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If you're planning to move to Germany soon, one of the first questions you're asking is likely, do I need a visa to work in Germany? The answer is probably yes, you do need a visa—but let's look at it in detail to figure out if you're a special case in which the answer is no.

Do I need a visa to work in Germany?

What's the difference between a visa and a work permit?

First of all, it's important to distinguish the difference between a visa and a work permit. Many people use them interchangeably, but there are important differences between the two.

A visa allows you to cross the border and enter the country. This is a permit to enter a country for a specific purpose: for study, work, recreation or medical treatment.

A residence title confirms the right of a foreigner to live within the country for an extended period of time (typically longer than 90 days), and is often used to prove their identity to enter the country.

To learn more about the differences between the two, read our post here!

For the purposes of this blog, we'll be answering the question, "Do I need a visa to work in Germany" through the lens of both "visa" as an entry document, as well as "Do I need a residence title to work in Germany?"

To get us started: the simplest question to determine if a visa OR residence title is needed to work in Germany:

Do you hold citizenship from an EU country?

If you are, you're in luck. A visa is not necessary for you to work in Germany—nor is a residence title needed to work in Germany.

You'll notice we asked if you hold EU citizenship, not if you live in the EU. That's because:

• If you are living in the EU but do not hold EU citizenship, you will need a visa and residence title to work in Germany. ✅
• If you hold EU citizenship but are not living in the EU, you do not need a visa or residence title to work in Germany. ❌

Do you hold citizenship from any country outside of the EU?

If so, you will definitely need a visa to work in Germany. ✅ AND you will need a residence title to work in Germany.

In fact, many of you will have to have a visa simply to enter Germany. Only certain citizens don't—those folks are:

Citizens of Australia, Israel, Japan, Canada, South Korea, New Zealand, USA, UK

If you hold citizenship from any of the above countries, you are allowed to enter Germany and stay for 90 days without a visa. However, you will need a residence title to WORK in Germany. This is super important.

Even if you are a citizenship of the above countries, you cannot work in Germany without a visa or residence title.

Citizens from any other country

You will need a visa to both enter AND work in Germany. ✅

You will need a residence title to work in Germany. ✅

But wait...

How can I work on a visa if I also need a residence title to work?

You can work on a visa (that entry document!) if you have a National D visa. A National D visa is granted at a German embassy abroad when you have an employment contract for Germany. This visa signals to the authorities that you are coming to work in Germany—and as such, once you have it, you are allowed to start working from the date specified on your visa.

However, this is not your residence title, and it will not allow you to work long-term. National D visas are typically valid for 90 days (though in some cases, they might be granted for 6 months) and need to be transferred to a residence title once you arrive in Germany.

Spouses of a working partner

Spouses who join their partners on either a concurrent spouse visa or a family reunification will also need visas in order to work.

If your spouse holds an EU Blue Card, the residence title you receive when you arrive in Germany will also allow you to work. ❌

If your spouse holds a regular work permit, you will need to find employment yourself in order to get permission to work in Germany. ✅

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To sum it all up, unless you hold citizenship from another EU country, you will need a visa to work in Germany. And you will also need a residence title to work in Germany. If you're ready to start the visa application process, sign up for your free Worldify account!  🔵

Have you ever considered moving to Germany, but thought it was impossible without a job lined up first? Well, it turns out that it’s actually possible to make the move, even if you haven’t secured employment yet. In this blog post, we’ll explore the possibilities of moving to Germany without a job, and discuss the necessary steps to make the move a reality.

Can you move to Germany without a job?

The good news, is the answer is YES! 🥳 Many people move to Germany without a job lined up, and find employment before moving themselves (and their families) over.

Why move to Germany without a job?

