Important information about working in Germany

There is no doubt that the German economy is facing a skills shortage and is looking at foreign workers to close the skills gap. The German government on its part is working on policies that will make it easier for foreigners to work here. If you are a qualified and experienced professional, then you have good chances of finding a job here. Here is some important information about working in Germany.

Sectors that have good prospects of finding a job

Healthcare Sector: Germany is facing a shortage of doctors and if you are a qualified doctor, you can get a license to practice in Germany. Your degree must be recognized as being equivalent to the German qualification. The country is also facing a shortage of nurses and elderly care professionals.

Engineering Sector: Engineers qualified in mechanical, electrical, automotive, computer engineering, in fact, most of the branches in engineering are in demand. If you are a graduate in Mathematics, Information technology, Natural sciences, and Technology (MINT) subjects, then you have good opportunities to find a job in private companies and research institutes here.

Vocational Jobs: Individuals with vocational qualifications can find good job opportunities in various fields provided there is a shortage and the qualifications are equal to those in Germany.

Your visa options

Before you decide to Move to Germany for work, you must be aware of the visa requirements.

If you are a citizen of an EU nation, you do not require a work visa, nor do you require a work permit to work in Germany. You and your family members are free to enter Germany and look for job opportunities.

However, if you are from any of these European nations- Iceland, Switzerland, Norway, you will require a valid passport to live and work here.

If you belong to a country that is not part of the EU, you must apply for a work visa and residence permit before you plan to travel to Germany. You must make your application before you move to the country.

You can come to Germany with an EU Blue Card if you are a graduate or post- graduate and have secured a job in Germany before moving to the country. You can get your Blue Card if you have graduated from a German University or if you are a skilled professional in MINT or the medical field.

Jobseeker Visa- In a bid to encourage foreign professionals to come to Germany and solve the skills shortage, the German government introduced the jobseeker visa.  With this visa, jobseekers can come and stay in Germany for six months and search for a job. Other features of this visa are:

• There is no need to have a job offer from a German company to obtain this visa
• If a job is found in the six months, the visa can be converted to a work permit
• If no job is found within this period, the person should leave the country. There are no chances of an extension.

Recognition of your qualification from German authorities

When you are applying for jobs in Germany, you must not only submit proof of your professional and educational qualifications but also get the recognition for your professional skills from German authorities. This is required for regulated professions like doctors, nurses,and teachers. The German government has a portal where you can get recognition for your professional qualifications.

 Knowledge of German language

Some degree of proficiency in the German language will give you an edge over other job seekers who have no knowledge. If you have the right educational qualification, work experience and have basic knowledge of German (B2 or C1 level) then you have good prospects of finding a job here. But for specialized jobs such as research and development, knowledge of German is not required.

If you are looking at job opportunities in Germany, you must be aware of any important information that will help you in your job search. Take the help of an Immigration Expert who will not only help you with your visa options but also provide you crucial information to help you succeed.