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Scientists
technology? Germany has a demand for a variety of occupational fields in natural sciences. Working as a scientist in Germany Be innovative! Germany has always been known as an important location for industry , namely for the car industry and its mechanical and process plant engineering, and for being a global player in the chemical and pharmaceutical industry. In the upcoming sectors of biotech and nanotechnology, Germany is also way out in front. According to the Bloomberg Innovation Index, Germany ranks [...] in our "Make it in Germany" job listings and use our tips for a successful job application in Germany. Tip Knowledge of the German language is not mandatory to work as a scientist or mathematician in Germany. However, speaking German will make your entry into the labour market and your day-to-day life in Germany easier. You can find more information on learning opportunities in the " Learning German " section. Jobs for scientists Explainer video: How do I find a job in Germany? WebTutorials for qualified [...] researcher in Germany . Do I need a visa? As a citizen of the European Union, Liechtenstein, Iceland, Norway or Switzerland, you do not require a visa or a residence permit to work in Germany. Citizens of other countries do require a residence permit for this purpose. You can find more information on the work visa for qualified professionals and the EU Blue Card in the " Visa " section. Tip If finding a job position from abroad appears to be challenging, it is possible to enter Germany for up to one
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Naturalisation
and training in Germany or completed studies in Germany are also generally accepted as proof of your German language skills. You have basic knowledge of the legal and social system and way of life in Germany: you can prove this knowledge by passing the naturalisation test. The “Life in Germany” test is also accepted as proof of such knowledge. If you have a German school-leaving certificate or a degree in law, social sciences, public administration or political science from Germany, you will generally [...] German citizenship Would you like to be naturalised? Here you will find key information about naturalisation in Germany. Requirements for naturalisation If you were not born a German citizen, you have the right to be naturalised if you meet the following requirements, among others: You have been living in Germany legally for more than five years. You have a permanent right of residence in Germany, e.g. as a Union citizen entitled to freedom of movement or on the basis of a settlement permit or a residence [...] test. Your school-leaving certificate or degree obtained in Germany is sufficient in this case. On the internet, you will find not only a list of questions as a PDF file , but also a practice tool to prepare for the naturalisation test and the “Life in Germany” test. You have not been convicted of a criminal offence: If you have been convicted of a criminal offence, or if you are being investigated for suspicion of a criminal offence in Germany or abroad, or if criminal proceedings are pending, you must
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Employment & earnings
employee benefits and above-average salaries in various industries: Here you can find out how much life costs in Germany. Low unemployment rates in Germany In 2021, Germany had an unemployment rate of 3.6 per cent. The country therefore has one of the lowest unemployment rates in the world. While elsewhere in Europe youth unemployment has risen significantly in the past few years, Germany's dual education system has paid off. In 2021, only 7.8 per cent of 15- to 24-year-olds were registered as "unemployed" [...] countries. Yet the statistics prove the contrary. As for working hours, with 1,574 collectively agreed hours per full-time employee, Germany posted the lowest value in the EU-27 zone. (Public) holidays also vary widely within the EU: in 2014, German employees had 41 days of holiday and public holidays, whereas the EU average was 35.7. This is the cost of living in Germany Albert Einstein once said: “The best things in life are not the ones that one can buy with money.” That may well be true. In 2021 [...] and cinema outings. Employment law information WebTutorials for qualified professionals Job listings Facts & figures about earnings and labour costs in Germany Information on the web Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs Employment of foreigners in Germany Federal Ministry of the Interior, Building and Community Brochure Welcome to Germany - Information for Immigrants European Commission The European Commission´s official currency converter Print page share on LinkedIn share on X (before:
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Engineers
get useful tips in our “ Looking for a job ” section. ✔ Apply now: find a suitable position in our "Make it in Germany" job listings and use our tips for a successful job application in Germany. Tip Knowledge of the German language is not mandatory to work as an engineer in Germany. However, speaking German will make your entry into the labour market and your day-to-day life in Germany easier. You can find more information on learning opportunities in the " Learning German " section. Jobs for engineers [...] and energy transition in Germany. The engineering sector offers you many career paths. Diverse development opportunities for engineers Become a part of Industry 4.0! Germany is famous for its engineering expertise and the quality of its machines and plants, electrotechnical products and cars. The use of digital technologies leads to diverse new perspectives and business models for companies and their employees, especially for engineers. Figures on Industry 4.0 in Germany 73% of companies claim that [...] like to work in research as an engineer and need a visa to work in Germany? Then you have two options. You can either apply for a visa for research or the EU Blue Card for this purpose. You should therefore check the requirements for each residence title and whether you fulfil them. Next steps ✔ Your career prospects: with our Quick-Check , you can find out about the opportunities available to you for working and living in Germany. ✔ The German employment market: find more information on job-hunting
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The Skilled Immigration Act
a recognition partnership. In several cases, you will need to apply for recognition of your foreign qualifications before entering Germany. In some cases, you can apply for recognition of your qualification after you have arrived in Germany. For individual advice on the recognition procedure and immigration to Germany, please contact the “Working and Living in Germany” hotline . Further information on the recognition of foreign qualifications is available in the “ Recognition of foreign qualifications [...] long-term mobility in Germany. For a maximum stay of 90 days, Blue Card holders from other EU countries are able to come to Germany and stay here for the purpose of a business activity directly related to their employment. Neither a visa nor a work permit from the Federal Employment Agency (BA) is required for such short stays. After a minimum stay of twelve months with an EU Blue Card in another EU country, long-term residence in Germany is possible without a visa. After entering Germany, the professional [...] holders who have already lived in another EU Member State with their family are entitled to privileged family reunification . If these family members require a visa due to their nationality, they are entitled to enter and reside in Germany as family members of an EU Blue Card holder with the residence permit issued in the previous Member State without having to undergo a visa procedure beforehand. When a residence permit is issued in Germany, the requirements of sufficient living space ( Section 29 para
