Citizens of Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Kosovo, Macedonia, Montenegro, or Serbia have currently preferred access to the German labor market. We explain about your options on jobs in Germany for Balkan residents.
How to work in Germany as a skilled worker
Experts in the area of IT, science, or research from Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Kosovo, Macedonia, Montenegro, or Serbia can apply for a Blue card in order to start working in Germany.
How to work in Germany via an apprenticeship
In case already speak German on level B1 you may apply for apprenticeships in Germany. This option merely targets at career starter from Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Kosovo, Macedonia, Montenegro, or Serbia or from any other country in this world.
Jobs in Germany for Balkan residents with the ‘Western Balkans regulation’
Another option to work in Germany for citizens of Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Kosovo, Macedonia, Montenegro, or Serbia is currently the ‘Western Balkans regulation’ of Germany:
What is the Western Balkans regulation?
The Western Balkans regulation is a provision that allows citizens of Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Kosovo, Macedonia, Montenegro, or Serbia to work in many employments in Germany. It requires an employment contract or a binding job offer.
How can I work in Germany as a skilled worker from the Balkans?
Experts in the area of IT, science, or research from Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Kosovo, Macedonia, Montenegro, or Serbia can apply for a Blue Card in order to start working in Germany.
Can I do an apprenticeship in Germany if Im from the Balkans and speak German?
Yes, if you already speak German at level B1, you may apply for apprenticeships in Germany. This option is open to career starters from Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Kosovo, Macedonia, Montenegro, or Serbia.
What do I need to work under the Western Balkans regulation?
To work under the Western Balkans regulation, you need to have an employment contract or a binding job offer. The recognition of your qualification is not required unless you aim to work in a regulated profession like a medical doctor.
How long does it take to get a visa under the Western Balkans regulation?
Due to Covid-19, strong popularity, and other reasons, the waiting span for visa application appointments at German embassies currently takes months or even more than a year.
What is the ‘Skilled Immigration Act’?
The ‘Skilled Immigration Act’ is a new law that came into effect in 2020. For employment in Germany under this act, one needs a concrete job offer as well as the recognition of qualifications in order to apply for a visa.
Can I find student jobs in Germany as a Balkan resident?
Yes, as an enrolled student at a university in any country, you may apply for a visa to work in Germany for up to 90 days a year. Relevant jobs are in production, tourism, sales, agriculture, or cleaning business.
What is the ‘Work and Travel’ program?
The ‘Work and Travel’ program allows enrolled students at a university in any country to apply for a visa to work in Germany for up to 90 days a year. It is recommended to have a concrete job offer to participate in this program.
How can I stay updated on career opportunities in Germany?
You can subscribe to free channels or newsletters that provide updates, advice, consultations, and news on careers in Germany.
Pursuing a global career often entails relocating to a new country, which makes finding the right accommodation crucial. To streamline your search, consider exploring the options available on HousingAnywhere.What should I do if I want to work in Germany but dont have a visa yet?
If you dont have a visa that provides the right to work in Germany, you need to apply for such a visa in your home country. This usually requires finding a German employer who offers an employment contract.
How to work in Germany via the ‘Skilled Immigration Act’
The Skilled Immigration Act, introduced in Germany in 2020, has opened up new opportunities for qualified professionals from non-EU countries to move to Germany for work. This legislation aims to address labor shortages in the country by making it easier for skilled workers to immigrate.
Understanding the Skilled Immigration Act
The Skilled Immigration Act allows foreign nationals with a concrete job offer and a recognized qualification to obtain a visa to work in Germany. Unlike the EU Blue Card scheme, which is aimed at highly qualified professionals, the Skilled Immigration Act also covers professions that require vocational training.
Requirements
To work in Germany under the Skilled Immigration Act, you need:
- A specific job offer from a German employer.
- A recognized qualification. This could be a university degree or a vocational training certificate. The German authorities must recognize your qualification as equivalent to a German one. You can use the “Recognition in Germany” portal to check if your qualification is recognized.
Application Process
The application process involves the following steps:
- Find a Job: The first step is to find a job in Germany. You can use job portals, recruitment agencies, or the Federal Employment Agency’s job listings to find suitable job offers.
- Check Qualification Recognition: Before you apply for a visa, you should check whether your qualification is recognized in Germany. You can do this online through the “Recognition in Germany” portal.
- Apply for a Visa: Once you have a job offer and a recognized qualification, you can apply for a visa at the German embassy or consulate in your home country. You’ll need to provide several documents, including your job contract, proof of your qualification, and proof of health insurance.
- Move to Germany: If your visa application is approved, you can move to Germany and start your job. Within the first few weeks of your arrival, you’ll need to register your address with the local authorities and open a German bank account.
The Skilled Immigration Act has made it easier for skilled workers from non-EU countries to work in Germany. By understanding the requirements and the application process, you can take advantage of this opportunity to advance your career in Germany.
How to find student jobs in Germany for Balkan residents
As enrolled student at a university in any country of this world you may apply for a visa to work in Germany for up to 90 days a year. Relevant jobs are in production, tourism, sales, agriculture, or cleaning business. It is highly recommended to have a concrete job offer here as well in order to participate in this ‘Work and Travel’ program.
Finding student jobs in Germany for Balkan residents can be a rewarding experience, providing not only a source of income but also valuable work experience and the opportunity to improve language skills. The first step in this process is to understand the legal requirements. As an international student from the Balkans, you are allowed to work while studying in Germany, but there are restrictions on the number of hours you can work per year, so it’s important to familiarize yourself with these rules.
Next, consider what type of job you’re interested in. Many students choose to work part-time in sectors such as hospitality, retail, or administrative roles in their universities. These jobs often offer flexible hours that can be balanced with your study schedule. Alternatively, you might look for a job related to your field of study. This can provide relevant experience and could potentially lead to a full-time job after graduation.
Once you have an idea of what type of job you’re looking for, you can start your job search. There are several resources you can use to find student jobs in Germany. University job portals often list jobs specifically for students, and websites like StudentJob, Indeed, and LinkedIn can also be useful. Don’t forget to leverage your personal network, too. Professors, classmates, and friends can often provide leads on job opportunities.
When applying for jobs, make sure to tailor your CV and cover letter to each specific job. Highlight your relevant skills and experiences, and express your enthusiasm for the role. If you’re invited for an interview, prepare by researching the company and thinking about how you can contribute to their team.
