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This resource provides up-to-date information about securing gainful employment in Germany. The advice available here has the endorsement of the Federal Foreign Office in Berlin.

The Quick Check on the Make it in Germany website should indicate your chances of working in Germany. There is demand, among others, for doctors, nursing staff, engineers, mechatronic technicians, IT specialists and train drivers. Before you start looking for a job it is best to first clarify whether you need a visa to work in Germany.

For many jobs it can be useful and for some it is even necessary that vocational or educational qualifications from your home country are recognised in Germany. You can check whether this applies to you on the Recognition in Germany website.

The job listings on the Make it in Germany website give details of vacancies where international specialists are explicitly sought. You can also carry out job searches on the Federal Employment Agency website, in large employment exchanges like Stepstone, Indeed and Monster or among the vacancies published on business networks like LinkedIn or Xing. If you’re interested in specific companies, look for vacancies directly on their corporate websites.

Normally, an application to a German company includes a covering letter, a CV with a photograph, certificates and testimonials. Make sure you have the required qualifications and emphasise them in your covering letter.

American citizens can enter Germany without a visa and remain for up to three months. If you want to work here, however, you will need to apply for a residence permit that allows you to take up gainful employment. You should only apply for one when you already have a contract of employment in Germany.

Make an appointment at the German Consulate in Atlanta and inform your future employer that it can take some time before all visa formalities are completed. If you have a higher education qualification that is recognized in Germany (e.g., B.A. or B.S. from KSU), you can receive a six-month visa to look for a job.

Health and personal liability insurances are mandatory in Germany, and that applies from the first day of your stay.

There are numerous considerations and preparations when planning to work abroad. Here you will find checklists to help you look for work in Germany. You can also gauge demand for your areas of interest by exploring the following resource: Jobs in demand in Germany.

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