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Work & jobs in Germany
Work rules in Germany depend on your nationality and residence status. EU/EEA citizens can usually work freely; non-EU citizens should confirm that their permit allows the job before signing.
Employment offices in Germany
Agentur für Arbeit: Jobs, unemployment benefits. Phone: 0800 4 555500. Jobcenter: Bürgergeld (basic income support).
Job-search and permit steps
Residence permit (Aufenthaltstitel): After arriving on a visa, you apply for an Aufenthaltstitel at the Ausländerbehörde before the visa expires. Book early — Waiting lists run 2–6 months. Apply for an appointment immediately after Anmeldung. Typical documents — Passport, biometric photo, Anmeldung, health insurance proof, income/job offer or study enrollment, rental contract, fee ~100 €. Fiktionsbescheinigung — If your visa expires before the appointment, ask for a Fiktionsbescheinigung — it legalizes your stay while waiting. Health insurance: Mandatory for everyone. Employees and students use statutory (gesetzlich, ~14.6% of gross). Freelancers can choose private. Pick a Krankenkasse — TK, AOK, Barmer, DAK are largest. Service quality varies — TK has strong English support. Get your insurance card — Arrives in 1–2 weeks. Show it at any doctor. Children of insured parents are free. Find a doctor — Use jameda.de or call 116 117 to be assigned one. Many GPs accept new patients only by recommendation in big cities. Integration course (Integrationskurs): 600 hours of German + 100 hours of orientation. Free or 2.50 €/hr depending on status. Apply at BAMF — Refugees and EU Blue Card holders qualify automatically. Others can apply for a Zulassung. Find a school — VHS and private schools (Goethe, IIK, did) run the course. Search BAMF's official list. Final exam — DTZ (German A2/B1) + Leben in Deutschland. Passing B1 counts toward citizenship.
Contracts and worker rights
Ask for a written contract before the first shift. It should show working hours, salary, probation, holiday, sick leave and notice period. Keep payslips and messages from the employer in case you need help from a union or labour office.
Diplomas and regulated professions
Doctors, nurses, teachers, drivers, electricians and other regulated workers usually need formal recognition before working independently. Start recognition early because it can take months.
Frequently asked questions
Where do newcomers look for jobs in Germany?
Start with Agentur für Arbeit, recognised employers, local job portals and municipal integration offices.
Which office should I contact first in Germany?
Start with Agentur für Arbeit. For broader newcomer help, also check Bürgeramt / Einwohnermeldeamt, Ausländerbehörde, BAMF (Bundesamt für Migration).
What language will offices use in Germany?
The main administrative language is German. Larger offices often offer English or interpreters, but bring translated documents when possible.
Do I need to speak the local language to work?
Not always — many international employers work in English. But for public-sector roles and most customer-facing jobs, local language is expected.
What is the minimum wage?
It varies widely across the EU. Your national employment authority publishes current rates.