Job Search & Application in Germany

The conditions and requirements for working in Germany vary depending on the country of origin and other criteria (e.g., qualification and work experience). For skilled workers from non-EU states, a relationship of qualified employment must generally exist.

If you are from an EU or EEA Member State or from Switzerland, you have unrestricted access to the German labour market. 

With the Quick-Check, you can check which options you have for working in Germany.

Whether you require German language skills often depends on the profession to be practised. As a rule, it will be easier for you to find a job if you speak German (exceptions are possible, e.g., in the IT industry). German language skills are also important for everyday life, as well as participation on a societal level. Experience shows that language level B1 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) is a good basis for getting by in Germany.

Please visit the “Learning German” section to find out how and where you can learn German.

In some cases, a proof of your German language skills is required for the visa application. This applies to certain professions (e.g., nursing professionals) and for some visas (e.g., visa for vocational training).

Please find detailed information in the “Do I need to know German?”.

To apply for a job in Germany, you usually need a CV, a cover letter / letter of motivation for the specific position, and references attesting to your qualifications. As a rule, you must either upload your documents to the employer's website where the position is advertised, or you will be given an email address to which you can send your application documents (usually in a PDF file). Important: in most cases, you must write your application documents in German. Use the language in which the job advertisement is written as a guide and always state your language skills in your CV.

You can find tips on applying for jobs in the “Finding a job” section.

Yes, you can enter Germany with the opportunity card to look for a job in order to find qualified employment or to become self-employed. The opportunity card is initially issued for a maximum of one year. During this time, you must be able to support yourself financially. 

You can find out what requirements you must meet for the opportunity card in the section “Job search opportunity card” section.

Further detailed information on the opportunity card can also be found in the section “Questions and answers regarding the opportunity card” section.

No, “Make it in Germany” does not conduct job placement services! On the portal, you can obtain binding information and advice via the “Working and Living in Germany-Hotline”. Job placement is outside of the “Make it in Germany” portal’s remit; the German state institution for job placement is the Federal Employment Agency (External link) .

If private recruitment agents or agencies place advertise or offer paid services under the “Make it in Germany” name, they are not part of the services offered by the official information portal of the Federal Government.