Work in Germany - job search and in-demand professions for Russians

Working in Germany often attracts citizens of the CIS region. First of all, we are talking about a high level of wages and a high standard of living, which is currently lacking in the outbacks of Russia, Ukraine and Belarus. Employment in a country that has the status of a leading European economy is more than realistic, so emigration to Germany is becoming increasingly common. The fact is that the Germans also experience a shortage of personnel; it has even been recognized at the state level. To provide Germany with specialists, up to 50,000 immigrants must enter the country every year, but most often we are talking about highly qualified personnel.

What professions are in demand in Germany for Russians?

The Germans' greatest needs for personnel arise in the field of healthcare and technical production. Medicine is very developed in Germany, but there is always a shortage of doctors, so the government is very interested in attracting doctors from abroad. The same applies to the mechanical engineering sector. The Germans are experiencing an acute shortage of technical specialists: mechanical engineers, designers, electricians, power engineers and engineers. The issue in the field of teaching is no less acute: in Germany there is a critical shortage of teachers, mathematicians, biologists, and, paradoxically, German language teachers.

Many Russian universities have long been known in Germany and German companies are trying to interest good specialists even before they graduate.

As for unskilled labor, work here is much more difficult, especially after the enormous influx of migrants from Syria and nearby regions. Germany has had an official labor agreement with Turkey for several years, which provides Germans with unskilled workers. Therefore, competition for the position of a loader, driver or handyman is much higher than for the position of a doctor or engineer. Turkish migrants often have German passports, which gives them a significant advantage. Following the influx of migrants from Syria, competition for unskilled labor has only intensified.

Syrian migrants are willing to work for a minimum wage, so they often manage to displace even the Turks.

Rating of professions

The ranking of the most in-demand professions in Germany is:

engineers in the construction and energy industries - despite the serious level of German universities and the large number of graduates, the specialty remains in demand in the German labor market. Holders of diplomas recognized in the European Union will always find a job;
Computer security specialists - sharing and maintaining security is very important in today's industry. Considering the shortage of such specialists, many, starting their studies in computer science, receive appropriate specialization in additional courses in order to get the necessary vacancy;
programmers-developers - such professionals are required in many industries. It is impossible to imagine any modern field of activity without computers, so there is a constant demand for software and specialists involved in its development;
economists and mathematicians - many owners of business structures are interested in further prospects for market development, and representatives of such professions are able to calculate possible risks and associated losses. Along with their popularity, these workers are among the highest paid in Germany;
trade managers - industrial production produces products that need to be sold to customers, so various trading companies will always need representatives of such professions. If a candidate is selected for a vacancy in an international company, the applicant, in addition to education, is required to have knowledge of foreign languages;
mechatronics - in this popular profession, a specialist requires knowledge of mechanics along with electronics to maintain and operate equipment controlled by computer technology. Such specialization is offered by many German higher education institutions, but the shortage is very acute;
food technologists - representatives of these professions, in addition to the rules of food preparation, are required to have knowledge in chemical, microbiological, physical and other fields, without which it is impossible to deeply understand the subject. This is especially important given the need to properly prepare food for children and people with allergies;
specialists in caring for the elderly - according to statistics, this category of the population makes up about twenty percent of the inhabitants of Germany, therefore it is important to have professionals on whom the proper care of the elderly depends;
doctors – even taking into account representatives of this profession arriving from abroad, their shortage is very acute. This is especially true for the provinces and rural areas. This prospect is very attractive for young professionals who have recently received a diploma;
teachers of exact and natural sciences - in German schools there is a great need for professionals teaching chemistry, physics, mathematics and other disciplines, but the demand for humanities, including foreign languages, is significantly less.

Germany's powerful economy requires qualified personnel, so this prospect is very useful for Russians who have received a diploma in a sought-after profile. But before looking for a job, you need to make sure that the university and the specialty obtained will be recognized by a potential employer. A similar opportunity is provided by the specialized website anabin. But you should pay attention to the fact that the presence of a university on the “white” list does not always automatically mean the same for the specialty - sometimes certain professions may turn out to be unrecognized.

