
Taxes - the basics for employees
An introduction into the German tax system for employees.
A guide for everybody who wants to find a job from abroad before relocating to Germany, including a list of job search websites popular in Germany. We explain the job application process and how to use your foreign qualifications in Germany.
Many companies are open to applications in English although an application in German is a big advantage. In most companies, at least some understanding of German is required even for teaching English. Language requirements vary by sector: all medical jobs require verbal German skills whereas software developers in start-ups might get by without speaking German.
Check with the company before applying whether you can simply apply by e-mail or whether they prefer applications via some online application tool. Include a cover letter, a CV and copies of your diplomas and work references.
You might get invited for a first interview round via Zoom or Skype although you probably have to come to Germany in person for a final interview. Staged application processes where applicants first speak to the human resources person, then to colleagues working in their field of expertise, are the norm in many companies. Software companies often ask applicants to do a coding test.
Expect long and formal application procedures up to several months at big companies and more informal ones at start-ups. Many companies in Germany opened up to remote application and work settings during the Corona pandemic.
Some professions like engineers or tech workers can expect to get offers from recruiters via Linkedin or Xing. It's important to signal on your profile pages to recruiters that you are still located abroad but are about to relocate to Germany so that they have you on their radars. Usually, recruiters get a commission from the company and applicants don't have to pay.
While expertise for some tech jobs will be tested during the interview, most jobs rely on formal qualifications. You can check on this website whether your qualification is recognized in Germany.
Germany has some 150 regulated professions like teachers, lawyers, doctors and opticians source. You can check this EU database for regulated professions to see if your job is regulated in Germany. You have to get your qualification recognized by the relevant German authority or professional association if you want to work in a regulated job.
You find more information about recognizing foreign diplomas in Germany on the website of Central Office for Foreign Education (Zentrale Stelle für die Bewertung ausländischer Qualifikationen) or select the responsible authority directly by the federal state (Bundesland).
The following job search websites have listings of many jobs across all of Germany. These are the big players among job portals in Germany.
Meta job search websites search across many websites with job listings and compile the result. This saves you the hassle to enter the same search query on several websites.
A list of websites specializing in jobs for English speakers.
A list of job portals specializing in Ausbildung, formation or (Student) jobs in Germany.
An overview of the different types of work visas in Germany. A starter guide for everybody who wants to work in Germany.
What is the procedure when visiting a doctor or a hospital in Germany? How long do I have to wait for appointments? What is the quality of the treatment? What are the cos...
Fyrst, Holvi, Kontist, Finom or Wise. Which is the best German bank account in 2023 for small business and freelancers?
The best German bank accounts in 2023 for expats. A honest review of N26, DKB, 1822direkt, bunq, ING-DiBa and many more.
The German Blue Card visa is an option for a permanent residence permit if you are looking to work in mathematics, IT, natural sciences, engineering or human medicine or ...
An independent 2022 review of the best German public and private health insurance plans for singles, couples and families including expat health insurance for visa applic...
How to dial a phone number in Germany.
The best German mobile phone and prepaid plans for expats. A review of Smartmobil, Telekom, Vodafone, Lebara, fraenk.
Public vs private health insurance in Germany for foreigners. Your options and why cheap plans might turn out to be more expensive in the end.
What to pay attention for when applying for private health insurance in Germany.
A guide to getting a German work visa for employees. This visa allows you to work and live in Germany.
Get your money back if you have to cancel your trip because of Corona.
Freelance artists or publishers in Germany are entitled to cheaper healthcare plans via the Künstlersozialkasse (KSK). A step by step guide.
A review of the most useful health apps in Germany.
A step by step guide to get a visa to freelance in Germany.
You can't do all the work at home anymore and need help? Follow this step by step guide to get help covered by your German health insurance.
A step by step guide to find a doctor which speaks your language in Germany based on your ZIP code.
A step by step guide to get your money back if an airline cancelled a flight but does not refund the money.
A honest review of German internet providers and how the pick the best one for your location (and save money).
A step by step guide to register an address in Germany. This is called Anmeldung an necessary to get a tax id, open a bank account or to sign up for health insurance.
The essentials to run a business, consultancy or freelance in Germany: register, get a tax number, healthcare, invoicing.
All about the German student visa, the application process and required documents.
A list of environmentally friendly green electricity suppliers in Germany. How to save hundreds on Euros on your electricity bills.
Our guide shows you the necessary steps to open a bank account as a foreigner in Germany.
83% of German households have a private liability insurance. Get protection for as little as 43.- Euro per year. A review for expats including dog liability.
Find an English speaking tax consultant close to your address.
The fastest way to do your taxes in Germany without speaking German. A review of Taxfix, Wiso, Smartsteuer, Wundertax, Sorted.
Introduction into taxes in Germany for consultants, freelancers and other self-employed. This article gives you an overview of the most important types of taxes.
A bureaucratic nightmare with a happy end.
A checklist of steps to do after you found a flat: registration, electricity and internet providers, moving services, useful insurances and warnings of possible scams.