Benefits of living in Germany

With its world-renowned educational system and rich culture, Germany is a great country to live, work, and raise a family. Germany is known for its high-quality jobs, good salaries, and excellent work/life balance. It has a very large and diverse labor market, offering many different employment opportunities to professional workers. Germany is an ideal destination for anyone looking for a challenging yet rewarding career in an international setting. So, regardless of which German city you're interested in, if you're looking for an amazing job in Germany, you won't be disappointed by the range of opportunities available.

Career opportunities in Germany

There are plenty of job opportunities available for those who are willing to look for them, making it a great place to relocate without having a job lined up. Germany is an ideal place to search for a job due to its thriving economy, healthy job market, and diverse range of industries. Germany offers numerous opportunities across a variety of sectors. From engineering, IT and healthcare to arts, media and education - there are Germany job opportunities that cater to everyone's interests and skillsets. With the right preparation and determination, you can find the perfect Germany job for you. Start your Germany job search today and explore all the possibilities Germany has to offer.

Wondering if you need to speak German to work in Germany? We answer that question here.

Expat worker solidarity

Besides Germany's thriving economy and job market, Germans can be very supportive of newcomers looking for work in the country. As such, there are growing numbers of foreign jobseekers in Germany, making it easier to find supportive fellow expats. If you are considering a move to Germany for employment, you can rest assured that you will be in good company.

Curious what it's like to live in Germany as an expat? Check out our content series, What it's Like.

What you need to move to Germany without a job

Visa

Germany has a highly regulated immigration system and requires a valid residence permit for all non-EU citizens. Foreign jobseekers have two options:

If you are a citizen of Australia, Israel, Japan, Canada, South Korea, New Zealand, USA, UK

Citizens of the above countries have two options. You are allowed to enter Germany without a visa, and can stay for up to 90 days. You can use this roughly 3-month period to search for jobs and establish professional connections. Do note, however, you are not allowed to work during this period. If you find a job within these 3 months, you can transition onto an official work permit. Learn more about the types of work permits here.

You can also apply for a jobseeker visa—more detail on that in the paragraph below.

If you are a citizen of any other country

You must have a valid visa to travel to Germany. While a Schengen visa will work in a limited capacity, what is best to apply for is a jobseeker visa. A jobseeker visa will allow you to stay in Germany for a maximum of six months. There's also an additional benefit: with a jobseeker visa, you are allowed to work up to ten hours per week on a trial basis as part of the job application process. Learn more about the jobseeker visa here.

It is important to remember that many permits are only issued for a limited period of time and must be renewed regularly in order to stay legally employed in Germany.

Financial stability

You must have sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay in Germany. This can be demonstrated in the form of bank statements from your home country bank, a blocked account, or a letter of sponsorship from someone already living in Germany. To be sure that you understand all the requirements for working in Germany, it is best to research the requirements specific to your situation before beginning the process.

Health insurance

You will also need to show proof of health insurance. While it's possible to do this with a travel insurance, we recommend working with a German provider to cover you during your time in Germany. That way, you know your coverage is good enough for the authorities reviewing your application.

Housing

It is also necessary to prove that you have a place to stay in Germany. This can be done through having family or friends in the country or a rental agreement. If rental agreement sounds too intense—don't worry! There are actually many amazing temporary housing options that provide furnished apartments and the opportunity to meet other expats. Learn more about temporary housing here.

Having all the necessary documents and a place to stay will ensure that you can stay peacefully and comfortably as you look for a job in Germany.

Resources Available for Finding Work in Germany

Germany has a very diverse job market, with employment opportunities in a range of fields such as IT, manufacturing, engineering, finance, retail, and healthcare. Finding work in Germany can take time and perseverance, but there are plenty of opportunities.

Web Search

There are several great websites dedicated to connecting expats and international workers with potential employers in Germany. If you're looking for work in Germany, it's a great idea to explore these sites. You can create a profile and upload your CV, so potential employers can easily find the information they need. Additionally, many of these websites also offer resources and advice on navigating Germany's job market. So if you want to make sure you're getting the most out of your job search in Germany, these websites are definitely worth checking out.