Working in Germany without knowing the language

Finding a job without knowing German is possible, but getting hired for a high-paying position will no longer be possible. Some specialties provide certain concessions when knowledge of English is allowed instead of German, but in most cases, language proficiency at level B1 or above is a prerequisite. The only exception is work that involves heavy physical labor: miners, foundry workers, furnaces. But here, too, preference will be given to the Turks. Without knowing the language, you can work seasonally, picking fruits or vegetables, but such work does not provide high salaries.

Knowledge of the language affects not only the possibility of employment, but also the registration of a residence permit.

Features of employment and unemployment in Germany

Streams of refugees from the war zones in the Middle East have poured into most European countries; Germany has not remained aloof; there are many citizens from other countries here. This was facilitated by the loyalty of the authorities to the migrants - they are given benefits on which they can live comfortably and even feed their families.

These motives caused unemployment and saturation of the market with labor resources. In addition, Russians have their own problem - Russian diplomas are not valued in the country, so knowledge and practical skills have to be proven, and sometimes undergo special retraining courses.

All these services are paid, and Russians need to have enough available funds to find a decent job in their specialty. But if after arrival the Russian does not apply for benefits, then obtaining citizenship will be much easier.

Job vacancies for blue-collar jobs

Welders, builders, mechanics, painters and milling operators are also in considerable demand in Germany. Even taking into account the rather impressive salary by Russian standards (2000-3000 euros), the work involves difficult conditions and often irregular schedules. German legislation provides for the possibility of working up to 12 hours a day and up to 60 hours a week, which local employers actively take advantage of. Therefore, such specialties can only be considered as earnings on a shift basis, but not for permanent employment and emigration.

Requirements regarding language proficiency are also relevant in this case; the employee must obtain a certificate of at least level A2.

Video: 10 highest paid professions in Germany

Managers

Managers, managers, directors are always popular professions in Germany. The average annual salary is 35-60 thousand euros, depending on the land of the country. Managers with higher education earn approximately 35% more. In consulting companies, salaries can increase to 67,000 euros.

Economists and accountants

The profession of economist and accountant requires responsibility and attention from the candidate. These specialists are highly valued by the Germans and they are ready to adequately pay their employees for their work. The average annual salary of an economist working in a serious company is 65 thousand euros.

In the service sector

Builders, railway workers, cooks, waiters, maids, drivers are in-demand professions in Germany. The work of people in these professions is paid according to their dignity.

To become a waiter, no education is required; it is enough to have the skills of the profession, to be a sociable and active person. In Germany, students often work part-time in their free time from studying. On average, waiters earn 1,500 euros per month.

Hotel room cleaners are one of the lowest paid professions. Anyone can work with them; no special education is required, which makes the profession popular. Salary is about 1200-1400 euros per month.

Cooking is a difficult profession, so it pays well in Germany. On average, cooks receive 1600-2500 euros.

Construction

Germany is currently in a period of active development in the construction sector. The country requires qualified specialists for the construction of houses, as well as for the renovation of apartments. First of all, we need people who can organize and control the implementation of such work.

Among local residents, the construction profession is not in great demand; by their standards, the salary for a general worker is low. But for citizens of the CIS, in particular Russians, wages are quite high - 7-12 euros per hour.

Transport

Among the popular professions among Russians, the vacancy of a driver is in demand. Germany has strict labor compliance requirements. A person who drives a vehicle cannot drive for more than 9 hours. Processing is allowed only 2 times a week and no more than 1 hour. The average monthly salary is 1500-3000 euros, depending on the specialization.

Wage levels in Germany

The principle of salary formation in Western Europe is significantly different from what we are used to seeing in the CIS. Firstly, there is a specific and rather complex tax system here, secondly, education and the presence of qualifications or an academic degree play a very important role here, and thirdly, in Germany the differences in salaries between representatives of different professions are not so noticeable. If in Moscow a supermarket salesperson earns 35,000 rubles, and an IT specialist earns 200,000, then for the Germans this difference comes down to several hundred euros.

