Germany is becoming an IT workers hub since the government has been trying to digitalize every sector. For the vast changes from the conventional working systems to digitalization, Germany does need more and more IT specialists and workers from abroad. Among all other possible streams, professionals in Software development, Application support, IT security, and data science are in extremely high demand.
The country’s famous immigration act for Skilled Workers (Fachkräfteeinwanderungsgesetz – FEG) came into force on 1 March last year and under it, more than 50,000 visas skilled workers and trainees have got visas. Since IT specialists are in high demand, there is a special regulation for them. They may also enter without training (apprenticeship or formal education) – provided they can prove that they have worked abroad for several years in the industry.
Opportunities for IT experts in Germany
If you are an IT expert, then the scope of your field is in high demand in Germany. You will avail of job opportunities according to your adeptness. There has been the exigency of IT experts for the last two years. In 2019, the demand list of IT experts was prolonged. Even after the completion of the hiring process, almost 124,000 IT-related job seats were unfilled. Furthermore according to the Make in Germany (government’s official website), in 2020, more than 86,000 positions in the IT sector remained vacant. On the other hand, with the available workers, roughly 84 billion euros are generated by mid-sized companies in the IT sector.
Benefits of being an IT expert in Germany?
The IT experts are going to enjoy a lot of facilities in Germany which are:
- They earn more than the mentioned/average monthly pay. They avail extra bonuses and allowances. For example, Christmas Bonus, allowance for the excellent performance and what not;
- In case, you are unable to work due to illness then your monthly payments will never be cut off for it even if you are not there at work;
- Their working routine will not be hectic as that of other employees. They will have to work 40 hours on the weekly basis. The working days are Monday to Friday. There are two days off for them (almost samefor all job streams);
- During their work, they get the break for example, for exercise or tea. And even to take care of the child they can take a break from the work;
- There will be no need for Health insurance for them. So, they will save the expenditures for it;
- For the health insurance, the family members of that IT expert will also be exempted;
- The IT experts will enjoy a trip of 20 days a year. The expenditures for the trip will be paid for by the company. The family members will also be allowed with them (but it depends on campanies).
How to find IT jobs in Germany?
If you are interested in making your career as an IT expert in Germany, then these are the basic methods to find IT jobs in Germany:
- There is a website named Make it Germany Job Listing. You can find out your genre of jobs here. There will be many options. You will have to choose the IT sector jobs. And you will be provided with all the details of the jobs;
- Except for the above website, there are many others such as EURES website which is official job portal of European Union. You can simply search on the internet about IT jobs in Germany. There will be a long list of websites comprising the different IT jobs details;
- If there is an agency in your mind, for which you are dreaming to work in. You can follow the official website and social media handles of that particular agency. You will make yourself aware of what they are posting from time to time. If there is any vacancy for which you find yourself eligible, you can get all the details of it easily;
- You can also join the groups of other international workers in Germany. For example, join them on Facebook or LinkedIn. You will have to be attentive to all the posts so that you can take quick action for the job of your interest.
Some online sources to find jobs in Germany
On employland, you can register yourself as a professional and can be found by an employer easily. Founded in 2014, it is the brainchild of Hamburg entrepreneur Hans-Christian BartholatusInstead. Instead of searching, let’s be found by who needs you. Click here to get found by hundreds of employers in Germany for English jobs.
This website is, in fact, a news website but it has a section of English jobs in Germany that collects job data from other many forums that could help you out save a lot of time of yours. Click here to go to this website.
This website has been developed for the sole purpose of helping foreigners finding English jobs in Germany. All site provides information and job vacancies all over Germany. The main job categories here are engineers, developers, and programmers. However many other job streams are also available. One good thing here is that you can find a job by selecting the city-wise option that can help you a lot in choosing a relevant city for you. Click here to reach out to this website.
Indeed is considered to be a generic website offering most of the jobs only for German-speaking professionals. But surely it has a part for English speakers too. You can also find here many jobs that have been offered and announced by big companies. As indeed is an international website, so it always takes care that English-speaking professionals and workers can get benefit from it in a broader way possible. Click to open.
Not like many other websites focusing mostly on IT jobs, this website gives you a broader search option for many different categories. It has been designed to help you out in a smarter way. Click here to find a job.
Once again with more focus on IT jobs, this also provides other job categories. Most advertised jobs are from Berlin. However, a part of other cites is also available for job searching. Open it here.
This website is a project of Düsseldorf-based Life Coach and Headhunter, Chris Pyak. Through this website, you can find a lot of possibilities for you English jobs in Germany.
This website gives you the option to find you many English jobs other than of IT stream. Go to the link.
Yes, this web page does help you to find many English-speaking jobs for almost all categories. Click to open.
Do you want to break the glass door of unemployment? Then search out your options on Glassdoor.
Jobs in
Jobsin is perhaps the best portal out of all. It offers different websites by focusing on each city-wise, So for every new city, it has a new website for English jobs. Check it out below by clicking on your desired city link to reach the desired website:
- English Jobs in Munich
- English Jobs in Dusseldorf
- English Jobs in Cologne
- English Jobs in Berlin
- English Jobs in Frankfurt
- English Jobs in Stuttgart
- Jobs in Leipzig
- English Jobs in Karlsruhe
- English Jobs in Aachen
- English Jobs in Dresden
- English Jobs in Nuremberg
Jobs through Facebook groups
Yes, Facebook is the face of our world. Social media does play a vital role in all walks of life. Then why not for searching jobs? Here I would give you some links to Facebook groups in Germany that can help you to find jobs there of your desire.
- English speaking jobs in Berlin (Facebook group)
- English Jobs in Hamburg (Facebook group)
- English speaking jobs in Munich (Facebook group)
- English & International Jobs In Frankfurt (Facebook group)
- English Jobs Düsseldorf (Facebook group)
What is the method of application for an IT job in Germany?
By the methods mentioned above, if you successfully find the job of your interest. The job where you think that you are a perfect match for then do not waste your time thinking anything about it. Just apply on it. Here is the method for applying:
- When you find a job advertisement, read all the details and instructions for the job mentioned there. For example, in which language you will have to write the application German or English;
- Follow the instructions mentioned, write your application accordingly in German or English as per requirement;
- Your application will consist of a cover letter, a CV, and references;
- Make your application professional because your application will be your first impression to the authorities of the company;
- Your CV must be competent. Add a professional image for the defense of your application;
- Your cover letter must reveal the point that why you are selecting this job and company? And why you will be a perfect match for this post? This will make them realize your motivation for this job.
Important Note
Your application will be your representative. To increase your selection chances, make your application reliable. Mention your past experiences and achievements. The German Authorities believe in one’s struggle and highly appreciate it. And they will prefer you over others if your application is splendid.
What will happen after the selection?
If your application is selected by the company’s authorities and they find you eligible for that particular job. Then they will get in touch with you. They will congratulate you on your selection and will inform you of the date and time for the interview. This will be an online interview. For example, Video chat or Zoom meetup. They will ensure that your personality really matches your application. You will have to be confident and passionate during the interview. Answer their questions perfectly and ask your questions from them as well. For example, you can negotiate about your career and offers. This will make them realize that you are really serious about this job.
Work Visa requirement for IT specialists
Here is the detail for those who do not need to hold a visa. Also, those who need a visa at any cost to work as an IT expert in Germany:
| No visa required | Required visa |
| If you are a citizen of any European state. For example, Norway, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, etc. You do not need to hold a visa or a work permit to work as an IT expert in Germany. | If you are a citizen of a state other than the European Union. You will definitely need a visa ad work permit to work as an IT expert in Germany. |
The types of work permits in Germany for IT workers
There are many options for work permits in Germany for IT experts. There have been set eligibility criteria for each type. The types are:
- Residence permit for qualified workers,
- EU Blue Card,
- Residence permit for other workers.
- Eligibility criteria of residence permit for qualified workers
It covers that given criterion,
- A degree which is recognized in Germany;
- A good response from the job for which you applied;
- A person above 40 years must have a gross salary of EUR 46,708.
- Eligibility criteria for EU Blue Card
The conditions to be eligible for EU Blue Card are:
- An authentic/recognized degree from the university which is considerable in Germany,
- A successful job response,
- The gross salary must be EUR 44,304.
Read here for more details about the EU blue card.
New changes are here for EU Blue Card.
- Eligibility criteria for a residence permit for other workers
Here are the conditions for it:
- Must have experience of 3 years in the field of IT,
- Verification of the knowledge that you have about IT,
- Level B1 of the German skills,
- Must have a job offer.
The methods to get a visa and work permit as an IT expert in Germany?
If you are dreaming of making your IT career in Germany, then an authentic job offer is a must. And you must get selected for the job you applied for. Then to get a visa is the second thing after the selection.
If you have your graduation done in IT, then there are chances for you to get the EU Blue Card. This card is so beneficial for your residence in Germany. The process for getting the residence permit is a maximum of 3 years after your arrival.
Except for Blue Card, there are also many work visas for qualified professionals, for which you can apply as an IT expert.
If you do not have an IT degree but your experience is enough to offer for the job, then go for it. You will be selected if your experience will be as valuable as that of a degree holder.
Bringing family
The family (spouse and children) is allowed with the IT worker in Germany.
As an IT expert in Germany, not only you will be given opportunities but your family will also get facilitated with the following:
- Your partner (husband /wife) can also work as an employee and earn in Germany;
- Your family will be given health facilities like free medical checkups;
- Your children will be facilitated with free education in school, college, or university.
Speaking English in Germany
Firstly, it depends on the agency where you are working for. If the agency makes it obligatory to speak German, then definitely you will go for it. Secondly, the official and international agencies require the English language to be spoken during their working hours in Germany. So, you do not need to worry about the German language. Because for your professional life, it will not be obligatory at all. But in your off-work time, you will have to know some basics of German. It will be helpful for your survival. And after spending some time in Germany, you will automatically be familiar with German.