Germany is consistently recognised as a great place for skilled workers seeking a rewarding career abroad. After a long-standing policy of cautious immigration for non-EU workers (with the notable exception of its policy to recruit Turkish workers in the 60s), Germany has gradually shifted towards openness since the early 2000s. This culminated in the signing of the Skilled Labour Immigration Act in June 2019, acknowledging the significant contributions skilled immigrants can make to the German economy.

While legal frameworks play a role, Germany acknowledges that attracting and retaining top international talent requires creating a welcoming environment with positive economic and social factors. This means there’s a definite route to landing jobs in Germany for Americans. We'll explore the advantages US workers currently have, the job sectors in demand, as well as other resources to make your job search much easier.

Jobs for Americans in Germany: Their advantage in the EU

Germany is experiencing a significant skills shortage, particularly in STEM, and skilled workers from the US are well-positioned to bridge this gap. Here's why:

• Strong educational background: American universities are world-renowned for their academic rigour and produce graduates with highly competitive qualifications.
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• Cultural adaptability: The US shares some cultural similarities—and heritage—with European nations, making the transition potentially smoother for American workers. 
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• English language skills: English fluency is a significant asset in a globalised workplace, and American professionals are native speakers.

Germany’s demand for skilled workers

The context is favourable if you want to work in Germany as an American. Germany faces a shortage of skilled workers due to two main factors: demographics and economy. The population is ageing rapidly, while the economy is experiencing solid growth. The World Bank forecasts a GDP growth rate of 3.1% for Germany in 2024, following a slight drop in 2023. This economic strength translates to continuously creating new jobs, particularly in sectors demanding specialised skills like IT, engineering, and green technologies. This widening gap between a limited pool of qualified domestic workers and an expanding job market has compelled Germany to actively seek talent abroad.

These are the most in-demand jobs in Germany, according to several official sources, including the Federal Government and the Federal Foreign Office in Berlin:

• Green jobs: Germany's commitment to sustainability has fuelled a rise in “Green Jobs” focused on environmental protection and renewable energies.
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• Healthcare professionals: Germany's well-regarded healthcare system consistently requires qualified nurses, physicians, and other medical specialists.
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• Engineers: “Industry 4.0”—Germany's push toward digitalisation—has created a significant demand for engineers across various specialisations. This includes roles in automation, robotics, and artificial intelligence.
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• IT specialists: The German IT sector constantly generates new job opportunities. Whether you specialise in software development, data analysis, or cybersecurity, your skills are likely in high demand.
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• Scientists: Germany is a leader in scientific research, particularly in fields like bioengineering, environmental science, and pharmaceuticals. If you have a strong background in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), you'll find many opportunities for your expertise.
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• Skilled tradespeople: Germany's renowned "Mittelstand" (medium-sized businesses) rely heavily on skilled craftspeople. This sector encompasses many trades, from carpentry and plumbing to electrical work and metalworking.
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• Transportation professionals: The logistics backbone of Germany's economy requires a steady stream of skilled workers to keep goods and people moving. Opportunities exist for truck drivers, train conductors, and other transportation professionals.

Sites for finding English-speaking jobs

While fluency in German—more so in Munich than in Berlin—is a definite asset in the German job market, skilled professionals with strong English communication skills are increasingly sought after. In this section, we provide you with a list of different boards where you can find English-speaking jobs in Germany.

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General job boards

These job boards are likely already on your radar—and for a good reason. Not surprisingly, they are also used in Germany by international and local companies. They're the go-to platforms for millions of jobseekers and employers worldwide.

• LinkedIn: One of the most common boards in Germany. You can set location-based alerts and filter for English-speaking jobs. However, not all companies use LinkedIn exclusively for job postings, so it's worth checking out other platforms.
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• Indeed: This frequently featured job board also has numerous listings in Germany, including some for English-speaking roles.
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• Glassdoor: Glassdoor offers job postings alongside company reviews, with many of them in English. You can always use Google Translate to read those in German. Some of the job postings will redirect you to Indeed.
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• JobMESH: This site is a modern platform with an English-language landing page specifically for English-speaking jobs in Germany.

Specialised job boards

Beyond the general job boards, consider exploring specialised tech platforms that offer jobs in Germany for Americans, like those for IT professionals like software engineers, data specialists, and product managers. Be conscious about the one you choose—not every board will accept non-EU citizens who are living abroad.

Some of these boards are:

• Honeypot: Based in Berlin, Honeypot is a selective tech platform with a thorough vetting process for professionals before presenting them to companies. If you’re not yet living in the European Union, they probably won't accept you into their reverse hiring process, even if they might call you up for the first interview. You’ll make the best use of it if you’re living in Europe already and willing to work with German companies.
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• Relocate.me: This niche job board targets tech professionals seeking job opportunities with relocation support. This can be a good alternative for non-EU residents seeking in-site opportunities in Germany.
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• WeAreXena: This recruitment agency focuses on women in engineering. They partner with popular startups to help them fulfil diversity initiatives. WeAreXena doesn't have a public job board, but they currently operate a Slack community where you can connect with them and potentially access relevant job openings.

Expat-friendly local job boards

These platforms understand the particular needs of international professionals and often feature positions that are more likely to be a good fit for English speakers.

• Arbeitnow: Founded by expats for expats, this platform is a safe place for foreigners seeking work in Germany. It offers German and English-language jobs, often with companies willing to sponsor work visas — a huge shortcut for non-EU citizens who require this sorted out.
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• English Jobs in Germany: This platform focuses solely on English-speaking jobs across various German cities and states. You’ll find jobs here that do not expect you to be bilingual.
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• Stepstone.de: It’s a well-respected platform in Germany, similar to Indeed. While you'll encounter more German-language listings, Stepstone offers some filtering options for English-speaking jobs. Some companies on the platform might be willing to accommodate English-speaking professionals, even if the listing itself is in German. Last time we checked, only 3% of the jobs were in English, but those were almost 500 postings, so it’s worth a shot.

Startup job boards

Germany has a strong startup scene, particularly in major cities like Berlin, Munich, and Hamburg. While startup work often involves long hours and compensation might not be as high as established companies, working for one can enable you to collaborate in close-knit teams, confront challenging problems, and have the opportunity to shape the future of a company. Here are some startup job platforms:

• Berlin Startup Jobs: This popular platform focuses on early-stage company jobs in Berlin. While many jobs are advertised in English, be sure to double-check the job description, as German language proficiency might be required in some cases.
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• Startup Jobs: This international platform features listings from startups across various locations. You might find job openings from established companies like HelloFresh, Kayak, and GetYourGuide. Some international companies—like Stripe—rely on this platform to advertise, in English, jobs for German speakers.
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• Founder.io: It’s a niche platform targeted to senior-level roles in new startups (Co-founder, CEO, COO, CMO, etc.). While most listings are in German, some startups, especially in Berlin, target English-speaking candidates.

Remote job boards

Here are some platforms that specialise in remote positions:

• Zuhausejobs: Its name stands for “Jobs at home” in German. It’s a platform designed specifically for jobseekers in Germany, Austria and Switzerland looking for work-from-home opportunities. While the current selection is relatively limited, with around 150 jobs for developers posted, Zuhausejobs is a well-curated site to find ads for the DACH region.
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• Remote OK: As the name suggests, this platform focuses exclusively on remote positions. You can filter jobs by country, including Germany. They cover a diverse range of job categories, including programming, design, marketing, customer support, and writing. They’re featuring more than 700k positions right now.

Find Remote Jobs in Germany → 

Working holiday job sites

Working holiday job sites are a great resource for Americans looking for temporary employment in the EU. These platforms are for people who are looking for short-term jobs, such as in hospitality, tourism, agriculture, or seasonal industries. These roles may not always require special skills, but they offer a chance to get involved in a foreign culture and get hands-on experience.

Some well-known working holiday job sites are:

• Workaway: Workaway connects travellers with hosts offering various work opportunities in exchange for accommodation and meals. This platform is ideal for individuals interested in volunteering, living on farms, or helping locals who need someone to look after them. 
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• Eurojobs: Eurojobs is not a “holiday job” site but offers a wide range of temporary job listings across Europe, including positions suitable for working travellers on holiday. With this site, you can end up bartending in Cambridge or driving a truck across Great Britain. One hint: Use the keyword “volunteer.”
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• GoAbroad.com.: While not exclusively focused on working holidays, GoAbroad.com features a section dedicated to short-term work opportunities abroad. Users can search for positions by country, duration, and field of interest. One of their most popular programs is for teaching English in Germany.

Do Americans need a visa?

While the United States enjoys visa-free travel privileges with Germany for short tourist stays, working in Germany requires obtaining a visa beforehand (for example, Americans don’t need to apply for the Schengen visa because their passport has exactly the same benefits at a €0 fee). Here's a breakdown of the main visa options for US citizens:

Employment-based visas

• German Work visa: This visa is suitable if you have a confirmed job offer from a German employer. The specific categories eligible for this visa include researchers, teachers/scientific personnel, and intra-company transfers (managers or specialists). The initial validity is one year, with extension possibilities based on your employment contract.
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• Intra-corporate transferee (ICT) visa: You, as an employee, can ask for this one if you work for a company established outside the European Union, and you will be transferred to a branch in Germany
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• EU Blue Card: This visa is open to highly skilled professionals with university degrees recognised in Germany. To qualify, you'll need a job offer, at least five years of relevant experience, and a salary meeting a minimum threshold (currently exceeding €56,400 gross annually). The Blue Card is initially valid for the duration of your contract plus three months, with a maximum validity of four years. Renewals are possible if you remain employed. Visa fee: €110 for one year, with a renewal price tag of €93.

Job Seeker visa

The Job Seeker visa allows US citizens to stay in Germany for six months while actively searching for employment. It's important to note that this visa doesn't ensure immediate work authorisation. However, if you secure a job within six months, you can transition to a work visa and begin working legally in Germany. Visa fee: €75

Freelance visa

The Freelance visa for Germany lets freelancers work in the country for up to three months at first. If they make enough money, they can extend it for up to three more years. After three years, freelancers may be able to get a settlement permit or the option of changing their permit to one for self-employment. You’ll have to get this visa at your city’s Ausländerbehörde (the office where you’ll register). The visa fee is €100, plus €140 for the residence permit.

Understanding taxes in Germany

Once you secure a German work permit and begin employment, you'll be subject to German income tax—as in any other country.

Here's a basic overview of the German taxation system:

Tax brackets

Germany operates on a progressive tax system, meaning your tax rate increases as your income rises. Rates start as low as 14% and reach a maximum of 45%. There's no income tax on earnings below €9,744 per year.

US tax obligations

As a US citizen, you must file tax returns with the US government, even if you're paying taxes in Germany. However, you may be able to reduce or even totally cover your US tax burden through:

• Foreign Earned Income Exclusion: This allows you to exclude a portion of your German earnings from your US taxable income, potentially reducing your US tax liability. Eligibility depends on meeting specific residency requirements.
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• Foreign Tax Credit: You may claim a credit for the income taxes already paid to the German government, further reducing your potential US tax burden.

So if you pay the German state $30k, and the IRS expects from you $25k, you can nonchalantly tell the US government they owe you a $5k credit to carry over to the next fiscal year (it must feel good being in that position). All of this is possible because the US and Germany still have a 30-year-old taxation agreement.

Taxes for freelancers

The taxation system in Germany differs for freelancers and employees. If you’re a freelancer, you must pay the full tax rate yourself, rather than sharing it with your employer.

Working as a freelancer in Germany

Freelancing in Germany requires registration at a local office. The US is one of the few countries with a fast track for this process, as US nationals can visit Germany with their passport and then get a freelance visa in an office. 

Guide for Expats Living in Germany →

Here's are some key considerations you might need to take into account if you want to freelance:

Pre-move preparations

• Showing funds: Some sources claim you must show the administrator at least €3,000 in a bank account. 
• Securing clients: Obtaining a German freelance visa often requires demonstrating a viable freelance career. Focus on finding potential clients in Germany before your move. Secure “Letters of Intent” from at least two clients outlining their intention to hire you.
• Visa application: Research the German Freelance Visa requirements. The German embassy in the US will handle your application. In addition to the standard visa paperwork, be prepared to submit your freelance business plan and the “Letters of Intent” from potential clients.

Settling in Germany

• Banking: Open a German bank account to manage your freelance income and expenses.
• Health Insurance: As a freelancer in Germany, you'll be responsible for obtaining health insurance. Research and choose a plan that meets your needs.

Registration

• Residence: Register your address at the local Bürgeramt (citizen's office).
• Residence permit: Once settled and registered, apply for a freelancer residence permit at the Ausländerbehörde.

Start looking for a tech job in Germany now

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