• Make it in Germany
• Bundesagentur für Arbeit

Professional networking

Networking with other professionals or organizations that specialize in helping international workers find employment in Germany can be immensely helpful as well. Germany primarily uses two sites for professional networking: the global giant, Linkedin, and a German-specific site, Xing. Both are great places to start building your network and looking for open positions.

Job Fairs and Networking Events

Attending job fairs and networking events for foreign nationals, seeking advice from career counselors, and connecting with employers who specialize in recruiting foreign jobseekers are all great ways to increase your opportunities for finding a job in Germany. You can try looking at Eventbrite events in your city of choice for industry events.

In conclusion, there are several options for making the move to Germany without a job. You may be eligible for a residence permit, or, depending on your citizenship, you can arrive on a tourist visa and then look for work. Whichever route you choose, it’s important to plan ahead and make sure that you understand the requirements and regulations in order to make the transition as smooth and stress-free as possible. If you have any questions, just use the Human Support option from your Worldify dashboard. 🔵

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If you've ever dreamed about living and working in Germany, then there's a good chance you'll need to speak German. But what if you don't know any German? Is it possible to work in Germany without speaking German? Yes, but it will take some extra effort on your part. Here's how. 

Can I work in Germany without speaking German?

Working in Germany without speaking German can be challenging, but it is not impossible. Taking language classes or immersing oneself in the German culture can help improve language skills and enhance the overall work experience. If you want to work in Germany without speaking German, it is also essential to search for companies that have an international or English-speaking work environment, or consider freelance or remote work options. We certainly advocate that you have some basic knowledge of the language, but some industries like IT or science may require less language proficiency.

Is speaking German at work necessary?

The German language is the official language of Germany and one of the most widely spoken languages in Europe. It's also one of the three official languages in Austria, Switzerland and Luxembourg. And while it may not be spoken as widely as English or French (or Spanish), it's still important to know if you're thinking about working in Germany.

Situations when speaking German at work might not be necessary

Not every job will require speaking German at work. For instance, if you get hired on an international team, working either predominantly with international co-workers or with international clients. In this case, it's more likely that you'll be speaking English. International teams can be subsets of German companies, departments that have a particular focus on work outside the German or DACH (Deutschland-Austria-Switzerland) market.

There are also slowly companies, particularly in Berlin, who are switching their corporate language to English, rather than German. These tend to be companies who have a heavy emphasis on globalization and wish to work internationally. Many start-ups in Germany also emphasize speaking English rather than speaking German at work.

Is German difficult to learn?

Unfortunately, the answer is, for most people, yes. German is a difficult language to learn. In fact, the Germans even have an idiom for this: Deutsche sprache, schwere Sprache. German language, difficult language.

German grammar is complex, and there are many exceptions to rules. This can be confusing for beginners, who want things to follow a certain structure. When learning and speaking German, it's best to memorize the case for each specific example, versus trying to enforce a language that may or may not apply.

The pronunciation of German words is not always straightforward, either. While some sounds in English are similar to those in German (like [t] for example), others aren't at all. Successfully speaking German means learning how the different combinations of letter, and especially with the special characters, sound, and imitating those sounds as closely as possible.

Like all languages, there are some things about German that are easier and some that are harder. Your experience with learning and speaking German will depend on your own background and the languages you know. For example, if you know a bit of Latin or speak a Slavic language, the four German cases won’t seem nearly as bad! And if you speak English, Dutch, Swedish, Danish, Norwegian or any of the other Germanic languages, a lot of German will be familiar to you. (For instance, 97 of the 100 most frequently used English words have Germanic roots!)

Prepare for speaking German at work

If you want to work in Germany but don't speak German, there are ways to improve your language skills so that it doesn't hold you back.

Learning German before you arrive

If you can, it's ideal to start learning and speaking German even before you arrive in Germany. Whether that's with an online app or an in-person course.

In-person German language courses are a great way to start speaking German. Many universities abroad offer them, and you can find more information about these on their websites.

