurred must be borne by you. Explainer video: How do I find a job in Germany
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Craftspeople
is also an option. Find more information in the “ Job search opportunity card ” section. Do I need official recognition of my qualifications? In the so-called regulated professions , you will need recognition of your foreign qualifications in order to practise these professions in Germany. In the non-regulated professions, recognition of your foreign qualifications is usually not required. However, if you come from a non-EU country and need a visa or residence permit for Germany, recognition is mandatory
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