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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.

When it comes to working in Germany, one must be aware of the various types of employment visas available. These visas can range from temporary to permanent, and may differ in eligibility requirements depending on your specific circumstances. 

New Skilled immigration Act – Changes will be implemented in phases, in November 2023, March 2024 and June 2024. 
Detail about the changes can be found on the Make it in Germany website

Here is a link to the official Information about the Fachkräfteeinwanderungsgesetz (Skilled Immigration Act). Currently it is only available in German.
The latest information in English can be found Anerkennung-in-deutschland website  and Make it in Germany website

Types of Employment Visas

According to the German Embassy in South Africa, you can apply for the following types of Long Stay visas, if you want to work in Germany: 

Type of Visa Additional Info Make it in Germany link Residence Act
Blue Card University degree and minimum salary per year.
It has more benefits than other employment visas
 EU-Blue Card  
Skilled worker holding a University degree   Work visa for qualified professionals Section 18b of the Residence Act (AufenthG)  if holding a university degree
IT specialist with professional experience   – Visa for IT professionals
– IT Specialist in Germany
Section 18a or 18b of the Residence Act (AufenthG)  for skilled workers with a vocational training qualifications
Research      Section 18d-f of the Residence Act (AufenthG)  Temporary residence permit for mobile researchers
  – Work visa for qualified professionals.
– Craftspeople and Trade
Section 18a of the Residence Act (AufenthG)  for skilled workers with a vocational training qualifications
Work in case of partial recognition of qualification    Visa for recognition of foreign qualifications Section 16d of the Residence Act (AufenthG)  Measures regarding the recognition of foreign professional qualifications
Crew Members or River Cruise Vessels      
ICT Card for intra-corporate transferees      Section 19 of the Residence Act (AufenthG)  Measures regarding the recognition of foreign professional qualifications

Professions in demand

The list of in-demand professions is updated regularly. To see the current list, visit the Make it in Germany website from the Federal Government.

Visa and Residence

Temp Aufenthalt

Residence in Germany

A Visa allows you to enter Germany, and stay for no more than 90 days in a 180-day cycle.When you want to stay in Germany for longer than 90 days, you will need to apply for the correct visa in your home country and once you are in Germany, apply for the subsequent residence permit (Aufenhaltstitel) at the competent Aliens Authority in Germany. There are two types of residence permits in Germany: Temporary  – Your first type of residence in Germany will always be temporary. You can only apply for permanent residence once certain conditions are met.   Permanent –  may be granted in the form of a Settlement permit (Niederlassungserlaubnis) or Permanent EU residence permit. The settlement permit entitles you to pursue any gainful employment and does not contain any further restrictions.Holding a residence permit (Aufenthaltserlaubnis) for several years, a secure livelihood and sufficient knowledge of the German language are the minimum requirements for the granting of a settlement permit. Proof of residence is in the form of a physical electronic card. Read more about what it offers and how to use it here. Related content

Visa application tips

We are not immigration agents, and your first point of contact should always be the German embassy or consulate in South Africa.Most of the information you need to apply for your visa at the Germany Embassy in South Africa can be found on their websiteHere is some additional information that could help when something is not clear.  For individual queries, you can send an email to visacapetown@kaps.diplo.de or use their online form  Friends or Family Visits We have a page dedicated to Friends and Family visit visas.  Family reunification visas We have several pages dedicated to Family reunification visas.  Birth and Marriage Certificates When submitting a birth or marriage certificate for a German visa application, you must provide an unabridged copy. Translations Unless specifically asked for, documents that are in English do not need to be translated. Apostil of documents When something needs to be apostilled, it will say so explicitly on the Embassy website as in the example below.  If you click on the arrow it will take you to this page, which states that documents must be apostilled by DIRCO Medical insurance Short-term visas You need medical insurance for your whole trip. TIC in South Africa is accepted by the Embassy.  You can also use the insurance offered by your Credit card but make sure it satisfies the minimum requirements from the Embassy.  Travelsure from Old Mutual is also accepted by the German Embassy in South Africa July 2022 – Valid travel health insurance covering your requested stay with a minimum coverage of 30,000 euros, valid for all Schengen countries. Try the following companies for insurance for older people: TIC – leisure Senior Klemmer – They also offer student cover Allianz – Für Besucher aus dem Ausland und bis zu 93 Tagen Reisedauer – ohne Höchstalter Axa  – Schengen Travel Insurance Dr Walter / Provisit ADAC Die Reisekranken- und Haftpflichtversicherung für Ihre Gäste aus dem Ausland Long-term visas  Time-limited visas like study, Au-Pair etcYou will need medical insurance to cover the whole period that you are in Germany. Good options are Klemmer or Dr Walter Employee – Health insurance is mandatory, please bear in mind that this insurance can only begin when you take up residence in Germany and enter into employment. If you enter Germany beforehand, private health insurance must be taken out for the period before employment begins and before being eligible for health insurance. In its terms and conditions, travel health insurance can exclude protection if a long-term or permanent stay is planned.So-called incoming travel insurance can also contain such exclusions, so make sure you know what your insurance covers.TIC offers emigration cover but only for up to 32 days. Other options are Dr Walter / Provisit  Family reunification – you also need cover when you come to Germany on a family reunification visa.  The same options as above apply. Rejected Visas When your visa is denied, you can re-apply immediately afterwards. Fees are the same. Related content