The Goethe Institute offers classes for beginners as well as intermediate students in many international cities. You can also take part in one-on-one lessons with a private teacher if you prefer this method of learning over group classes. (If you need to prove language proficiency for a visa or for work, the Goethe Institute is also one of the few language schools that provides the official results you'll need for your application)

Learning German in Germany

Government-subsidized classes

The European Union has created several online resources for learning German. As well, the German government offers free courses to help new arrivals learn German, but these may take some time to complete, and often take place during working hours. So if you need to begin work immediately upon arriving in Germany, this option may not be ideal for you.

Privately-funded classes

Of course, there are many language schools in Germany, many of which offer classes online or in the early evening for those of you who have already started working. Though these are not broadly eligible for government subsidy, you may find your employer can help offset the cost. If not, language classes can often be written off on your taxes—especially if speaking German at work is a requirement. 

1. Goethe-Institut: One of the most well-known German language schools, Goethe-Institut offers a variety of courses for learners of all levels, from beginner to advanced, with a focus on communication and cultural immersion.
2. Humboldt-Institut: With locations throughout Germany, Humboldt-Institut offers intensive German language courses for adults and teenagers, as well as specialized courses for business German, exam preparation, and teacher training.
3. Deutsche Akademie: Deutsche Akademie has several locations in Germany and offers courses in small groups for learners of all levels, as well as private lessons, business German courses, and cultural immersion programs.
4. GLS German Language School: GLS offers German language courses for all levels, from beginner to advanced, with a focus on communicative competence and cultural immersion. They also offer specialized courses for exam preparation, business German, and teacher training.
5. Alinguas Language School: Alinguas has locations in Munich, Berlin, and Frankfurt, and offers German language courses for all levels, with a focus on communicative competence and cultural immersion. They also offer exam preparation courses for the TestDaF and DSH exams.
6. Tandem Hamburg: Tandem Hamburg offers German language courses for all levels, as well as private lessons and specialized courses for business German and exam preparation. They also offer a cultural immersion program that includes excursions and activities.
7. Berliner ID: Berliner ID offers German language courses for all levels, as well as exam preparation courses for the TestDaF and DSH exams. They also offer specialized courses for business German, medical German, and legal German.

These are just a few examples of the many German language schools in Germany. It's important to research and compare course offerings, prices, and locations to find the best fit for your needs and goals.

Learning German online

There are also great apps to help you get more comfortable speaking German. Duolingo will give you basic vocabulary. And Babbel is great for learning the foundations of German grammar.

Speaking German may be more important than you think

The reason? Because it's one thing to be able to communicate with your coworkers at a basic level; it's another thing entirely when they're making general conversation with clients or customers who don't speak English very well—or at all! So whether you're applying for jobs that specifically require speaking German, or just hoping that knowing some key phrases will help things run more smoothly during business meetings, having some sort of grasp on this language could make all the difference.

Even if speaking German at work isn't a requirement, we strongly suggest that you learn at least some German. It will make settling in Germany much easier, and help you feel more confident and self-sufficient in day-to-day life.

So, can you work in Germany without knowing German? Yes, but it will be harder. However, the good news is that there are plenty of options out there to help you improve your language skills and make the transition into your new career easier. This article has only covered some of them, but there are many more available if you want to find out more about how to get started learning German today!   🔵

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Watching German shows to learn German is a great language learning technique, and with Netflix and other streaming services increasingly investing in foreign-language content, there's no better time to dive into the world of German shows. In recent years, German series have gained international attention for their exceptional storytelling, high production value, and memorable performances. In this article, we'll explore the top German-language dramas, must-watch comedies, and intriguing crime and thriller series available on Netflix, Amazon Prime, Apple TV, and other streaming platforms.

📺 Why use German shows to learn German

With the rise of streaming platforms and accessibility to foreign language content, anyone looking to use German shows to learn German now has a vast array of options to choose from, ranging from popular German shows to documentaries and movies. But why is it beneficial to watch German shows when learning German?

