Employment in Germany

Germany has a vibrant jobs market and some of the world’s leading employers. There are clear opportunities for people from the UK wanting to live and work in Germany, especially in sectors with skills shortages. This overview is a good starting point to find out more about working in Germany and about the process of securing a job there.

General Information

As a British citizen, you’ll need a work visa or residence permit for qualified professionals to live in Germany and work for a German-based employer for more than 90 days. You can apply for a visa before you leave – from the German Consulate General in Edinburgh (if you live in Scotland) or from the German Embassy in London (if you live in any other part of the UK). If you already have pre-approval from the Federal Employment Agency (see below), you’ll need to apply via the German Mission’s external service provider, TLS.

Alternatively, you can travel to Germany without a visa and apply for a residence permit from the local immigration office within 90 days, but you may only start working once your permit has been granted.

Whether you’ll be granted access to the German jobs market will depend on approval from the Federal Employment Agency (Bundesagentur für Arbeit), based on your occupation and the country’s economic needs. However, some basic requirements must be met by all applicants:

• You’ll need to be a “qualified professional”, meaning you hold an academic or vocational qualification.
• If you hold an academic degree, it must be recognised in Germany. You can check this on the German government’s Anabin database of degrees and awarding institutions. If either is not listed, you’ll need to apply for a Statement of Comparability.
• If you hold a vocational qualification, your qualification will need to be recognised by the relevant German authorities and regulatory bodies. Since these institutions often have a regional or local remit, you’ll need to know where in Germany your prospective job is going to be located. This database provides detailed guidance on qualifications by occupation and location.
• Some regulated professions (including medical professionals, teachers, architects, auditors, tax advisors, and others) require a formal license to work in Germany. This database provides detailed guidance by occupation and location.
• You’ll need to be under the age of 45. (If aged 45 or over, you must meet certain minimum salary and pension savings levels.)
• An employer declaration confirming the details of your employment;
• Evidence of health insurance cover in Germany (German statutory health insurance or equivalent); and
• A professional CV.

Please note that this list is not exhaustive. Your prospective employer can speed up the process by seeking pre-approval from the Federal Employment Agency before you apply for a visa or residence permit. Full details on applying for visas for qualified professionals are available on the website of the German Missions in the UK, and the Make It In Germany website provides additional information. Details on applying for a residence permit after your arrival are available from the relevant local immigration office in Germany. The fee for a visa is €75. A residence permit obtained in Germany will usually cost you €100.

Like everyone living in Germany, you must register as a resident with the local authority within 14 days of moving into your accommodation. You’ll need confirmation of your registration to apply for your residence permit, or to have your visa converted into a residence permit.