Germany is a top choice for Americans moving abroad, especially for families who want to raise their kids there and take advantage of free college options. The country is considered very safe, with excellent healthcare and infrastructure, and it’s known for work-life balance and perks like free childcare.
The country is experiencing a shortage of workers in certain fields, and it recently made it easier for Americans to search for jobs there.
Here are jobs in high demand, along with FAQs and how to apply.
Green Technology
Like in the U.S., green technology is a growing sector with high demand. Here are some examples of key roles:
- Craftspeople (e.g. electronic technicians for energy and building technology, heating engineering, system mechanics and sanitary, heating and air-conditioning technology)
- Engineers (e.g. energy consultants, environmental engineers, design engineers/developers, automotive engineers)
- IT specialists (e.g. software developers, data scientists)
➤ Learn more about green technology jobs in Germany
Nurses
- Recognized qualification: The nursing qualification obtained in your country of origin must be recognized in Germany. The competent authority for your case will check whether your professional qualification is equivalent to German qualifications. If this is not the case, you could take an assessment test or go through an adaptation period to prove an equivalent level of knowledge. The application for professional recognition can be submitted to the competent authority in the state in which you intend to work in. The German professional recognition obtained is valid nationwide.
- Sufficient knowledge of the German language: Depending on the state, you will have to be competent on a level equivalent to the B2 or B1 levels of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
- Medical fitness: You must prove, through certification by a German doctor, that you are physically and mentally healthy and are therefore suitable for a job in the nursing profession.
- Personal suitability/Trustworthiness: In order to prove your trustworthiness, you will require proof that you do not have a criminal record. Depending on your situation, providing a certificate of good conduct from your country of origin or a German certificate of conduct (Führungszeugnis) is sufficient.
➤ Learn more about nursing jobs in Germany
Physicians
If you completed your education and training as a doctor abroad, you will require an official license (Approbation) in order to work in your profession in Germany. Without this license, you may not be able to treat patients as an on-duty doctor in Germany. The Approbation is an official license to practice medicine with an unrestricted professional permit. To obtain this license, your education and training must be recognized as an equivalent to the German education and training program for doctors.
The competent authorities for access to the profession are the medical licensing authorities in your respective federal state. When applying for a license and a professional permit to practice medicine, proof of your physical fitness, personal suitability and your knowledge of the German language are usually required. The language requirements for each federal state can be found here.
Engineers
The following occupations are particularly in demand:
- Automation technology
- Supervision of construction planning and architecture
- Automotive industry, including electromobility and autonomous driving
- Renewable energies and environmental protection
- Artificial intelligence (AI)
➤ Learn more about engineering jobs in Germany
IT Specialists
Specialists in the following fields are particularly in demand:
- Software development
- Application support
- IT security
- Data science
Scientists
The industries that are mostly looking for scientists and mathematicians are the following:
- Chemistry
- Research and Development
- Pharmaceutics
- Financial analysis
- Architecture/Engineering
- Energy engineering and electrical engineering
➤ Learn more about scientist jobs in Germany
Craftspeople
The following trades are in highest demand:
- Tinsmith
- Plumber for sanitary, heating and air-conditioning technology
- Structural engineering:
- Concrete and steel construction worker
- Furnace and chimney construction
- Mason
- Floorer
- Electrical engineers with a specialization in energy technology
- Industrial cleaner
Transportation
- The following roles are especially in high demand:
- Professional driver
- Train driver
- Skilled workers in shipping:
- Inland Bargewoman / Inland Bargeman
- Inland Shipping Captain
- Port Logistics Specialist
- Port Boatwoman / Port Boatman
- Nautical Officer Assistant
- Ship Mechanic
- Technical Officer Assistant
➤ Learn more about transportation jobs in Germany
FAQ: Do I Need to Speak German?
Whether or not you need to speak German will depend on the role you’re applying for and the employer who hires you, but they strongly recommend attempting to reach a B2 level to improve your quality of life in the country. The site offers classes and integration courses.
Can I Start a Business Instead?
Yes! Germany has visas and tools for founders, but they do recommend German proficiency for people who want to start a business there.
My Field Isn’t Listed. Can I Still Go?
You can! You’ll need to apply for Germany’s job seeker visa, called the Chancenkarte. This government site explains what you’ll need to apply.
Where Do I Apply?
Visit Germany’s job portal to search for available positions and apply.
➤ Learn more about working in Germany