Family Reunification Visa

“German citizens or citizens from non-EU countries who have an Aufenthaltserlaubnis (residence permit) or a Niederlassungserlaubnis (settlement permit) are allowed to bring their relatives to Germany. This is known as the ‘reunification of families.  For short term family visits please refer to the relevant page.To enter Germany, the relatives require a visa; to continue to stay, they require a residence permit. A visa allows you to travel to Germany and you apply for it in South Africa. You then apply for your residence permit in Germany.Reunification of families is limited to the spouse (or registered partner) and joint minor children or for minors living in Germany, their parents.Other family members, such as uncle, aunts, and grandparents, for example, may only follow in very restricted exceptional cases.” Spouses and registered partners, parents and minors, and unmarried children may migrate to Germany in order to join their family members in order to protect the institution of marriage and the family. Please note that there are different rules and requirements, depending on your and the person you want to join’s citizenship.As a matter of principle, the conditions vary according to whether you wish to come to Germany to join a German national, an EU citizen or a third-country national.  Info on the web As the rules and requirements change regularly, please refer to the official websites for information on a family reunification visa. Bamf – Information for 3rd Country Nationals Berlin Welcome Centre Federal office for migration and refugees. Family Reunificationof third-country nationals in Germany – See page 39 for employment restrictions The Federal Government –  At a glance: Visa for the purpose of family reunification to foreigners Where to apply You need to submit your application at the German Embassy in South Africa, or at one of the German Consulates in South Africa. You cannot apply for a family reunification visa from inside Germany. The following types of Family reunification Visas are available Spouse Parent to a minor German child Child to a foreign parent Family members of non-German EU citizens Proof of knowledge of basic German To join your spouse in Germany, you must demonstrate at least basic proficiency in the German language (equivalent to Level A1 of the European Language Framework).For more information, you can find a flyer from BAMF (Bundesamt für Migration und Flüchtlinge) here We summarised the possible exceptions, but please always refer back to the official information from BAMF: You or your spouse are a citizen of a member state of the European Union or you have exercised your right of free movement as a German citizen. Your spouse is a citizen of Australia, Israel, Japan, Canada, the Republic of Korea, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, the United States of America, Andorra, Brazil, El Salvador, Honduras, Monaco, or San Marino. You have a university degree and can probably find work in Germany thanks to your language skills. Your spouse holds an EU Blue Card. Your spouse holds a residence permit as  a skilled worker (§ 18c (3) German Residence Act (AufenthG)). a researcher 2 (§ 18f AufenthG). a self­employed person 2 (§ 21 AufenthG). a person entitled to asylum (§ 25 (1) and § 26 (3) AufenthG) to whom you were already married in yourhome country before your partner moved to Germany. a person who has been granted refugee status or subsidiary protection (§ 25 (2) and § 26 (3) AufenthG) to whom you were already married in your home country before your partner moved to Germany. a long­term resident from another EU member state (§ 38a AufenthG). You do not wish to remain permanently in Germany. It is impossible or unreasonable to learn the language abroad, or this has proven unsuccessful despite your attempts. You are unable to prove basic knowledge of German on account of a physical, mental or psychological illness or disability. You are able to cite other circumstances that make it impossible for you to learn the language, circumstances that could constitute a case of hardship. Employment Joining a third-country national. According to BAMF documentation,  If you are joining your spouse who is a third-country national you are also entitled to take up work if you come to Germany for the purposes of family reunification.  Joining a German spouseAccording to BAMF documentation, family members coming to Germany to join their German spouses, for the purpose of family reunification are allowed to work in Germany. Medical See our visa application tips for information about medical insurance cover Additional information and tips When a birth or marriage certificate is required, it must always be an unabridged copy The embassy only accepts Marriage certificates that were apostilled by DIRCO Unabridged birth certificates must also be apostilled by DIRCO We have companies listed that can assist in obtaining unabridged documentation, but remember they cannot speed up the process at DIRCO. You can find a list of these companies here When your spouse is already in Germany, it is sufficient to supply a copy of their “Anmeldung” you do not have to wait for a copy of their residence card to submit your application. As with all visa applications, make sure you supply all the documentation required on the Checklist Unless specifically asked for, documents that are in English does not need to be translated During your interview, ask if you can keep your passport with you, as the process can take a long time (months), and you will only get your passport back when the visa is issued. It is impossible to know how long your application will take. To get an indication, see our Shared stories page below.  It is not a fast process, which makes it very difficult if you spouse is already in Germany and you are waiting for your visa. Do everything you can from your side to ensure a smooth application, so there are no hold ups due to missing paperwork.  Legal Basis Section 27 -36 of the Residence Act Section 3 of the EU Freedom of Movement Act (FreizügG/EU) Related content

List of Long Stay Visas

Long Term visas are seen as visits longer than 90 days and will typically be for work or study visits. If your application is approved, you will receive a visa to enter Germany. Once you are in Germany you will need to apply for your residence permit at the local Ausländerbehörde as soon as possible. You will always apply for your first long-stay German Visa at the German Embassy in South Africa.This might also apply when you change your type of visa e.g from study to work. The German Embassy in South Africa has offices in Cape Town and Pretoria.From now on, you will have the opportunity to apply for the following types of visa online via the Consular Service Portal of the Federal Foreign Office. Appointments for national visas can be booked online (free of charge). Residents of the following countries/provinces must submit their visa application to the indicated mission: Online appointments Embassy Pretoria: Free State, Gauteng, Kwazulu-Natal, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, North-West, Lesotho, Swaziland Online appointments Consulate General Cape Town: Eastern Cape, Northern Cape, Western Cape. To sponsor someone’s visit for example your adult child who wants to study in Germany and does not qualify for the financial requirements, you need to apply for a Verpflichtungserklärung List of long term visas As rules and regulations can change on a regular basis, we provide the links to the German Embassy in South Africa. Where possible also links to additional information. We are not immigration consultants and can only refer you to the official pages. Blue Card (minimum salary and university degree). You can find additional information on Make it in Germany. You can also download this handy flyer about an EU Blue Card Employment Visa – for qualified professionals.  Subcategories are : Skilled worker holding a University degree IT specialist with professional experience Research stay Skilled worker with vocational training qualification – As a skilled worker with vocational training qualification, you can be issued a residence permit to engage in skilled employment that your qualification enables you to perform. Have a look at the current professions in demand. Please note that some university degrees from foreign universities are classified as vocational training qualifications in Germany. Work in case of partial recognition of qualification – If your vocational training has not been fully recognised by the competent German agency, you can apply for a visa to complete the necessary training in Germany and at the same time start to work. After completion and full recognition of your training, you can apply for permanent residence in Germany. Intra-corporate transfer (ICT). Flyer from BAMF.  Study Visa – General, Doctorate and German language studies. See also our page about studying German in Germany Au Pair Visa Jobseeker, vocational training or voluntary service visa Family reunification – Spouse – see also our page about this topic Family reunification  – Parent to a minor German child Family reunification – Child to a foreign parent (In case a foreign child intends to move to a foreign parent living permanently in Germany) Legal basis Residence Act Aufenthaltsverordnung AufenthV Federal Act on registration Visumhandbuch Resources on the web What type of visa do I need? – Make it in Germany Federal Foreign Office / Auswärtiges Amt Federal Office for Migration and Refugees / Bundesamt für Migration und Flugtlinge Act on the Residence, Economic Activity and Integration of Foreigners in the Federal Territor from the Bundesministerium der Justiz. Visa Regulations  Terminology Permanent Residence Permit Die Nierderlassungserlaubnis Residence Permit Der Aufenhalstitel Visa Das Visum Blue Card Die Blaue Karte Related content

