|
|
|
:: Hot Topics |
Work Permits in Germany:
What to Know Before You Go
By Sandy
Weiner, Germany Career Advisor
Working in Germany is a rewarding experience, but the amount of paperwork it requires can be overwhelming. As a foreigner, you may need to complete a "working permits" application, or request for permission to work. I asked Alexander Baron von Engelhardt, a Berlin-based attorney who specializes in helping foreigners get settled in Germany, to help explain the permit application process.
Sandy Weiner: What are the different types of working permits in
Germany? Who should apply for the working permits, the employee or the employer?
Alexander Baron von Engelhardt: There are two different kinds of working
permits in Germany, "Arbeitserlaubnis" and "Arbeitsberechtigung." Arbeitserlaubnis
gives you permission to work in Germany, but it may restrict your work to
a certain employer, region, branch, profession or period of time. Arbeitsberechtigung
allows you to work in Germany without any restrictions concerning the period
of time, employer, region, branch, or profession.
If you intend to stay in Germany for a few years, it might be a good idea to consult a professional concerning the types of permits you should apply for.
SW: Are there any specific reasons why a foreigner will or will not
be granted permission to work in Germany?
Although the reasons why working permits are granted are quite complicated, generally German authorities will grant permission to work if:
(1.) You, the candidate, possess a skill that an employer cannot find within
the current labor pool.
(2.) Granting you permission to work will not force a German (or aliens
holding the same status, for example EU citizens) to lose his or her job
or a job opportunity.
(3.) You will be working under the same conditions as German employees.
For example, specialized cooks are welcome in Germany, but they will not
be granted the right to work if they are willing to work for half the wages
of Germans.
SW: How long does it take to obtain a working permit if I am currently
living in Germany and a company wants to hire me?
ABVE: If you are the spouse of an alien, currently living in Germany,
and are applying to work there for the first time, you will need to live
in the country for one year before requesting a working permit. After completing
the proper application forms, it will take about one to two months for processing
and approval.
SW: Which professions have the easiest time obtaining working papers?
ABVE: Generally, IT professionals have the easiest time obtaining
working papers. The more specialized you are, the more your knowledge is
needed in Germany; the fewer people that have your abilities and training,
the easier it will be to find work. SW: Do you have any recommendations
for making the process go more smoothly?
ABVE: Have your papers (passport, application form) filled out and
signed (by your employer) and some cash handy for unexpected fees. Be sure
to make a prior visit to the labor office that has jurisdiction over your
employer. Most offices will not accept checks, EC cards or credit cards.
I also recommend that you bring a professional with you to help answer any
questions and make sure that your paperwork is in order.
SW: What is the difference between residency permits and working
permits?
ABVE: A residency permit only grants you permission to live in Germany
for a specific reason (except working). For example, if you are married
to someone who has permission to work in Germany, you will be granted a
residency permit. If your reason ends, then you must apply for a new permit.
SW: How often do you need to renew your working permit?
ABVE: The working permit is valid as long as your employment contract
is valid, for a maximum of three years. At that time you will need to renew
the permit, showing proof of continued employment.
***
My husband and I have lived in Germany for over five years, and one of the things we've been most thankful for is the assistance we've received from a relocation specialist. Consulting a professional can help you make more sense of the tremendous amount of paperwork required to work here.
If you choose not to consult a professional, however, be sure you know what
you're getting into. Applying to work in Germany requires a variety of documentation,
including your resume, references, educational transcripts (which are usually
required even if you've been out of school for several years), additional
proof of training and certifications, your tax card, permission to work,
residency permit, and registration with the police, to name a few.
About Sandy
Weiner
is a professional career counselor with 20 years experience in Career and
Organization Development. She is the co-author of The Motivation Training
Manual, which will be published by Gower Publishing in 2002. She lives near
Berlin, Germany. Learn
more about the career services that Sandy has to offer. >>
|
 |
|
|
|
