Being the strongest player in the European economy, Germany is one of the most preferred among people who wish to migrate abroad.
Besides being the 4th largest economy in the world with a GDP of a whopping 4.22 trillion euros, there are many other reasons to choose Germany as your destination.
Work - life balance in Germany
In Germany, the average working hours are strictly regulated between a sweet spot of 36 and 40 hours per week. Daily working hours are limited to eight hours, and weekly working hours are limited to 48 hours with a lunch break ranging between 30 and 60 minutes.
Generally, you are entitled for additional compensation or additional holidays if you work more than the regulated time. For instance, my company offers me 30 paid leaves per year. In 2022, I did carry forward 22 of my paid leaves from the previous year and still had around 45 days of paid time off in 2021 by utilizing the overtime benefit. Despite not being forced to work over hours, my company allowed me to enjoy the additional time I spent for them.
Occupational opportunities for skilled workers in Germany
There is no doubt that the German economy is doing well; however, it could be doing even better. According to the state development bank KfW's semi-annual 'skilled labor barometer' report, about one in two companies were hampered by the lack of skilled workers in 2022. In the manufacturing sector, skilled workers are in short supply at an all-time high. As of April 2020, there was a shortage of around 320,000 skilled workers, specialists, and academics in the fields of mathematics, information technology, natural sciences, and technology.
You Need To Look In The Right Place For Jobs
Among many job portals out there, LinkedIn, Indeed, Xing - known as Germany's LinkedIn, Make It In Germany, Munich Startup Jobs, Startuplist, Arbeitnow are few websites that can help you land the right job in Germany without having to know German.
Furthermore, if you've already shortlisted a few companies where you'd like to work, check out their own career websites to find opportunities that may not be listed elsewhere.
Allianz World Wide Careers, Microsoft Careers, Jobs at Brainlab, Zalando Careers are just a few.
In addition, make sure your LInkedIn profile is up to date. On LinkedIn, recruiters contact potential candidates directly, and a lot of great companies post their jobs, so you can apply directly.
Alternatively, if you wish to search for a job in Germany, you can apply for a German job seeker visa which is valid for up to six months and the possibility to convert to a residence permit.
Get German permanent residency in 21 months
You can apply for a German PR if you come to Germany with an unlimited job contract and have an EU Blue Card.
Also, you must have made monthly contributions to the statutory pension insurance fund for at least 33 months while employed in a qualified job.
Furthermore, you possess a basic understanding of the German language (A1 level according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR)). By demonstrating German language proficiency at B1 level, the 33-month requirement can be shortened to 21 months.
Free education in public universities in Germany
In Germany, everyone can study tuition-free! No matter whether you are a German or a European citizen. Non-Europeans can also study in public universities in Germany without paying tuition fees.
Almost every German public university offers tuition fee free programs. Which means, you have the opportunity to choose from over 1,000 study programmes at almost 300 public universities in Germany.
Travel visa free in 40+ countries
If you decide to move to Germany, you will have to obtain a Schengen visa. With a Schengen visa, you can travel between 26 Schengen member states without applying for separate visas.
Additionally, the Schengen visa also allows foreigners to enter other countries outside of the European Union or the Schengen zone as long as they hold a valid multiple entry visa.
A warm and friendly atmosphere
Well, the outside world has mixed opinions about the friendliness of Germans. However from my experience, visiting Germany every year since 2012 and permanently living here since 2016, it is likely that when a German makes friends with you, they’ll become your true friend.
Germans may be straight to face, reluctant to speak a foreign language and stick to the rules almost 100% almost every time, they are very friendly, keen and understanding people. You may find it hard to make a German friend. But, when you make a German friend, they’ll be your friend for life long.
Finally, these are just 6 top reasons you should consider moving to Germany if you are planning to migrate abroad. However, there are many other benefits too such as child benefits, parental benefits, unemployment benefits, strong social security, etc.
