Plumbers, nurses, electricians, hairdressers, and countless other trades are in high demand across Germany. The New Skilled Immigration Act opens doors for experienced South Africans to live and work here — legally, confidently, and with purpose.
The latest information can be found Anerkennung-in-deutschland website and Make it in Germany website
Vocational careers involve applying hands-on trade school skills in a professional setting. There is currently a strong demand for skilled craftspeople and tradesmen in several key sectors, according to Make It In Germany. These often include 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.
Be sure to also explore other professions in demand, such as Nursing, Engineering, IT Specialists, Scientists, and Physicians.
If you completed your vocational training in South Africa, you might need to have your qualifications officially recognised in Germany. Useful information can be found on the following websites:
Recognition of studies Planning to study further, work in a regulated profession, or have your vocational training acknowledged in Germany?You may need your Matric (Grade 12), South African degree, or other qualifications officially recognised, depending on your goals. To check whether your profession is regulated in the EU, explore the
The Make it in Germany website has excellent information about finding a job in Germany.
Other options include
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.
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
Vocational Training in Germany An Ausbildung is Germany’s structured vocational training system. It combines theory and practice: learners attend a school and work in a real company at the same time. You don’t just learn a job — you become the job, step by step. Most Ausbildung programmes start in
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.
Recognition of studies Planning to study further, work in a regulated profession, or have your vocational training acknowledged in Germany?You may need your Matric (Grade 12), South African degree, or other qualifications officially recognised, depending on your goals. To check whether your profession is regulated in the EU, explore the official EU database of regulated professions. Recognition of school leaving certificates Germany distinguishes between: School‑leaving certificates, such as Matric (after grade 10 or 12), are intended
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
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 organised. Another option is to utilise 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
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