1. German shows expose you to authentic, natural language use in a way that textbooks or language classes can't.
2. They help you improve your listening skills, as you are forced to keep up with the speed and intonation of native speakers.
3. They provide you with context and visual aids to help you understand new words and phrases.
4. Watching German shows helps you learn colloquial expressions and cultural nuances that are not typically taught in language classes.
5. And finally, it can be a fun and engaging way to practice German, which can help you stay motivated and committed to your language learning journey.

💡 Worldify Tip - Subtitles: If you're worried about keeping up with the story, you can watch your favorite German show with subtitles—but make them German! It'll help you learn how German words (especially the long ones!) are supposed to be said, and to associate some of the complicated sounds with the letter pairings that go with them. Don't watch it in your native language, that's no fun!

🎭 Top Streaming German dramas

If you're a fan of captivating, thought-provoking stories set in dramatic worlds, these dramatic German shows on Netflix are sure to captivate you.

Dark

One of the most popular German shows to learn German, this mind-bending sci-fi drama explores the mysterious disappearances of children in the German town of Winden. As the search continues, the town's dark past and hidden connections are revealed, leading viewers through a labyrinth of time travel, conspiracy, and familial drama. Dark's intricate narrative and captivating performances make it a standout show among German-language dramas.

Stream it: Netflix (DE)

Babylon Berlin

Set in the Weimar Republic era of 1929, Babylon Berlin follows police inspector Gereon Rath as he navigates the seedy underworld of organized crime and political extremism in Berlin. This critically acclaimed drama combines historical intrigue with a stunning visual style, making it one of the most bingeworthy German-language shows out there.

Stream it: Sky (DE)

Charité

This critically acclaimed historical drama takes viewers back to Berlin's Charité hospital in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. With rich storytelling and exceptional performances, Charité explores the lives of scientists, doctors, and nurses who made groundbreaking discoveries and faced personal challenges during this period of medical advancement. This German show is a must-see for fans of history and drama alike.

Stream it: Netflix (DE)

4 Blocks

Set in the Neukölln district of Berlin, the crime drama 4 Blocks revolves around the life of Ali "Toni" Hamady, the head of a powerful crime family. As Toni tries to leave behind his life of crime, he's pulled back in by a series of betrayals, family issues, and corruption. The compelling story and realistic portrayal of organized crime make 4 Blocks an enthralling German-language drama on Netflix.

Stream it: Amazon Prime (DE)

When it comes to moving abroad, no one knows how to do it better than people who've already done it. Here's a list of tips from foreigners for moving abroad.

Helpful Tips for Moving Abroad

Moving abroad is both exhilarating and also terrifying. What to take? What to leave? How long should you plan on staying? How can you meet people overseas? What will it be like? We've broken these tips from expats for moving abroad into the following sections, to make it easy to help you plan your move.

Before You Go

Some expat tips to help you prepare for stage one of moving abroad:

• Stock up on your favorite hair products and makeup—it’s not very likely the stores will have them (and definitely not at the prices you’re used to, if they need to be imported). Especially if you have textured or curly hair, or a skin tone different than your new host country (it’s nearly impossible to find a darker foundation or cover-up here in Germany without going to a specialty makeup store).
• Bring photographs, or get them printed as soon as you arrive. It will make you feel closer to friends and family.
• Stockpile medicine—brands you know and trust. The worst thing is to be sick and try to negotiate a pharmacy or doctor’s visit in a different language. (And keep in mind, your new host country might not be aligned with your medical beliefs. German health insurance, for example, defaults to homeopathic medicine rather than painkillers).
• Start learning your new language, even if it’s just a bit of Duolingo or Babbel on the side. It will make you feel much more comfortable to have a few basics down pat when you arrive.