Salaries in Germany for 2021 (average salaries are indicated after all tax deductions, i.e. “net”):

Teachers in schools – 2000 euros.
Teachers in universities – 2500 euros.
Waiters – 1500 euros.
Doctor – over 5000 euros.
Engineer - over 4000 euros.
Translator – 1900 euros.
Cook – 1900 euros.
Policeman – 2500 euros.
Miner – 2500 euros.
Cashier – 2000 euros.
Cleaner – 1400 euros.

As you can see, the need for doctors and technical specialists is reflected even in wages. While the difference in the salary of a cashier and a translator is only 100 euros, and not always in favor of the latter.

The highest level of salaries is observed in the southern part of the country. If we talk about cities, these are Munich, Nuremberg and the Black Forest.

Top specialties by earning

The demand for specialties differs little in different countries. And Germany is no exception here. It is believed that in Germany, the most in-demand professions are related to the banking and IT fields. If the list is modified, it is not significant. No changes are expected in 2021. Most attractive areas:

Economic: This includes bank employees, investment and tax advisors;
Computer technology or IT sector: workers are in demand not only for state enterprises, but also for scientific, industrial and social institutions;
Top management sector and strategy area: attracted by high salaries in exchange for the lack of personal life due to the traveling nature of the work;
Medicine with an expanded list of priority specialties: dentists, anesthesiologists, plastic surgeons. Pharmacology;
Jurisprudence as a body of legal knowledge: consults in all areas;
Chemical food industry;
Construction and architecture;
Aviation does not only offer vacancies for pilots and dispatchers, but also an extensive list of technical personnel, both for airports and in the aircraft industry;
Port: all professions related to it;
Logistics and management in retail chains;
Pedagogy and teaching activities in colleges and universities;
As a new direction, this is the telecommunications and media area.

When hiring for work in many of the listed specialties, proof of a diploma is required. They are also the highest paid professions in Germany.

Salaries range from 50 thousand for junior workers in the industry to 130 thousand euros per year for highly paid professions.

There is an increased demand for specialists with two different degrees, for example, a programmer with good knowledge of banking or law. Workers with knowledge of ecology are in great demand.

Taxes in Germany

Taxation in Germany can take up to 45% of your total income and is based on many factors. This includes the amount of wages, the employee’s marital status, and the presence of children. One of the family members has the right to take advantage of preferential taxation, but if the person is not married, then he is deprived of this opportunity. Certain social segments of the population also have the opportunity to reduce the rate: parents with many children, combatants, disabled people, etc.

Germany adheres to the principle of progressive taxation - the higher the level of earnings, the higher the taxes.

How to find a job

Germans are looking for work in the same way as it happens in the Russian Federation, Ukraine or Belarus. Everything happens via the Internet, where employers post advertisements, or on online exchanges, where the applicant can leave his resume and wait for a response. The most popular job search sites:

The Federal Employment Service is no less popular, with more than 60,000 vacancies for specialists and unskilled workers. Here you can even find vacancies that are available without knowledge of German or provide part-time employment.

Recently, advertisements have been actively posted on social networks, where applicants can also publish their resumes.

Another way to find a job is to monitor company websites. Most often, CIS citizens monitor the websites of private German clinics in search of vacancies for medical workers, as well as the resources of numerous automobile manufacturing plants. Germany produces Opel, Mercedes, BMW, Volkswagen and Audi, which need engineers, electricians and designers on an almost constant basis. You just need to visit the company’s website and open the “Vacancies” section, and then contact the employer.

In Russia, as in other CIS countries, there are companies that recruit personnel for Germany and provide assistance in obtaining a visa, international passport and diploma legalization. The cost of such a service can reach up to 1000 euros.

Diploma and its role in employment

Unlike the CIS region, in Germany the majority of Germans work in their specialty. Not only do they take a more thorough and balanced approach to choosing a profession, but it is simply impossible to get certain positions without a proper diploma. Having a higher education creates an advantage for an employee, even if for some reason he does not want to work in his specialty. For example, a janitor with a diploma will earn 200-300 euros more than a janitor who only has a secondary education, although they do the same job.

Not all Russian or Ukrainian diplomas are recognized in Germany. Many specialties that are not in demand in Germany are deliberately ignored. Others require mandatory confirmation. Since the issue of migration in the country is regulated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has released a special resource where you can find out about the recognition of a specific diploma by Germany - Deutschland Anabin (https://anabin.kmk.org/anabin.html).

For example, doctors with higher education who have several years of practicing experience behind them will still have to undergo a second internship within six months. True, they will be provided with a stipend that is higher than the salaries of the same policeman or economist. Legal education received in the CIS is not valued in Germany for obvious reasons - everyone has different legislation.

Engineers who have graduated from most Russian and Ukrainian universities will not need to confirm their diploma. After passing the interview, they can immediately get a job, since technical diplomas are equivalent to German ones. The exception is situations when engineers want to open their own design or technical bureau. To conduct highly specialized business activities, a diploma will still be required. Economists will have to undergo repeated training within two years, regardless of the institution they graduated from and the length of work experience in their specialty.

If it is necessary to confirm a diploma, the specialist will need to contact the appropriate German university and pass state exams.

How to prove your language knowledge

If a certificate from a language course is enough to obtain a residence permit, then for employment in many positions you will need an official document from a foreign language university or relevant certification centers. There are such centers in many large cities, but the exams in them are often a little more difficult than in regular language schools. Highly specialized personnel must have a B1 certificate, while applicants for working positions need an A2 level.

The certificate has an unlimited validity period and does not need to be renewed again.

Blue card: what is it and how to get it

In-demand and highly qualified specialists can apply for a blue card - a document that confirms their status and provides them with a work visa and the right to apply for a residence permit upon employment. Such workers are highly valued in Germany, regardless of their actual nationality. Only doctors, engineers, teachers, scientists and IT specialists can obtain a blue card. To do this, they will need to pass a German exam at level B1 and, if necessary, confirm their diploma.

You can apply for a blue card either upon arrival in Germany or in your own country through the consulate when applying for a work visa.

Official employment

An education diploma is a required document when applying for a job. Some companies require their employees to undergo additional training and exams after employment. In addition to the diploma, you will need a passport, visa, permission to stay and work abroad.

Required documents

To officially find a job in Germany, you will need a work visa. To complete it, you must submit the following documents:

statement;
diploma;
photo;
international passport;
internal passport;
document permitting employment abroad;
medical insurance.

Only with official employment can you find a prestigious and well-paid job.

Diploma confirmation

Germany has a law on the recognition of foreign diplomas - Anerkennungsgesetz. It entitles foreigners to submit their document for comparison with the corresponding German model to confirm its compliance.

If the level of knowledge is approximately the same, the state issues the foreigner a document that confirms foreign education. In case of some deviations, an answer will be provided, which clearly indicates what else needs to be done in order to receive a German education.

How to apply for a job

The best way to apply for a job is to make a direct call to the potential employer. This will not allow you to get a decision on hiring immediately, but will give you the opportunity to demonstrate your knowledge of the language and outline your experience, as well as talk in detail about your professional qualities. In most cases, the employer will still ask you to send a resume, and its preparation should be approached with the utmost responsibility, taking into account the peculiarities of the local mentality:

If in Russia such resume phrases as “stress resistance”, “punctuality”, “responsibility” are nothing more than a formality, then the Germans take it quite seriously.
Your resume must include a photograph.
Your resume should describe in detail the full list of your skills, from having a driver’s license to completing courses in emergency medical care.
A copy of your diploma is attached to your resume. And again, if in Russia an employer is most often interested in the very presence of a “crust”, then the Germans pay more attention to the insert with grades. The same can be said about the certificate.
Recommendations and characteristics will not be superfluous. Letters of gratitude from previous bosses and testimonials from a previous place of work are important additions to a resume.
You should also attach a “Biography”, in which you can briefly write about yourself, with the obligatory notes about what attracted you to this vacancy.
It is better to send a letter not by e-mail, but by regular mail, indicating contact information in it. This will greatly increase the chances of it being read.

And another difference between the Germans is that if they say: “We will contact you,” it means that they will really contact you, regardless of the decision made. Most often, applicants receive a request for an interview, which can be conducted online via video link, and if everything goes well, the company sends the employee an invitation request, which will be required to obtain a work visa.

Important! The resume must be written in German, or, as a last resort, in English, but it is better to use the services of a translator. It is also mandatory to translate the diploma, insert with grades and certificate. It is worth noting that in Germany, a grade of “1” is “Excellent”, and “5” is “Unsatisfactory”, so the Germans may be a little surprised by the diploma of a Russian excellent student without a corresponding translation.

Useful tips for migrant workers

For Russians who have decided to go to work in Germany, several points should be taken into account.

Competition is fierce, so it is important to be proactive by looking at job openings on many sites.
Using the services of employment consultants, it will be easier to correctly compose and post your resume.
Study in detail the information about the company to which you are submitting your resume.

Knowledge of German and English gives foreigners more opportunities when choosing a vacant position abroad.

Preparation of documents and relocation

Once the employer's consent has been received, you must begin applying for a work visa. This process can take up to six months, but if we are talking about in-demand specialists or workers who have already issued a blue card, everything speeds up significantly. The fact is that the department checks for the presence of suitable candidates for vacancies among German citizens who have priority rights to employment. But this rule does not apply to certain specialties (doctors, engineers).

As soon as the answer comes from the consulate and the visa is approved, it will be possible to move. And here everything depends on the employer. Many companies assist in the relocation of highly qualified employees: they pay their travel expenses, rent housing for them in advance, help with registration upon arrival, or even pay their first salary in advance. But such points are discussed individually, and, as a rule, apply only to blue card holders.

Upon arrival, you will need to immediately register temporarily, otherwise you will not be able to get a job. You can even register at a hotel, and after renting a home, get a new registration.

Features of working in Germany

Most of the features come down to differences in mentality, so people from the CIS will feel uncomfortable for some time. This is inevitable, since at certain points the Germans’ approach to work is fundamentally different. It is customary for them to adhere to a strict chain of command, and only during working hours. The Germans have a special “fad” regarding punctuality; many companies impose serious fines for being late or leaving early.

Interesting fact! In the CIS countries, it is considered an indicator of high income to dine in a restaurant or cafe, while Germans prefer home-cooked food, regardless of social status.

Sick leave and vacation

In the first six months after official employment, a newcomer cannot count on vacation, as there is a probationary period. You can take a time-out immediately after its completion, even for a few days, or for the entire vacation at once. The amount of leave depends on the type of work activity (physical or mental) and the age of the employee, but on average it is 30 days. In Germany, annual leave is mandatory, and the employee is obliged to rest for at least 15 days in a row; whether to use the remaining days is up to everyone to decide for themselves.

Unlike Russia or Ukraine, in Germany you cannot “save up” your vacation. If an employee does not take advantage of legal leave for the current year, he will simply burn out.

As for diseases, there are also some nuances here. The legislation provides for the possibility of absence from work due to illness and without the need to issue a sick leave certificate. The duration of such absence is set by employers and specified in the employment contract. If the illness is serious, the sick person can go to the clinic to apply for sick leave or go to a private therapist, and this can not be done immediately, but within three days. The main thing is to notify your immediate supervisor in any available way.

Sick leave is paid to the employee in the amount of 80% of his net earnings, regardless of length of service.

Advantages of working in Germany

According to statistics, in Germany there are almost never delays in the payment of wages. For this, serious penalties are provided for the employer. The level of wages also remains quite high, even despite relatively high prices. For example, in Berlin it is realistic to rent a studio apartment for 600 euros; with a salary of 3,000 euros, this is easier to do than to rent a studio in Moscow for 25,000 rubles and a salary of 80,000. Important factors include increased vacation pay and social guarantees in case unforeseen dismissal or work injury.

Blue card holders have certain advantages: the possibility of obtaining a residence permit under a simplified program, the possibility of acquiring citizenship, unimpeded provision of visas for close relatives and instant work permits for them, subject to knowledge of the language.