How to take up a job in Germany
Access to the German labour market
Foreign nationals other than European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EEA) and Swiss nationals may as a rule only reside in Germany for the purpose of taking up gainful employment if they have the requisite residence permit. They may not work without it. Australian, Canadian, Israeli, Japanese, South Korean, New Zealand and US citizens may acquire this residence permit from the competent foreigners authority after their arrival in Germany. They may not however commence gainful employment until they have the permit. Nationals of all other states must apply for a work visa from their local German mission prior to coming to Germany (see further information under Entry Requirements – Visas).
Access to the labour market for non-EU, non-EEA and non-Swiss nationals is strictly regulated by statutory instrument (Ordinance on the admission of foreigners for the purpose of taking up employment) as a result of the 1973 ban on recruitment and the current high unemployment levels. Access is in principle limited to certain professional groups and requires the prior approval of the employment authorities.
For more information, please consult the website of the Federal Employment Agency.
Notwithstanding their countries' accession to the EU on 1 May 2004, nationals of the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Slovakia and Slovenia continue to require work permits in Germany because of the transitional rules relating to freedom of movement. They should apply for an EU work permit from their local German employment office.
Finding Work in Germany
The Central Placement Office of the Federal Employment Agency (ZAV)
The Central Placement Office (ZAV) is the German body responsible for placing applicants from abroad with German firms and likewise for placing German applicants with firms abroad. The ZAV works in conjunction with the other agencies of the Federal Employment Agency:
Zentralstelle für Arbeitsvermittlung der Bundesagentur für Arbeit (ZAV)
53107 Bonn
Tel: +49 (0) 228 713-0
Fax: +49 (0) 228 713-1111
EURES
The European Employment Service (EURES) fosters mobility on the European labour market by providing information, consultation and placement services for employees and employers. EURES is a cooperation network that is supported by the European Commission and the public employment authorities from the EU and EEA member states and Switzerland. EURES advisers in the national employment authorities pass on information about ways of finding work and about living and working conditions in Germany. They have access to lists of situations vacant and work in close collaboration with their contact persons in Germany.
The Federal Employment Agency's European Service
The Federal Employment Agency's European Service unites all European services provided by the Federal Employment Agency in a network of 15 regional centres. The European Service is supported by the activities of the EURES advisers in the border regions, who are responsible within the local employment agencies for cross-border placement services and advice. Employees who are looking for work or further training opportunities in Germany can find up-to-date information online at www.europaserviceba.de. The search function provided by the Federal Employment Agency on its website www.arbeitsagentur.de (select "Arbeits- u. Ausbildungssuchende" and then "Stellenangebote suchen") will give you an idea of the situations vacant in Germany. If you have any further questions please ring the Agency's hotline for Europe and abroad. The number is 0180 52 22 02 3 for callers from Germany (12 cent per minute) and +49 228 713 13 13 for callers from abroad. The hotline staff answer questions, send out information materials and connect callers with case officers in the European Service should they need further assistance.
Private employment agencies within and outside Europe
Private agencies may, if they have the necessary permit from the Federal Employment Agency, field applicants within the Federal Republic of Germany and from and for EU and EEA member states. Placements involving countries outside the EU and EEA may, with a few exceptions, for which agencies require a special permit (e.g. for artists and artistes, photo-models, professional sportsmen and women, au-pairs), only be handled by the Central Placement Office (ZAV). Fees may only be levied from the employer, except in a few special cases regulated by statutory instrument.
All important information about the international employment services provided by the Federal Employment Agency can be found online.
Last updated 06.01.2006