Career

Vocational Careers

This page is under construction, we are adding the new rules New Skilled immigration Act – Changes coming in November 2023 and March 2024. The latest information can be found Anerkennung-in-deutschland website  and Make it in Germany website The highlights for Vocational careers: New from March 2024 Residence for professional recognition: Those participating in refresher training or a compensation measure in Germany are able to enter Germany for this purpose and in future remain for up to a maximum of three years. The prospective skilled worker can also take up secondary employment of up to 20 hours per week. The new recognition partnership enables individuals from third countries to first enter Germany and then to carry out the entire recognition procedure in Germany. For this, the prospective skilled worker and their employer are required to apply for recognition after entering Germany and to actively engage in the procedure, including the training. Residence is possible initially for one year and can be extended for up to three years. In future, if the competent authority in the recognition procedure suggests a skills analysis, the prospective skilled worker can enter Germany for this purpose and remain for up to six months. In future, individuals with vocational experience can enter Germany for employment in all non-regulated professions. The requirement for this is a completed professional or higher education qualification recognized in the country of training and at least two years of experience in the intended profession. Under certain conditions and as an alternative to a state-recognized qualification, a qualification from a German Chamber of Commerce Abroad is sufficient. Formal recognition of the professional qualification in Germany is not necessary. IT specialists also still do not need a qualification. 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 the following sectors (according to make it in Germany) Construction and development, Metal and electrical industry, Wood and plastics industry, Property cleaning trades, Artisanal food production, Healthcare and personal hygiene trades, Clothing, textile, and leather trades, Graphic design trades Also have a look at the other professions in demand (Nursing, Engineers, IT Specialists, Scientists and Physicians)   Recognition of South African Vocational qualifications If you completed your vocational training in South Africa, you may need your qualifications to be officially recognised. You can find information on the following websites: Anerkennung in Deutschland (Recognition of your training or experience) Make it in Germany – who needs recognition? Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training Arbeitsagentur – Recognition of Qualifications Finding a job in Germany The make it in Germany website has excellent information about finding a job in Germany.Other options include Applying directly at companies that are in your line of work, e.g Bosch, Daimler, BMW, Audi, Siemens, Liebherr. Also, consider smaller companies Register with the Zentrale Aulands – und Fachvermittelung (ZAV) The Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK) The Budesagentur für Arbeit or Arbeitsagentur – it the Federal employment agency, they have to approve all foreign job applications and can advise you on what you need for recognition EU Bluecard The EU Blue Card scheme is aimed at qualified academic professionals employed in a position commensurate with their qualification and with a designated minimum remuneration (threshold as of 1 January 2024: €45,300 gross per annum, subject to change). Comprehensive information on the EU Blue Card is also available here. If you do not have a university degree, you must demonstrate that you have a tertiary-level qualification that took at least three years to complete in order to obtain an EU Blue Card. In Germany, this qualification must correspond to at least level 6 of the International Standard Classification of Education (ISCED 2011) or level 6 of the European Qualifications Framework. Examples of such training qualifications include “Master craftsman training/ Master craftswoman training” as well as professional qualifications in educator professions. Vocational training in Germany You can apply to do your vocational training in Germany. You will need some level of German proficiency, depending on your type of visaSee more on our Vocational training page or the links below Dual vocational system Finding a vocational training position The information about Visas  will be updated as the new changes are implemented Visas If you have a job offer you can apply for an employment visa  Have you applied to have your professional qualifications recognised and the competent authority for the recognition procedure in Germany has determined that your qualifications cannot be fully recognised due to missing qualifications? In such cases, you can attend a qualification program in Germany in order to acquire the missing theoretical and/or practical skills. Examples of this would be company training courses, technical training courses, preparatory courses or job-related German language classes. To take part in these programs, you require a residence permit for the recognition of foreign qualifications (Section 16d AufenthG (German Residence Act)). More information on make it in Germany Job seekers visa – If you’re having difficulties searching for a job from abroad, you can apply for a residence permit that enables qualified professionals to enter Germany for the purpose of seeking employment in accordance with Section 20 (1) (2) AufenthG (German Residence Act). See more on make it in Germany If you received qualified vocational training, you can receive a residence permit (without the consent of the Federal employment agency) that enables you to obtain employment in Germany as a qualified professional. See sections 18a and 18b of the German Residence Act One particular option is provided by the Skilled Immigration Act: Under specific conditions, companies are able to apply for an Accelerated procedure for the residence of Skilled workers from third countries. The purpose of this is to shorten the duration of the recognition procedure to two months. Also see the Make-It-In-Germany website Tip:  Under certain conditions, you can enter Germany for 6 months after completing your professional training in order to search for a job. You can find out more at visa for jobseekers. Related content

Intra corporate transfers (ICT card)

As rules and regulations can change on a regular basis, we provide links to the German Embassy in South Africa. Where possible also links to additional information. We are not immigration consultants and can only refer you to the official pages. An ICT Card is a residence title for the purpose of an intra-corporate transfer of a foreigner. An intra-corporate transfer is the temporary secondment of a foreigner to a national entity belonging to the undertaking by which the foreigner is employed, if the undertaking is located outside the European Union, or to a national entity of another undertaking of the group of undertakings to which the undertaking located outside the European Union belongs and by which the foreigner is employed. A Mobile ICT Card is a residence title in accordance with Directive 2014/66/EU for the purpose of an intra-corporate transfer within the meaning of section 19 (1) sentence 2, if the foreigner possesses a residence title which is valid for the duration of the application procedure and has been issued by another member state in accordance with Directive 2014/66/EU. The ICT card enables managers, professionals or trainees to work in a German branch for a set amount of time.The ICT card can be issued to employees, managers or specialists for a duration of 3 years. For trainees, the duration is limited to a maximum of 1 year. How to apply You need to apply for a normal work visa at the Germany EmbassyYour family applies for a Family reunification (spousal and Child to a foreign parent) visa.Your spouse will need to have A1 German at least. See the BAMF Flyer for additional info. Legal Basis Act on the Residence, Economic Activity and Integration of Foreigners – Section 19 Resources on the web Bamf – Intra-corporate employee transfer BAMF Flyer – intra-corporate transfer for third-country nationals Make it in Germany – ICT card Shared experiences The following were sent to us to share  XXX is a global company and I worked for the Dubai office overlooking Africa. I asked in 2018 to management any chance of a global transfer and the following options were provided to me. Dubai, Czech Rep, or Germany. Obviously, Germany was best suited for Kids and language. Once we decided, I received a new Employment offer contract linked to the business entity in Germany with country-related employment benefits. Once agreed and signed, the company appointed PWC (Düsseldorf and Cape Town) to handle the immigration and relocation.  At first, we received an online platform registration with PWC called “Mymobility” where all documents, task, and services were registered and logged, as well as all documents uploaded to the document library. So the portal was split in two.  Immigration Taxes  For immigration, they supplied us with application forms that can also be found on the German embassy website, and we had to provide the following document copies ( never asked for original or Police certified) and they handled all Translations which we received copies of.  Unabridged birth certificates Unabridged marriage certificate Passport copies Id Copies  For my application for work, they requested a new work contract and qualifications and after a few weeks per post, I received an original Work Permit which I used for my Visa application, so PWC did the application for the work permit on our behalf and with the original Work Permit (Valid for 3 years on paper).  The family then applied in conjunction to a Family reunification visa ( spousal and Child to foreign parent) We submitted all applications to TLC in Pretoria and received a normal 3 Month Schengen Visa without any Flight booking, but we needed 3 months travel insurance ( this was split 2 month/ 1 month from 2 companies and we canceled the second one after Residence permits were received)  So we arrive in Germany in July 2019 and started work in August We applied for Residence permits within 2/3 weeks from arrival and all were granted 3 years. My wife had no A1 so the Landrat tested her on that day and was satisfied she is A1 capable.  With our first Residence as stated, we all had 3 years of residence linked to my work permit and I also received a Zusatsblatt with residence (little paper I had to carry in my passport the full time), because I do not carry a blue card! With residence renewal, mine was extended to 2028 linked to my passport expiry, as well as my children, but the wife only had a 2-year extension. The reason for this is she already has B1 and Leben in DE, so after July 2025 if I also have B1, we can apply for Niederlassung.  Moving Forward PWC then also closed all my Taxes in SA (not immigrated, just to have a Tax clearance) and started the first year of income for Germany. Apparently, this service from PWC is extremely expensive, however, from HR the comment was it is worth it as the approval rate is high and way less stress as both myself and the company had direct access to PWC for tracking and support. Even all the nitty gritty info like registration and accommodation rental can be linked to PWC to ease other tax processes.   Related content

