This is mainly due to strict labor market regulations and the changing nature of the German economy. A number of unemployed have little luck re-entering the job market, and for those foreigners not speaking fluent German, it will be a long road to land a job. Traditionally in Germany the heavy industries such as mining, construction and shipbuilding have high structural unemployment, widespread in the rural areas. Another factor for unemployment relates to strict government regulations; companies require formal qualifications, although most companies offer apprenticeship programs wherein new graduate workers must pass a 2-3 year training program before stepping into the corporate world.
The working conditions in Germany are excellent: a high profile job, generous wages, great benefits (paid sick leave, maternity and paternity leave) and state-mandated job protection. Employees receive a 13th month of salary (Weihnachtsgeld/Urlaubsgeld) usually with half paid at Christmas and the rest during the summer for holiday expenses. Senior staff may even receive a 14th month's salary.
The service industry remains the most viable for job hunting. Manufacturing accounts for a quarter of Germany's GDP. The country's niche markets are aircraft and automobile export. The country is also making its mark as a technologically advanced producer of iron, steel, coal, cement, chemicals, machinery, vehicles, machine tools, electronics, food and beverages, shipbuilding and textiles.
Work Permits and Working Conditions
EU citizens along with nationals from Liechtenstein and Switzerland only need a residence permit to work in Germany and enter into an employment contract - a work permit is not necessary. However, these citizens must register with the local authorities within three months of their arrival.
On the other hand, for non-EU citizens, a work permit is your ticket to stay and work in Germany. The type of work permit issued corresponds to the type of residence permit which has been granted. Applicants will be assessed on the type of work they are looking for - unskilled, skilled or highly skilled. Moreover, work permits are issued on an individual basis only and accompanying family members need to apply separately.
New arrivals in Germany must proceed to the local Registration Office (Standesamt - Einwohnermeldeamt) within one week of arrival. Workers also need a tax card (Lohnsteuerkarte) and a social security number (Sozialversicherungsnummer).
Being a native English-speaker, other than for those teaching the English language, a successful job search is not guaranteed- skills are the key to success in Germany.
Skilled and qualified individuals, even non-EU nationals, find it easier to secure a job and an unlimited settlement permit known as a Niederlassungserlaubnis, which secures permanent residence in Germany.
EU citizens are permitted to work in a self-employed role in Germany after they sign up at the registry office (Einwohnermeldamt). A non-EU citizen can also start a business, but is subject to certain conditions, and must apply for a German settlement permit (Niederlassungserlaubnis) from the Office for Foreigners.
Self-employed residents have three years to make their business successful and the nature of their work must help the German economy.
More Expat Resources
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