Living and working in Germany

1. Search for a job before entering the country

It is particularly important for people from non-EU countries, known as third countries, to have a job in Germany, as this is a prerequisite for obtaining a visa. You should therefore have already secured a job or an apprenticeship before entering the country.

People from the EU, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein or Switzerland can also look for a job after arrival. That said, it is also a good idea for them to secure a job in Germany at an early stage.

2. Apply for a visa

A helpful tool for orientation

The Visa Navigator from the Federal Foreign Office

Anyone coming to work in Germany from the EU, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein or Switzerland does not need a visa.

Anyone else must obtain a visa before entering the country. There are different types of visas, depending on your qualifications and personal circumstances.

For example, to obtain a work visa, you must have a qualification recognised in Germany for the profession and have secured employment in Germany. In addition, proof of financing and proof of health insurance is required.

3. Compile important documents

Important documents include:

• You will need identification documents: ID card or valid passport. If you have children, you must provide a copy of their birth certificates.
• You will often be asked for certain certificates and references: Make sure your birth certificates and school, university and training certificates are translated and certified. Check whether/to what extent your qualifications are recognised.
• For persons from non-EU/third countries: A visa for entering Germany.
• Health insurance in Germany is normally compulsory. Employees, students, and apprentices, for example, must take out insurance.
• Contributions to health insurance and other social insurance schemes are automatically deducted from your salary. 

4. Health insurance in Germany

Anyone coming from the EU or the EEA should bring their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). However, anyone working here must still take out insurance in Germany. 

For everyone else, it is advisable to take out health insurance for your trip to Germany. Once you have arrived in Germany, you must take out health insurance if you are working here. As a statutory health insurance provider, we would be happy to provide you with insurance. You can easily take out health insurance with us online.

5. Find accommodation

It is a good idea to arrange accommodation prior to your arrival. This is because you need an address in Germany in order to register with the residents' registration office.

6. Registering your address at the residents’ registration office

Register your address your local residents’ registration office within two weeks of arriving in Germany. You must provide proof of a permanent address. The residents’ registration office will issue you a ‘certificate of registration’. Keep the certificate of registration in a safe place.

Important: Each time you move, you must also register your new address with the residents' registration office.

To register your address, you need:

• An appointment at the residents' registration office. In most cases, you can schedule an appointment online.
• Your passport (with your visa, if applicable) or ID card
• The rental agreement or a confirmation from the landlord

7. Obtain your tax ID

After registering with the residents' registration office, you will also receive your tax identification number, or tax ID for short.

You will be placed in a tax bracket based on your income and family situation. Income tax and, if applicable, church tax are automatically deducted from your salary. At the end of the year, you must submit a tax return. 

Information regarding payslips

Payslips in Germany: All employees in Germany receive a breakdown of their salary. This salary statement is referred to in German as a ‘Gehaltsabrechnung’, ‘Entgeltabrechnung’, or ‘Lohnabrechnung’. The employer is obliged to issue a payslip.

All allowances, deductions for compulsory insurance and taxes are also listed on the statement. For example, your salary statement contains the following information:

• Your health insurance contribution
• Your contribution to pension insurance
• Your contribution to unemployment insurance
• Your contribution to nursing care insurance
• Income tax
• Church tax

8. Open a bank account 

Open an account at a bank. Your employer will require an account number to which they can transfer your salary. The bank will require the aforementioned certificate of registration to open the account. 

9. Sign the employment contract

In Germany, a written employment contract is customary. Sign your contract and keep a copy for your records. Your employment contract contains details about you and the company, the start date, term, probationary period, place of work, a role description, salary details, working hours, notice periods and collective and works agreements.

The employment contract must be available in writing no later than one month after starting work. Anyone coming to Germany from a third country already requires the signed employment contract in order to apply for a visa. 

10. Obtain a social security number 

Once you have started working in Germany, you will automatically receive an insurance number from the statutory pension insurance fund. You will keep the same number for life. Therefore, you do not have to take any action. Your employer can access your insurance number electronically from the pension insurance fund at any time. 

11. Residence permit for non-EU citizens (third countries)

If you are coming from a third country, you will need a visa to enter Germany. To stay in Germany, you will need a residence permit.

To apply for a residence permit, you usually need the following documents:

Passport, visa, rental agreement, employment contract, health insurance, registration certificate, proof of finances if applicable.

12. Proof of certain qualifications

• Depending on the industry and employer, you may need to have your professional qualifications accredited. The following website provides helpful information: https://www.anerkennung-in-deutschland.de/html/en/what-is-recognition.php
• If, for example, you are employed in the food industry, you also need to provide proof of specific qualifications, such as hygiene training for the food industry. Your employer must organise this for you.

13. Integration/network

Useful links for your start in Germany

• Working and Living in Germany - German Federal Foreign Office
• First steps in Germany – Federal Office for Migration and Refugees ( First steps in Germanys
• Immigrants from the European Union – Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF)
• Living, studying and working for people coming from other countries - Federal Employmet Agency Germany
• Page for skilled workers (make-it-in-germany.com)