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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 necessaryIT 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:

Finding a job in Germany

The make it in Germany website has excellent information about finding a job in Germany.
Other options include

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 visa
See more on our Vocational training page or the links below

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

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

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