Working in Germany as an EU citizen

Are you an EU citizen and want to work in Germany? Whether you want to start a new career or simply gain work experience in Germany, you have a good chance of finding work in Germany. In this article you will find all the important information you need to get off to a successful start in Germany as an EU citizen. 

Work permit for EU citizens

Good news for you as an EU citizen: you don't need a work permit to work in Germany! Thanks to the EU Freedom of Movement Act, you can move to any EU member state and work without having to apply for a special work permit. All you need is a valid identity card or passport, and you don't have to register with any authorities for your work permit either! 

However, caution is required for certain professions in healthcare, engineering or teaching, where you need formal recognition of your training or studies before you are allowed to work in Germany! It is better to find out in advance from the relevant official bodies whether your profession is one of these exceptions, how your recognition works or whether you need to provide proof of certain additional qualifications. 

Especially for professions in the healthcare sector, such as art or nursing, it is really worth finding out exactly what you need to know beforehand and getting advice! You have a very good chance of finding a job quickly in the healthcare sector in Germany, but you cannot work officially without formal recognition. 

Recognition of training

Have you already completed your training or studies abroad? You can have this recognized as a formal qualification in Germany and thus drastically increase your chances on the job market. For regulated professions, such as doctors or engineers, formal recognition is necessary to start working in Germany.

The recognition of your training depends on various factors, such as the professional field, your specific training and whether you completed it in the EU or in another EU country. For EU citizens, this process is super simple and can sometimes be completed within a few days. If you have any questions or uncertainties, it is very useful to take advantage of the free advice offered by the official advice centers. 

To apply for recognition of your training and for all the relevant information, visit the official portal "Recognition in Germany". In the short quiz, you will also find out how the recognition process works based on your individual situation with your specific training. As an EU citizen, you can usually apply for recognition directly online without any problems or you can arrange a consultation appointment directly. You can find even more information on recognition, regardless of whether you are an EU citizen or an EU foreigner, in our detailed article on the recognition of foreign qualifications. There you can also find out exactly how the recognition process works!

Career opportunities in Germany as an EU citizen

Germany offers you a wide range of career opportunities, not only in traditional office jobs, but also in skilled trades and technical professions in particular. Skilled workers in areas such as construction, logistics, care and skilled trades are in particularly high demand.

Here are some examples of professions that are particularly in demand in Germany: 

• Construction and skilled trades: Painters and varnishers, bricklayers, roofers, carpenters, construction equipment operators, concrete and reinforced concrete workers, civil engineering workers.
• Nursing professions: The demand for nursing staff in general is very high in Germany, both in hospitals and in nursing homes.
• Logistics and transport: As a professional driver, warehouse worker and specialist in the logistics sector, you have very good career prospects.
• Industrial professions: electricians, plumbers, production mechanics, mechatronics technicians, electronics technicians, sanitary, heating and air conditioning engineers (SHK). 

These professions not only offer job security, but often also attractive salaries above the minimum wage of 12.41 euros per hour in Germany (as of August 2024). If you want to find out more about the best earning opportunities in Germany, it's worth taking a look at the list of the best-paid jobs in Germany. Here you will find detailed information to help you plan your career!

Find jobs on WorkerHero

If you're ready to get started in Germany, WorkerHero is the perfect platform for you. Whether you already speak German or not, on WorkerHero you'll find jobs that match your qualifications and language skills.

You can find more information and the best jobs if you want to work in Germany without knowing German in our article on working without knowing German. 

Germany offers EU citizens a wide range of opportunities to gain a professional foothold and build a successful career. Whether you want to have your education recognized or are simply looking for the best job opportunities - with the right information and the right platform like WorkerHero, nothing stands in the way of your professional success. Take advantage of the opportunities available to you and start your career in Germany today!

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