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.
Intra corporate transfers (ICT card)
Intra corporate transfers (ICT card) The ICT Card (Intra-Corporate Transfer Card) is a residence permit designed for non-EU nationals who are temporarily transferred within a multinational company to a branch or affiliate in Germany. This visa is aimed at managers, specialists, and trainee employees who are part of a business group operating globally. 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 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 –Â
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
Company Websites
- 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 informationÂ
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.Â
You can find some great options hereÂ
Specific Professions
Information Technology
Teaching
Academics
Engineering
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 DrittstaatenÂ
- Recognition of Training
Best companies to work for
The following sites have the latest company ratings.
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
I want to work or live in Germany
Important facts South African citizens need a visa to travel to Germany and a residence permit to stay longer than 90 days A visa allows you to enter the country, you apply for your visa at the German Embassy in South Africa. You must apply for the correct long-stay visa, this is linked to the residence permit you will apply for once you are in Germany. For a list of long-stay visas and their relevant information please view our long-stay visas page. After arriving in Germany, you need to register at the Foreigners Office (Ausländerbehörde) Thereafter you need to apply for a
Vocabulary
| CV | Der Lebenslauf |
| Cover Letter | Das Anschreiben |
| Testimonial | Das Zeugnis |
| Recognition | Die Anerkennung |
| Interview | Das Bewerbungsgespräch / Vorstellungsgespräch |
| Study curriculum | Das Studium |
| Degree | Der Abschluss e.g Bachelor Degree is Der Bachelorabschluss |
| Matric / Grade 12 / High School graduation / A Levels |
Das Abitur |
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