“My favorite piece of advice actually came long before I started this post, before I even left California to move to Germany. My boss at the time, a South African in San Francisco, advised me to grit my teeth, splurge, and take things that really matter (in my case, my books) with me. I’d say the same to you, whether that thing is books, your favorite painting, or that extra ten pairs of shoes.”

— Gabrielle, Worldify co-founder

• Get a VPN! It's totally worth it to be able to watch shows from home / in your native language.
• No matter how expensive you think the move is going to be, it’s going to cost more. Make sure you have a comfy cushion, and if you can, add in a small budget for going out and exploring once you arrive. That’s crucial to settling in.
• Buy a culture guide for your new country and read it closely. A lot of the frustrations you are going to have will be based on these differences. The more familiar you get with them, the easier it will be for you because you’ll anticipate the problems before they happen.

Moving Overseas

These tips focus on the actual move—by plane, train, or automobile!

• Bring your pets! Even if you’re just planning on moving abroad for a year. The “trouble” of making that effort is worth it to have that comforting presence with you.

• It can be way, way, cheaper to check extra luggage than to ship boxes. If you’re only moving small things, but you want your home-y stuff to come with, you can check cardboard boxes as long as they fit the airline’s dimensions. Best to call ahead and alert them that you’ll have extra baggage and that the “bags” will be boxes. Even if you check 3-4 bags, it’s still the cheapest and least-onerous way there is.
• Keep all of your receipts. They may be very important for taxes down the line.

Settling In

And finally, some tips for when your moving abroad journey transitions into settling abroad.

• Remember, you’re likely going to hate the first month/six months/year, depending on where you’re from and where you’re going. Keeping that in mind has actually helped me like places more—I notice the times that I love it, rather than fixating on the parts I hate because I am already anticipating those frustrations.
• Invest time to find things you love in your host country.
• Go out as much as you can: to eat, to explore. People often chat about restaurants and shops in small talk. It’s nice to be able to say, “I know that place. It’s next to…” or to recommend another place to someone.
• Don’t be afraid of standing up to (offending) the locals for what you believe in… but at the same time…pick your battles!

“Maintain your relationships back home. It can be easy to get caught up in this exciting new adventure. But while you’re away, the world keeps moving and your friends’ lives move on without you. Put in the effort to touch base on a regular basis with your friends and family. When you come back home, whether it’s to visit or to move back, you’ll be glad to have your friends waiting for you.”

— Erin, American in Argentina

• It takes at least two years for a new place to feel like ‘home’. Take it one day at a time till then.
• A year abroad can swiftly turn into more—we were only supposed to be gone 18 months, and we’ve been here for 4 years now. Don’t prepare yourself for a short-term move, prepare yourself to stay and settle, and then adjust backward if you leave on time.
• Cultivate a “Take the bad with the good” perspective—living abroad, your perspective is all about balance.
• Take every spare minute to travel—especially around your home country. Go to the big cities and small towns, and focus on the local favorites. You won’t get the chance to deep dive like this again.
• Don’t compare anything to “home” – it’s a dangerous cycle that makes it hard to adjust and be happy.
• One of the best things someone told me before I moved to Mexico was that no one would have the same experience as anyone else. Several people from the same general area in the US could all move to the same general area in Mexico, but those experiences would and could differ greatly. It’s true!

“Shortly after I moved to Mexico, my friend sent me an article suggesting that those with children wait to visit their home country for a minimum of 6 months after moving—waiting a year is even better. This lengthy period of time gives everyone time to get settled in and used to all the changes the new country brings. ”

— Natalie, American in Mexico

• Focus on just making it for the first 3-6 months. Don’t try to accomplish anything more than merely weathering the transition. Forget about improving other aspects of your life (getting in shape, advancing your career, etc.). Just lay that new foundation, and then build on it later. This advice was as useful to my brother moving across the country as it has been to me moving half a dozen times to two other continents.  🔵

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Parts of this post were originally published on Up and Gone, and are used here with permission of its author.