Recognition of studies

Depending on the situation, it might be necessary to have either your Matric/Grade 12 or South African degree or other qualifications and experience formally recognised in Germany. You will typically need this if you want to further your studies in Germany, want to work in a regulated profession or have your vocational training recognised. A list of regulated professions in the EU can be found on the European Union database. Recognition of vocational qualifications The official portal of the German government for the recognition of foreign professional qualifications is the Anerkennung in Deutschland website.  They focus on vocational training/skilled workers. Also, have a look at Make it in Germany – who needs recognition? The Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training the IHK and the Arbeitsagentur have valuable information about the recognition of foreign vocational qualifications. Another excellent government-funded website is the IQ Integrated through Qualification –  service for Immigrants. If you want to apply for a job in Germany in your qualified vocational profession, or professional experience,  the rule is that you will need to have your qualifications/experience formally recognised, there are of course exceptions for example in the IT field.   Visa for recognition of foreign qualifications You can apply for a visa for the recognition of foreign qualifications. This is related to company training courses, technical training courses etc.“Have you applied to have your professional qualifications recognised and the competent authority for the recognition procedure in Germany has determined that your qualifications cannot be fully recognised due to missing qualifications? In such cases, you can attend a qualification program in Germany in order to acquire the missing theoretical and/or practical skills.” Recognition of University degrees Fachhochschule (FH) University of applied sciences. Practical approach to learning Technical Univeristy (TU) Researched based learning. Good for Masters and PhD The Anabin database provides information on the evaluation of foreign educational certificates and supports authorities, employers and private individuals in classifying a foreign qualification in the German education system. It is only available in German. It basically has a list of recognised degrees and institutions. If your qualification and university are listed there, and you are not working in a regulated profession, there is usually no need to have your degree formally recognised, unless asked for. A list of regulated professions in the EU can be found on the European Union database. Examples are doctors, nurses, lawyers, teachers, educators, and engineers If your degree is not on the Anabin site, please refer to the Central Office for Foreign Education. The Make It in Germany website has a good page on Foreign academic qualifications and the recognition procedure. Another helpful site is Anerkennung in Deutschland, from the Federal Ministry of Education and Research. You can search by profession. Stuying in Germany If you would like to study in Germany, please refer to these pages.Information about University entrance qualification (“hochschulzugansberechtigung” can be found on Uni-assist and the Study in Germany website Where to find additional information Make it in Germany – who needs recognition KMK – Professional Recognition Anerkennung in Deutschland – Recogniton finder Anerkennung in Deutschland – Higher education qualifications Expatrio – Recognition of Degrees in Germany BAMF – Foreign professional qualifications Handbook Germany – recognition IQ Integrated through Qualification –  service for Immigrants  The Network ‘Integration through Qualification (IQ)’ is aprogramme funded by the Federal Ministry of Labourand Social Affairs (BMAS) and the European Social Fund (ESF). Shared experiences Shared experience on the process of recognition Vocabulary English German University of applied schience die Hochschule University die Universität Graduation marks die Abschlussnote Bachelor degree der Bachelorabschluss Acedamic high school das Gymnasium Hich School certificate der Schulabschluss Recognition  die Anerkennung If it is necessary to have your documents translated, consider one of our recommended translators

Curriculum Vitae and Resume

When applying for jobs in Germany, having your CV (Lebenslauf) in the correct format is essential. Unlike some other countries, German employers generally prefer a Résumé for job applications. CV vs. Résumé – What’s the Difference? 📌 CV (Curriculum Vitae) – A comprehensive document detailing your entire academic and professional history, including research experience, awards, publications, and memberships. This is mostly used in academia or research-related positions. 📌 Résumé – A one- or two-page summary of your key professional experience, education, and skills. The focus is on relevance to the job you’re applying for, rather than an extensive career history. 💡 Tips for Your German Résumé ✅ Match the job posting language – If the job ad is in German, your application should be in German.✅ Keep it concise – No longer than two pages.✅ Include a professional photo – A passport-style headshot is standard.✅ Customize your résumé – Highlight skills and experience relevant to the job. Avoid unrelated details (e.g., financial experience for a programming role).✅ Check for spelling and grammar mistakes – Use tools like Grammarly or DeepL for proofreading.✅ Include these key sections: Profile – A short summary of your skills, experience, and qualifications (similar to an elevator pitch). Personal information – First and last name, nationality, date of birth, contact details, and a professional photo. You can also mention your marital status. Education & work experience – List degrees, certifications, and relevant job history. Skills & certifications – Highlight industry-specific skills and certifications. Languages – Mention your proficiency levels. ✅ Do not include hobbies or personal interests – These are not typically relevant in Germany. Résumé Formats & Online Builders You can use the following platforms to create your German-style résumé: Steuben-schurz.org Immigrantspirit.com Onlinelebenslauf.com Simple Germany TopCV Novoresume 📎 Documents to Attach to Your Application 📌 Cover letter (Anschreiben) – Briefly explain why you’re the right fit for the job.📌 Résumé (Lebenslauf) – In the correct German format.📌 Testimonials & references – Letters from previous employers, if available.📌 Proof of education – Degrees or certificates (only if requested). ❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid on Your German CV Even small errors can hurt your chances of landing a job in Germany. Avoid these common mistakes: 🚫 Using the wrong format – A German résumé (Lebenslauf) is structured, concise, and usually one to two pages. Avoid long, overly detailed CVs. 🚫 Skipping the photo – While optional in some countries, a professional photo is expected in Germany. Make sure it looks formal and high-quality. 🚫 Including personal details that are not relevant – Your hobbies, personal interests, or religious views do not belong on a German résumé. 🚫 Forgetting to translate your qualifications – If your degrees or certificates have different titles in Germany, clarify them (e.g., Bachelor of Commerce = Betriebswirtschaftslehre (BWL)). 🚫 Ignoring the job posting language – If the job ad is in German, your application must be in German unless the employer specifies otherwise. 🚫 Not tailoring your résumé – One-size-fits-all doesn’t work in Germany. Adapt your résumé for each application, emphasizing relevant experience. 🚫 Poor formatting – Use a clean, structured layout, with clear headings, bullet points, and professional fonts like Arial or Calibri. Avoid fancy designs. 🚫 Spelling and grammar mistakes – Proofread carefully and use tools like Grammarly or DeepL to check for errors. 🚫 Adding references directly – Unlike in some countries, you don’t need to list references on your résumé. Instead, mention “References available upon request” if needed. 🚫 Sending an incomplete application – Many German employers expect additional documents like a cover letter (Anschreiben), certificates, and testimonials. Make sure to check the job listing carefully. Vocabulary CV / Resume Der Lebenslauf Cover Letter Das Anschreiben Testimonial Das Zeugnis Recognition Die Anerkennung Interview Das Bewerbungsgespräch / Vorstellungsgespräch Study curriculum Das Studium Degree Der Abschlusse.g Bachelor Degree is Der Bachelorabschluss Translators listed on our website Related content

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, webinars and one on one sessions. We had a webinar with Yvonne Brockaus, who is a career coach with working experience in South Africa. You can find a transcript of the questions and answers in the following file: Career webinar with Yvonne Brockhaus Yvonne is also listed on our website, and will gladly assist if you have any further questions. Other sources on the internet Karrierebibel Monster Jobteaser Podcasts Wendy Burne, from Hype Woman, shared this podcast with us with some tips on getting hired Related content

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 may also view your profile before interviewing you. It is important to make a good impression so give some thought to the following: Choose a professional profile picture Add a background photo that shows your interest Use your summary as an “Elevator pitch” Don’t use to many buzzwords List your relevant skills Join relevant groups and engage in dialog and discussions Ask for endorsements by colleagues Share relevant content to your feed, that is how many people notice you Follow relevant public figures The following Professional Networks are used in Germany: LinkedIn Xing – This site is favoured by German companies, if possible do your profile in German If you are interested in working for a specific company, follow them on their professional networks as well as social networks like Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. This will enable you to engage better in your interview. Most German interviewers expect you to know about their company history, mission and values Interview tip– Always have some questions prepared to ask during the interview.

Searching for job opportunities

The most popular approach to finding a job in Germany is to register directly on company job sites. This helps you keep track of all the currently available job positions and makes the application process much more organized. Another option is to utilize the services of a reputable employment agency. This option could help you get extra career insights, identify hidden job opportunities, and potentially bring exclusive benefits to your job search process. For each application, you must submit your CV or resume, a cover letter, proof of education and any testimonials you might have. Vocational qualifications can be certified to assist in the process. See the section on Recognition of Studies You must also have or apply for the correct Visas/Residence Permits. Company Websites Airbus Accenture Audi BASF BMW Bosch Commerzbank Amazon AWS Lufthansa Group Lufthansa Technik Daimler Trucks Liebherr Mercedes-Benz Deutsche Bahn SAP Siemens Trivago Verivox Hedin Mobility group.  Jobs across Germany, Sweden, etc. Business language is English. Startups If you are interested in working for a startup company, you can find a list here. Job search sites Immigrantspirit Make it in Germany – in demand professions (choose the profession on the left) Another list from Deuchland.de of in-demand professions The Local job site Stepstone Monster Meine Stellenboerse Xpatjobs English-speaking jobs in Germany Jobmesh (type in “ohne Deutsch” in the “Was” field to find English speaking jobs) The Arbeitsagentur The Arbeitsagentur, or Federal Employment Agency, in Germany is a government organization responsible for various aspects of employment and labor market policy. They offer several services specifically tailored to assist foreign jobseekers Its primary functions include: Job Placement and Career Counseling: Helping job seekers find employment and offering career advice. The agency provides assistance in finding job opportunities that match the qualifications and skills of foreign jobseekers. Recognition of Foreign Qualifications: The agency can guide jobseekers through the process of having their foreign qualifications recognized in Germany, ensuring that their credentials are properly valued in the German job market. Unemployment Benefits: Administering financial support for unemployed individuals. Vocational Training and Education: Providing programs for skills development and professional training. To improve job prospects, the Arbeitsagentur offers language courses to help foreign jobseekers achieve the necessary proficiency in German. See the Befufenet website for more information  Career Counseling: Personalized career advice is available to help jobseekers understand the German labor market, identify potential career paths, and develop strategies for successful job applications. Information on Living and Working in Germany: The agency provides comprehensive information about living and working conditions in Germany, including legal requirements, social security, and health insurance. Support for Skilled Workers: Through initiatives like the “Make it in Germany” portal, the agency offers targeted support for skilled workers, including information on job vacancies, visa processes, and integration services.   Our Job exchange board We created a job board where our community members can share workplace opportunities with us. You can find some great options here  Specific Professions Information Technology Stack Overflow McKinsey & Company Consulting Teaching Kern Training Sprachschule-aktiv Schrole Search Associates Academics Academics.com Engineering Ingenieurweb Worley  Doctors Howtogermany  website   Make it in Germany website  PraktischArzt career portal Anerkennung von Ausbildungsnachweisen aus Drittstaaten  Recognition of Training South African Doctors in Germany – A FB group where South African trained doctors can support each other and give advice to those wanting to make the move to Germany 🙂 Nursing Make it in Germany website Arbeitsagentur  – Als Pflegekraft in Deutschland arbeiten Med Career Germany  Recruitment agency for medical staff Recruiting Germany Anerkennung von Ausbildungsnachweisen aus Drittstaaten  Recognition of Training Best companies to work for The following sites have the latest company ratings. Kanunu Glassdoor. You can also apply for jobs on this site Salary comparison With the help of the Gehalt website, you can conveniently get access to a vast database of salary information and compare it with different industries and professions. Resources on the web Have a look at six ways for skilled workers to come to Germany from the rumours about Germany site of the Federal foreign office If you’re having difficulties searching for a job from abroad, you can apply for a residence permit that enables qualified professionals to enter Germany for the purpose of seeking employment in accordance with Section 20 (1) (2) AufenthG (German Residence Act). See more here How to apply for a job in Germany Arbeitsagentür (Federal employment agency) Living, studying, working in Germany Vocabulary CV Der Lebenslauf Cover Letter Das Anschreiben Testimonial Das Zeugnis Recognition Die Anerkennung Interview Das Bewerbungsgespräch / Vorstellungsgespräch Study curriculum Das Studium Degree Der Abschlusse.g Bachelor Degree is Der Bachelorabschluss Matric / Grade 12 / High School graduation / A Levels Das Abitur Related content Facebook Twitter LinkedIn WhatsApp Email

Study in Germany

Types of learning institutions Hochschule is the name for higher education. Under this, you can get the following institutions.  Fachhochschule – University of applied sciences.  Technische University – Technical University  University – for academics. They offer doctoral and research programs Hochschule does not mean “Hoërskool” or “Secondary School” Where to start Dreaming of studying in Germany or looking for a Master’s degree in English? You’ll find oodles of valuable information and resources on the highly informative Study in Germany website. Hochschulkompass A great website to search for degree programs is the Hochschulkompass website. They also offer the option to choose the course language in the search function.It is also a good source of information about Doctoral Studies. Online Univeristies Deutsch Uni Online – Online University in Munich Uni-Assist Uni-Assist is an organization in Germany that assists international students with their applications to German universities. They are associated with around 170 Universities. Its primary functions include:  Application Processing: Uni-Assist receives and processes application documents for its member universities. It ensures that applications are complete and meet the universities’ formal requirements. Qualification Assessment: The organization evaluates the academic qualifications of international students to determine if they meet the eligibility criteria for admission to German universities. Document Verification: Uni-Assist verifies the authenticity of academic documents and certificates submitted by applicants. Pre-Check of Requirements: It pre-checks whether the applicant meets the general and specific requirements for the chosen course of study. Forwarding Applications: After processing and verifying the documents, Uni-Assist forwards the application to the respective universities for further evaluation and decision-making. Support and Guidance: Uni-Assist provides guidance and support to applicants throughout the application process, including answering questions and offering advice on required documents and procedures. Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst The Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst (DAAD), or German Academic Exchange Service, is a prominent organization dedicated to promoting international academic exchange and cooperation. Here are its primary functions and roles: Scholarships and Funding: DAAD provides a wide range of scholarships and funding opportunities for international students, researchers, and academics to study or conduct research in Germany. It also supports German students and researchers in their endeavors abroad. Information and Advising: The organization offers comprehensive information and advising services about studying and researching in Germany. This includes guidance on available programs, application procedures, and living conditions. Programs and Projects: DAAD funds and supports various educational programs and research projects. This includes partnerships and collaborative projects between German institutions and international counterparts. Promoting German Higher Education: DAAD actively promotes German higher education institutions globally, showcasing the quality and diversity of study and research opportunities available in Germany. Language Programs: DAAD supports German language learning through various programs and scholarships aimed at enhancing German language skills among international students and researchers. Policy Advocacy: The organization engages in policy advocacy to improve the framework conditions for international academic mobility and cooperation. The German Education system Attached is a pdf file for the Practical Guide for International Students (7th Edition) Source: https://www.apprenticeship-toolbox.eu/germany/education-system-and-vet-system-in-german Alumni Alumniportal Deutschland Related content

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

Medical

Health Insurance in Germany: A Guide for South Africans In Germany, everyone must have health insurance. This means when you move to Germany, this is one the first things you need to sort our When you earn less than the Versicherungspflichtgrenze, you will most likely need to take out Public Health insurance. When you earn over that amount (€69.300 per year from 2024) you can choose between public health insurance (gesetzliche Krankenversicherung, GKV) and private health insurance (private Krankenversicherung, PKV). The right choice depends on your income, employment status, and personal circumstances. It is essential to thoroughly review and understand the details of your health insurance plan, whether public (GKV) or private (PKV), to ensure you know exactly what is covered. Each plan has its own set of benefits, exclusions, and limitations, which can vary widely depending on your provider and plan type. For example, while public insurance covers basic healthcare needs, it may not fully cover all dental treatments or certain specialized services, whereas private insurance may offer more comprehensive coverage but can come with higher premiums or additional out-of-pocket costs. Always verify the specifics of your plan, including coverage for services like dental care, specialist treatments, and hospital stays, to avoid unexpected expenses and ensure that you are fully protected. Public Health Insurance (GKV) Public health insurance is the most common option for residents in Germany. Your contributions are linked to your income. Affordable premiums Your contributions are based on your income (up to a certain limit), making it more affordable for those with lower incomes.While the system is fair, the more you earn, the more you pay (up to a maximum threshold). Comprehensive coverage Public health insurance typically covers most basic medical treatments, hospital visits, and prescription medications. Basic dental coverage is generally included. Family coverage If your spouse and children do not have their own income or are low earners, they can be included in your insurance at no additional cost.  Network of doctors and hospitals  Most doctors and medical facilities in Germany accept public health insurance, giving you broad access to healthcare. Longer waiting times Public health insurance may come with longer waiting times for non-urgent treatments. Limited choice of treatments Some treatments or services may not be covered, or you may have to pay extra for more luxurious treatments or private rooms in hospitals. Private Health Insurance (PKV) Private health insurance offers a more tailored approach to healthcare. Instead of contributions being based on income, private insurance premiums depend on your age, health, and the level of coverage you choose. Faster access to treatment In many cases, private insurance offers shorter waiting times for appointments and treatments. Enhanced coverage You can choose additional benefits, such as private hospital rooms, more specialists, or alternative treatments. Flexibility You can choose from a range of plans that suit your needs, allowing for a more personalized healthcare experience. Potential savings for younger, healthy individuals If you’re young and healthy, private insurance can sometimes be more affordable than public insurance. Higher premiums Private health insurance can be more expensive, especially as you age or if you have pre-existing health conditions. Family coverage costs extra Unlike public insurance, private insurance does not offer free family coverage for low-income earners, meaning you must pay additional premiums for each family member. Premiums can increase with age While the premiums are often lower when you’re younger, they tend to increase as you get older, which can make it expensive in the long run. Limited coverage if you leave If you decide to leave private insurance or return to public insurance, it can be difficult to re-enter, especially if you are over 55. Good to know 01 Switching from private to public insurance can be challenging while transitioning from public to private insurance is relatively straightforward. 02 Public insurance contributions are based on your salary, while private insurance premiums are determined by your risk profile, which includes factors like age and health. As you age, private insurance premiums tend to increase. 03 With private insurance, you usually pay upfront for medical expenses and then claim reimbursement. In contrast, with public insurance, your claims are automatically submitted and paid directly by the insurance provider. 04 Private health insurance is only available to certain groups, such as civil servants, self-employed individuals, students, and employees whose salary exceeds the annual income threshold (Beitragsbemessungsgrenze). In 2024, this threshold is €69.300 gross per year. 05 Many people with GKV choose to purchase supplementary dental insurance to cover the extra costs for things like higher-quality materials (e.g., ceramic crowns) or more extensive treatments like orthodontics. Resources on the web An article from “How to Germany” about the different health insurance options “Just Landed,” wrote an article about health insurance in Germany Top up medical cover You can top up your medical cover for example Dentist cover.You can read more about it on the How To Germany Site. There is also a good article (German) from Focus about Zusatzversicherung Tourist or Temporary Health Cover Tourist needs travel and medical insurance before they can apply for their visas.Some of the options are your medical aid or a company like TIC.Please be aware of the requirements from the Embassy, not all credit card cover is accepted.When you need cover for 6 to 12 months, you can look at Klemmer. Cover for freelancers At the time of writing, the following companies offer medical aid for freelancers in Germany. Except for publicists and people working in the arts, all freelancers and self-employed should be privately health insured. https://www.cigna.com/ https://www.hansemerkur.de/ Dr Walter / Provisit Cover for students and Au Pairs You will need medical insurance to cover the whole period that you are in Germany. Good options are Klemmer or Dr Walter Comparative websites The following websites offer a comparison of medical insurance. Please always read the fine print before signing up through comparative sites Krankenversicherung-vergleiche Check24 Medical insurance companies Krankenkassse  has a list of private and public health insurance companies. PKV lists members of the Private Krankenversicherung (PKV) Advisors listed on this site  If you are in need of assistance with

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 insurance. Nursing or home care Rentenversicherung / Pension insurance Unfallversicherung / Accident insurance – Should you become ill due to your profession you will be supported by the statutory accident insurance scheme. This will, for example, continue to pay your wages.It also assumes the cost for a further training course (retraining) should you no longer be able to work in your original profession.And it also pays pensions to widows and orphans.The contributions to this insurance will be paid by the company for which you work. Arbeitslosenversicherung / Unemployment insurance – If you have a position with a company that is subject to social insurance contributions you are automatically insured against unemployment. Should you become unemployed you will receive support from your employment agencies and job centres. The Arbeitsagentur will help you look for work. They also offer you financial support to cover your living costs should you fulfil the conditions for this.You can find more information concerning Unemployment Benefit and Supplementary Unemployment Benefit II (Arbeitslosengeld und Arbeitslosengeld II here – available only in German). You can download a very informative e-book from the Deutsche Rentenvesicherung. This is available in German only. Additional Information You should receive a Sozialversicherungsausweis / Social Security card.   – Your social security number will be on this card. – As an employee, you need a social security card. With this, you can prove to your employer, among other things, that you are a member of the statutory social security system. You receive your number the first time you start employment and register for social insurance.Karrierebibel explains, “If the employer knows that the new employee is taking on a job for the first time, they register them with the health insurance company or the mini job centre. You will then apply for your social security card from the German Pension Insurance. The Deutsche Rentenversicherung will send you the ID.”You can also read more from the AOK You will get a yearly Meldebescheinigung zur Sozialversicherung / Social Security certificate from your employer. This certificate contains your gross salary for the previous year that is subject to contributions. The information is relevant for calculating your pension, and you should keep your copies until at least your retirement date. How to apply for your Social Security number Your Social Security number is used as identification for health insurance (public), pension, long-term care, and unemployment insurance. You can get this number in different ways, depending on your situation. Public Health Insurance – You receive your number automatically when you first sign-up for public health insurance in Germany. If you are on private health insurance, you need to request it manually at your local Rentenversicherung office. Employer – your employer might offer to apply for a social security number for you through their payroll system The German Pension Office – You can personally contact the Deutsche Rentenversicherung, either online or by visiting their offices  Your Insurance Broker – As your broker for assistance You need to supply your employer with this number. Your social security card (Sozialversicherungsausweis) is a very important document which you must keep safe. You will also need it when applying for social benefits e.g unemployment benefits Format Your Sozialversicherungsnummer has the following format: 12 123456 A 123. The first 2 digits are the area number of the office that registered you The next 6 numbers are your birthdate The Letter is the first letter of your surname The last 3 numbers are used to differentiate you from people with the same name and birthdate Detailed information on the GRV Website(in German) References and info on the web Make it in Germany Arbeitsagentur Related content

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 we are not tax consultants and by German law are not allowed to give any tax advice. You can read more about it here, the article is German but can be easily translated.Basically your immediate family can assist you with your taxes, see the article, but if there is no family relationship you are not allowed to assist someone. You are not allowed to help with your friend’s tax return. This also includes a partner if you are not engaged or married.See more from Steuertipps, Some of the options available to you are: Get a Tax advisor. In Germany they are called der Steuerberater Get help from a Lohnsteuerhilfeverein (  A wage tax aid association is a self-help institution run by employees for employees to provide assistance in wage tax matters and in special income tax assessment cases (Section 13 StBerG). They were created in 1964 at the instigation of the trade unions. The aim of the legislature is to ensure that employees can receive tax advice at reasonable costs regardless of their income.) To find one in your area you can search online or on this website. You can specify your language as well e.g Englisch or English Do it yourself. You might want to consider using software or apps. The tax rules in Germany are extremely complicated especially when both partners are working and you have kids.These rules also changes yearly so make sure that if you use software, it is up to date Where to get more information: Deutscher Steuerberater Verband / German Association for Tax advisers Make it in Germany Bundesministerium der Finanzen as well as this page from them Amtliches Lohnsteuer-Handbuch from the Bundesministerium der Finanzen Handbook Germany – The German Tax System Some basic information The German Tax year runs from January to December and you can submit your tax return between 1 January and 31 July the following year.Lohnsteuer and Einkommensteuer – They differ by the method of collection. Lohnsteuer is collected at source and paid directly to the Finanzamt (tax office) by the employer while the individual must pay Einkommensteuer himself.There are 6 German Income Tax Classes “Lohnsteuerklasse”. You can find the list here.South Africa uses a Residence base tax system and Germany a Source base system.To get a basic idea of your taxes you can use a Wage tax calculator from SteuerGoELSTER (Elektronische Steuererklärung) – For online tax submissions. You need to register for a free account. The application is currently only in German How and where do I register for Tax As an employee, you will receive your tax ID (Steueridentifikationsnummer), Format: 12 345 678 901, when you register at the Bürgerampt and Auländerbehorde.  This is like an Identity number and you will keep it for life. Children born in Germany receive their tax ID at birth. As a freelancer or company, you must register for a tax number (Steuernummer), Format: 12/345/67890 or 3012034567890, that you use on your Invoices.This number is related to your place of residence and if you move to a new town you will need to apply for a new number. Application is done at the Finanzamt. You also apply for a VAT number (Umsatzsteuer-Id), Format: DE123456789,  at the Finanzamt. How to Berlin has an excellent article about registering for tax Double Taxation Treaty between South Africa and Germany Agreement between the Federal Republic of Germany and the Republic of South Africa for the Avoidance of Double Taxation with respect to Taxes on Income and on Capital Abkommen zwischen der Bundersrepublik Deutschland un der Republik Südafrika zur Vermeidung der Doppelbesteuerung auf dem Gebiete der Steuern von Einkommen Income Tax Act, 1962 – AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA AND THE FEDERALREPUBLIC OF GERMANY FOR THE AVOIDANCE OF DOUBLE TAXATION WITHRESPECT TO TAXES ON INCOME From SARS Can double taxation occur?  The following is quoted from the SARS Website and was valid at the time of publishing- “Yes, if an individual earns employment income in excess of R1.25 million and the double tax agreement between South Africa and the foreign country, if any, does not provide a sole taxing right to one country, both countries will have a right to tax the income. The portion of the income in excess of R1.25 million may end up being double taxed.     Generally, under the provisions of the relevant double tax agreement, if an employee renders services in a foreign country exceeding 183 days, both countries enjoy the right to tax the income. The country of source enjoys the first right to tax the employment income and the country of residence, in our case South Africa, will provide double tax relief in the form of a foreign tax credit to the extent that tax was paid in both countries, subject to limitations.” –  More information on the SARS Website Relief from double tax?  Keep in mind that depending on your situation, if you are over the R1.25 million threshold, you still can claim tax credits for the taxes paid in Germany. The best thing to do is to speak to your tax consultant. The following was quoted from the SARS website and was valid at the time of publishing. “Section 6quat is the mechanism under South Africa’s domestic law to claim relief from double tax where the amount received for services rendered outside South Africa is subject to tax in South Africa and in the foreign country. This credit may be claimed on assessment through an individual’s income tax return, provided certain requirements are met.   An employer may at his or her discretion, under paragraph 10 of the Fourth Schedule, apply for a directive from SARS to take into account the potential section 6quat credit on a monthly basis to determine the employees’ tax liability. This will have to be done through a dedicated channel at SARS that will be made available to the public.  See the information on Directives under paragraph 10 of the

Pension

Homepage of the Deutsche Rentenversicherung Pensions in Germany The German state pension scheme provides valuable resources and services to help you navigate retirement planning. Foreign Language Support: Detailed information is available on their homepage for foreign languages. Comprehensive German Resources: For those who understand German, their German site offers even more extensive details. Online Services: To access their online services, ensure your residence card is activated for online use. This activation can usually be done at your local residents’ office (Bürgeramt). For personalized assistance, you can also visit a local Deutsche Rentenversicherung office or contact their helpline. How to apply for a Social Security number? Your Social Security number is used as identification for health insurance (public), pension, long-term care, and unemployment insurance. You can get this number in different ways, depending on your situation. Public Health Insurance – You receive your number automatically when you first sign-up for public health insurance in Germany. If you are on private health insurance, you need to request it manually at your local Rentenversicherung office. Employer – your employer might offer to apply for a social security number for you through their payroll system The German Pension Office – You can personally contact the Deutsche Rentenversicherung, either online or by visiting their offices  Your Insurance Broker – As your broker for assistance You can detailed information on the GRV Website(in German) Your social security card (Sozialversicherungsausweis) is a very important document which you must keep safe. You will also need it when applying for social benefits e.g unemployment benefits Statutory Pension / die gesetzliche Rentenversicherung (GRV) The state scheme is financed by a payroll tax known as “social security contributions”.Premiums are deducted by the employer, who normally pays half of the contribution.Those currently paying into the system are funding the current pensioners.Self-employed are allowed to contribute to the GRV.If you have worked and paid contributions in Germany for over 60 months, you will receive a German pension after reaching the official German pensionable age.In addition to the periods of contributory employment, many other periods are considered, including: Child-rearing (until three years of age) Child raising period (up until 10 years of age) Schooling and university after the age of 17 Training periods Times of illness and unemployment (Please register with the Arbeitsagentur if you are unemployed or looking for work as these will count towards the qualifying periods. Consider doing this as soon as you arrive in Germany and do not have employment yet, for example, spouses) Times caring for relatives  “You should clarify your account at an early stage in order to fill in any gaps such as times spent at school, college or university. Periods of occupational training, pregnancy (incl. Mutterschutz), when you were registered unfit for work or unemployed are also registered. After clarifying your account you will have a gap-free “curriculum vitae” in the German compulsory pension insurance system. The earlier you clarify your account, the more “precise” the results of your pension information will be and this forms the basis for your personal pension plan.” If you worked in Germany for less than 60 months, you are entitled to a refund of your own contributions.The company contributions are forfeited.Early retirement is possible if you are willing to forgo a percentage of your GRV. Pension Points The amount of your pension is primarily based on your insured earnings through contributions. These are converted into pension points. We will credit one pension point to your pension account if you have earned exactly the average income of all insured persons (currently 50,493 EUR) for one year. In addition, pension points can also be credited for certain periods in which no contributions were made (e.g., for vocational school education), or contributions were paid by the state, the employment agency, health insurance, or other institutions (e.g., for military or voluntary service, child-rearing, unemployment, and illness). To calculate the amount of the pension, all pension points are added up and multiplied by the so-called current pension value. The current pension value is currently 39.32 EUR. (2025)This means that one pension point currently corresponds to a monthly pension of 39.32 EUR. Gaps (Lückenauskunft) We recommend that you complete your insurance account as early as possible.Only with a fully clarified insurance account can they consider all relevant insurance periods when calculating the pensions listed in your pension information. See information above about adding additional periods. Company pension / betriebliche Altersvorsorge In addition to the German state pension scheme (GRV), many employers offer voluntary company pension schemes (betriebliche Altersvorsorge) to enhance your retirement savings. Key Features of Company Pension Schemes: Employer Contributions: If your company provides a pension scheme, they typically contribute a portion of your savings, helping to grow your retirement fund. Types of Schemes: There are five different company pension options available: Direct Grants (Direktzusage) Support Funds (Unterstützungskassen) Direct Insurance (Direktversicherung) Pension Companies (Pensionskassen) Pension Funds (Pensionsfonds) Tax Benefits: Contributions to these schemes are tax-free up to a specific annual limit, providing immediate financial advantages. What You Should Know: Check with your employer to see if they offer a pension scheme and how it is structured. This additional support can significantly boost your retirement income. Private Pension / private Altersvorsorge Private pension schemes in Germany offer an additional way to save for retirement, providing flexibility and tailored solutions for different individual needs. These schemes are entirely privately funded and managed by the individual, making them independent of employer contributions or the state pension system. Private Providers: In addition to Riester and Rürup plans, many private pension providers offer a variety of options, including life insurance-based savings plans, investment-based pensions, and hybrid models. Choosing the right provider and scheme depends on your income, financial goals, and retirement needs. A financial advisor with expertise in German pension products can help you navigate the options, ensuring you select a plan that aligns with your circumstances and maximizes potential benefits. Riester Pension Scheme Introduced in 2002, the Riester pension is designed to supplement your contributions to the German state pension scheme (GRV). Eligibility: Only individuals actively contributing