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12 Job Opportunities in Germany for Immigrants in 2022

5 Minute Lesen

Von Imogen Sharma

Germany is one of the largest economies in the world, with an array of booming markets for immigrants to work in. The culture is eclectic and vibrant, and the country is known for being socially and environmentally progressive. If you’re looking for work in Germany, you’re in luck. It’s very welcoming when it comes to immigrants, particularly if you work in an in-demand industry.

Keep reading to learn about some of the most sought-after professions in Germany. If any of these jobs pique your interest, see the biggest job board in Germany, federally operated Bundesagentur für Arbeit, for a list of vacancies.1 StepStone2, Indeed3, and Monster4 are also popular in Germany.

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1. Data Entry Jobs

Average Salary: €31,0005

Regulated Profession: No6

As the number of businesses in the world grows, so does the need for hard-working data entry professionals with a keen eye for detail. Germany is a world-leader when it comes to industry, so there’s plenty of work available for those who specialize in business administration.

2. Developer Jobs

Average Salary: €40,8637

Regulated Profession: No8

Web developers, software engineers and data scientists are some of the most in-demand professionals in Germany and the rest of the world. If you’re a programmer who can write code to build apps, websites and other software, there are plenty of jobs available. The industry isn’t regulated, so all you need is a visa, health insurance and the application fee.9

3. Driving Jobs

Average Salary: €20,47310

Regulated Profession: No11

Drivers keep the world moving by delivering essential goods, products, and food. You can easily find a driving job locally in Germany, but there might be stiff competition for vacancies, depending on where you live. You’ll need to find a position first and apply for an employment visa at your local German Embassy or Consulate.

4. Electrician Jobs

Average Salary: €28,00012

Regulated Profession: No13

Electricians are skilled tradespeople who specialize in providing energy to rooms and buildings. They inspect, test, and install equipment and ensure it’s operating in a safe and effective manner. If you’re an electrician with strong German language skills, you should be able to find a position relevant to your level of experience with relative ease.

5. Nursing Jobs

Average Salary: €31,13514

Regulated Profession: Yes15

Nurses are some of the most sought-after professionals in Germany, which makes finding a job much easier.16 Whether you’re a general nurse or have a specialty, there’s a good chance you’ll find a vacancy. Due to the fact nursing jobs are regulated, you’ll need to apply for recognition of your qualifications to use the job title in this role.17

6. Psychologist Jobs

Average Salary: €47,66018

Regulated Profession: No19, but you might require a Statement of Comparability.20

Demand for therapists continues to grow in Germany, making it a smart place to move if you’re looking for a good salary and work-life balance. Just make sure you understand the difference between psychologists, psychiatrists, and psychotherapists, as they may have different entry requirements. For example, a psychiatrist requires qualification recognition, whereas a psychologist usually doesn’t.21

7. Tutoring Jobs

Average Salary: €36,11022

Regulated Profession: Yes

Tutor isn’t a recognized job title in Germany, but you can still put your skills to use and start your own tutoring business, if you meet the necessary requirements.23 Otherwise, you might be able to enter Germany as a teacher and move into tutoring at a later time. Because teachers are regulated in Germany, you’ll need recognition of your teaching qualifications to use the job title.

8. Hospitality Jobs

Average Salary: €21,09024

Regulated Profession: No

The hospitality industry includes hotels, restaurants, bars and clubs, and there’s high demand for hospitality professionals in Germany. Whether you’re a server, chef, manager, or bartender, you’ll be able to find work locally. Because qualifications aren’t necessary, workers must find a job first and then apply for an employment visa.

9. Accounting Jobs

Average Salary: €39,63125

Regulated Profession: No

No matter a company’s size or which vertical it operates in, financial compliance is essential. And because business in Germany is thriving, there are practically unlimited opportunities for accountants. If you have qualifications or great experience in the field and speak decent German, you shouldn’t have a problem finding work in the financial sector.26

10. IT Consultancy Jobs

Average Salary: €55,14727

Regulated Profession: No

As technology dominates people’s lives and facilitates unprecedented economic growth, the need for IT professionals in Germany is greater than ever. Professionals in the field are so sought-after that there’s a special visa for them. However, it’s important to note that, as with other unregulated professions, you require a job offer before applying for a visa.28

11. Scientist Jobs

Average Salary: €57,26729

Regulated Profession: No, but you might need a Statement of Comparability.

Germany is strongly associated with innovation, particularly in the automotive, chemical, and pharmaceutical industries. As such, the need for scientists is ever-present. If you specialize in the following fields, there’s a good chance you can quickly find work:

12. Architectural Jobs

Average Salary: €36,09130

Regulated Profession: Yes

Because of Germany’s stable and sustainable economy, new construction projects and major refurbishments are constantly taking place. As such, there are plenty of positions for skilled professionals. Architect positions are regulated in Germany, so you need to apply for qualification recognition to work using the job title.

How to Apply for a Job in Germany

To live and work in Germany, you need a work and residence permit, which is obtained through a single application.31 The permit you apply for varies depending on your job and qualifications. For example, if you have a recognized professional qualification, you can enter with a job-seeker visa, which gives you six months to find a job.32

Workers from some countries can stay in Germany for up to three months and apply for a job and visa in that time. Otherwise, you’ll need to apply for a position first, receive an offer and then apply for a visa.

Documentation Required to Apply for Work in Germany

Some of the documents you need to apply for a work and residence permit in Germany include: