Finding a job

One way to find work in Germany is to come here and look, of course! To do so, you can obtain a six-month visa from one of Germany's diplomatic representations abroad. These entities can also provide you with detailed information on what you need to apply. 

For example, you will need to submit proof of a university degree and your ability to support yourself on your own during your stay in Germany. As soon as you find a suitable job, you can proceed with applying for the necessary residence permit and start making yourself at home in your new country.  

Did you finish your studies at a university in Germany as an international student? If so, you have the option of remaining in the country for one year after graduating in order to find work. 

Citizens from outside the EU and the European Economic Area (EEA) who have a university degree and a visa that enables them to look for work meet the corresponding requirements for coming to Germany.
These visas are limited to a period of six months.
You must provide proof of your ability to support yourself on your own.
International graduates of German universities can stay in Germany for one year after finishing their studies in order to find suitable employment.

Please note: 

A visa for finding work does not permit you to work! (§ 18c, sec. 1, p. 2 of AufenthG)

As soon as you have found a suitable job, you can apply for the EU Blue Card or another residence permit that enables you to work and remain in Germany (without needing to leave in the interim).

Here you find more information about getting a work permit in Germany and about the EU Blue Card:

www.germany-visa.org

www.eu-bluecard.com

In the section below, we have assembled a number of useful tips to aid your search for suitable employment in the region. You can look for jobs at career fairs, in regional newspapers, or on the Internet, for example (link to each section). The advantage of career fairs is that they enable you to learn about many companies in the area and make initial contact with them, as well. Below, we present a selection of well-known fairs in the region.

Germany's state institutions also post open positions on their websites. The following represents an overview of the most important addresses.

Tip:

International Placement Services (ZAV)

ZAV is an excellent point of contact for those who are interested in finding work in Germany, but do not yet live in the country. As part of the Federal Employment Agency, one of its core purposes is serving as an intermediary and source of advice at the international level. 

EURES

The Federal Employment Agency is also a member of the network of European employment agencies known as EURES.

This network is committed to providing advisory and placement services that promote the mobility of jobseekers in Europe. EURES also offers both interesting job perspectives and support programs.

Anyone interested can obtain further information from each country's EURES advisors. At the EURES website, you'll find job offers from 31 European countries (including Germany), as well as country-specific information on living and working conditions and contact information for EURES consultants. The portal is available in 25 languages. 

In addition, European Job Days are held in many European countries in the spring and fall of each year as part of EURES. The job openings presented at these events also include offers in Germany.

You can find out when European Job Days are scheduled to take place at the EURES website or the EURES Facebook page or by consulting the EURES advisor directly in your country of interest.