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South Africans in Germany

Working in Germany

Everything you need to know about finding work in Germany, what your resume must look like,  recognition of studies, vocational careers, medical, pension and taxes.

Career

Vocational Careers

Vocational careers are where you apply hands-on trade school experience in a professional environment. Currently, there is a big demand for skilled craft-and tradesmen in

Curriculum Vitae and Resume

It is important to have your CV or Resume in the correct format. In Germany the prefer a Resume for job applications. CV –  a

Career coaching

Career coaching or counselling is professional advice and support to help you manage your education and career. This could be in the form of workshops,

Networking

In todays connected world it is important to manage your online professional identity. Many companies find potential staff via professional networks like LinkedIn, and they

Recognition of studies

In some cases, it might be necessary to have either your Matric/Grade 12 or South African degree or other qualifications and experience formally recognised in

Searching for job opportunities

There are various ways to search for positions in Germany.The most popular option is to register and apply directly on the relevant company’s website. The

Freelancing

You can set up your own business in two ways, one is to work as a freelancer or as a self-employed entrepreneur (Gewerbe). 
If you want to work as a freelancer in Germany, you will need to apply for a Residence permit for the purpose of freelance employment.
Freelance occupations can be practised for so-called Liberal professions (Freie Berufe) and can include artists, writers, language teachers, engineers, auditors, interpreters, Business or management consultants, architects, translators, and surveyors.
Healthcare workers like doctors, dentists, vets and physiotherapists also fall under liberal professions.

Financial

Sozialversicherung / Social Insurance

The following Social Insurances are payable in Germany when you are a full-time employee or trainee: Krankenvesicherung / Medical Insurance Plegeversicherung / Long Term care

Income Tax / Lohnsteuer

We receive a lot of questions about income tax declarations and where to get help, especially getting help in English.First I have to state that

Pension

Homepage of the Deutsche Rentenversicherung Information about the German state pension scheme can be found on their homepage for foreign languages. The German site has a lot more information.

Medical

Health insurance is mandatory for everyone visiting or living in Germany.When living in Germany you can either take our private (privaten Kran­ken­ver­si­che­rung – PKV) or