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Bank account
Bank account How do I open a bank account in Germany? We explain what you need to consider when opening an account. If you plan on living in Germany long term, you require a German bank account ( current account ) to rent a flat or to receive your salary via bank transfer, for instance. But you will also be able to use your debit card (Girokarte) in your day-to-day life, for example, to pay at the supermarket. You can use you debit card in other countries in Europe which use the euro as currency [...] currency as well. Cashless payments If you wish to pay without cash in Germany, you can do so with a credit card or a so-called Girokarte. The Girokarte works similarly to a debit card, and many banks provide it free of charge with opening the current account. For a credit card, however, you will usually be charged a fee. The main difference between the two cards is the billing cycle. While payments with a debit card are immediately debited against your account, credit card payments are debited collectively [...] collectively at the end of the month. In your everyday life in Germany, a debit card is sufficient. But for purchases requiring the payment of a deposit, you will most likely need a credit card. Some exemplary cases are booking a hotel room or renting a car. If you shop online, you can also transfer the money via credit card, instant bank transfer (Sofortüberweisung), Giropay (an internet payment system based on online banking) or PayPal. Opening a bank account To open a bank account, you generally require
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Language classes
exercises (levels A1-B2), podcasts and videos, as well as informational texts on working and living in Germany in 30 languages. You will also find a glossary with important terms related to living in Germany. The Goethe-Institut’s free digital library This is where you can borrow audio books and films free of charge. Deutschland.de – App In the free app of Deutschland.de, you can read news and gain insights from Germany in several languages yourself or have them read out loud to you. The topics range from [...] It is worthwhile learning the German language before entering Germany. Find German courses in your area. Key facts at a glance German is the most commonly spoken mother tongue in Europe Around 130 million people worldwide speak German as a first or second language German is an official language of Germany, Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg, Switzerland and Liechtenstein Initially, you will be able to get by in English in many parts of Germany. However, it is essential to learn German if you plan to stay [...] These exercises allow professionals to gain an insight into everyday working life in Germany. In addition to general German exercises, the Goethe-Institut also offers exercises for specific professions, such as German for social or technical professions, for the skilled trades and crafts, for the office, for the service sector or for the cultural sector. Learning German in Germany Once you have arrived in Germany, there are several ways to improve your language skills with courses that are right for
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Green Jobs
our "Make it in Germany" job listings and use our tips for a successful job application in Germany. WebTutorials for qualified professionals Explainer video: How do I find a job in Germany? German exercises for job seeking and application process Career and further training in Germany Weitere Informationen im Web Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Action Sustainable economy Facts about Germany Climate and energy in Germany Green working network Green working Germany Print page share [...] employed in this sector in Germany, particularly in small and medium-sized enterprises. Germany’s leading sector – the automotive industry – is also becoming greener: the Federal Government is promoting innovative approaches to the further development of e-mobility and the continued expansion of charging points. What is more, green technologies from Germany are in great demand worldwide, especially in the area of renewables. The environmental engineering sector in Germany is creating new innovation [...] opportunities are being generated in Germany’s key industries. This is why there is a high demand for international qualified professionals with an awareness of sustainability to fill “green jobs”. The green economy in figures Around 387,700 employees are working in the renewable energy sector. 3.4 million photovoltaic systems can be found in Germany. Green tech “Made in Germany” The energy transition, which aims to achieve greenhouse gas neutrality by 2045, is a catalyst for new jobs – hundreds
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Financial support for families
parental allowance? Citizens of countries in the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland can receive parental allowance if they live and work in Germany. Even if you are a citizen of another country, you are entitled to parental allowance if you have a residence title that allows you to work in Germany. If you are in Germany for your studies or vocational training, you will not receive parental allowance. You can find more details on the family portal or ask your parental allowance [...] the office responsible for you. You can get advice there beforehand. You can download the application form that applies to you on familienportal.de . You can also submit the application online . Video: Career and families in Germany Explainer video: Maternity leave in Germany Learn more about subsidies for your family Explainer video: Child benefit Information on the web Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth (BMFSFJ) Information on the legal provisions and regulations [...] Financial support for families In Germany, it is possible for both parents to take parental leave after the birth of their child. You can find further information on the duration and possibilities for financial support here. Parental leave After the birth of a child, mothers and fathers have the right to take a break from work to care for their child and spend time with their family. During this time, the employer may only terminate the employment relationship in exceptional circumstances (e.g.
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Visa for freelance business
make a living for yourself, and have the permission to practise in your profession, where needed. If you are older than 45 years of age, you also require adequate pension provisions. Special rules apply to self-employed artists. You can find out more about this in the " Special regulations for artists " section. Advisory services will help you assess whether you fulfil these requirements. Term of your residence permit If your business idea is successful and you are able to make a living for yourself [...] are adequate. Information on entry and visa process Find out the competent German immigration authority Video: Setting up a business in Germany Information on the web Start-up Portal Requirements under residence law BMWK Authority Finder The Authority Finder will guide you to the right local public authorities and agencies for your requirements Recognition in Germany Information on the recognition of foreign non-academic vocational qualifications and a list of contact points Print page share on LinkedIn [...] Visa for freelance business Would you like to be self-employed in a non-regulated profession? To do so, you will need a residence permit and you will have to meet certain requirements. In Germany, there are two ways of setting up your own business: you can either work as a freelancer ( Freiberufler ) or set up a business as a self-employed entrepreneur ( Gewerbe ). Find out more about the best approach for you in the article on types of new businesses . If you would like to embark on a freelance
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