Working abroad, especially working in Germany, is always an adventure. I truly believe that it will only help your career—no matter what position you take. But, like any aspect of living abroad, working in Germany comes with its own set of culture shock.

Once you've found a job in Germany, it's time to get ready for the shift into German work culture. I found that German work culture, in general, is quite different from anything in the States. But what I found more surprising were more the fundamental differences of work and process between the U.S. and Germany. From taxes to healthcare, here are the six things that surprised me most about working in Germany as an expat.

What to Know About Working in Germany

💰 German taxes

First things first: German taxes are going to take a lot of your paycheck. This is a really important thing to factor in when you’re negotiating your contract, searching for an apartment, and planning your budgets. As soon as you get an offer letter, or as you are considering your proposed salary range, make sure you crunch your numbers in a wage calculator. This really excellent tool to help me estimate how much my actual take-home pay (Netto) would be, which in turn helped me be realistic about how much I could afford on rent and life.

📅 No two weeks notice

As an American used to the classic “two weeks notice”, one of the thing that surprised me most as an expat working in Germany was the notice period. Most German contracts have a significant notice period. For my first job, the notice period was three months from the end of the month (so, if you quit on April 1, your last day would be the end of July). Other contracts can be even more prescriptive—i.e. three months from the end of the business quarter.

That would mean you could quit on April 1 (the start of Quarter 2) and not be available to your new job until October, because your notice period would start at the end of Q2 (so, June). (Exceptions can be made, of course, depending on circumstance) Your new job is likely to be accommodating of this, since it’s common practice. But if you’re taking a job “just to get in the door” or hop the pond, it’s good to keep in mind that it’s harder to leave a job in Germany.

“If you’re taking a job “just to get in the door” or hop the pond, it’s good to keep in mind that it’s harder to leave a job in Germany.”

🤝 The trial period

The exception to the “no two weeks notice” rule above is the Probezeit. Almost all German contracts have a trial period (Probezeit) built in. The trial period is designed to give both employer and employee a chance to determine if this is the right fit for both parties. During the Probezeit, your employer can terminate your contract at any time—and you can also quit at any time. 

It may also be more difficult to take vacation time during your Probezeit, so double-check with your employer before booking anything. If you have a holiday booked prior to accepting the contract, try to be transparent with your new employer, so that they can work with you around it. 

⏳ Contract lengths

It’s also common in Germany to do fixed-length contracts, rather than open-ended ones. Even if you’re hired for what seems like a perm-based position, your contract might only be good for a year. Make sure you pay attention to this, as your visa is tied to the length of your employment contract. While it can be the case that your employer will simply renew your contract at the end of the year, it could also be the case that your contract terminates. Have a backup plan in place just in case.

“Like any aspect of an expat experience, working abroad comes with its own set of culture shock.”

🏥 Healthcare is a given

Coming from America, having social healthcare has completely changed my life—and I don’t even go to the doctor that often! Health coverage (Krankenkasse) is paid out of your paycheck already, but you’ll need to sign up with a provider. The most common public providers are:

• Techniker Krankenkasse
• AOK : Allgemeine Ortskrankenkasse
• BKK: Betriebskrankenkasse, IKK : Innungskrankenkasse
• LKK, and : Landwirtschaftliche Krankenkasse

You can also opt for private insurance if your salary is large enough.

In Germany, you’re allowed up to three days off without needing a note from a doctor—any longer than that, and you’ll have to show your employer a reason.

🛂 Check your visa options

Different visas come with different benefits, and your HR department might not know those differences. An EU Blue Card, for example, is available to employees with “special skills”, a salary above a specific point, and/or a Master’s degree, and lets you apply for a settlement permit in 33 months rather than five years. Before you accept an offer, make sure you’re at least a little familiar with the visa options available to you—if you need help, just use the Human Support option from your Worldify dashboard.  🔵

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Parts of this post were originally published on Up and Gone, and are used here with permission of its author.