Work in Germany 2022: Top 10 Jobs for Foreigners

Employment in Germany is projected to increase by five percent in 2022 as the country’s labor force continues to grow more slowly than its population. This has resulted in an increased demand for workers and more job opportunities across the country, especially outside of Berlin, Munich, and other major metropolitan areas.

Finding work in Germany is no easy feat, as the German job market is highly competitive and employment opportunities are limited in comparison to many other European countries. However, with some prior research, you can find a fulfilling job that will make you feel like your time and effort were well spent. With that in mind, here are 10 jobs you can pursue in Germany by 2022, based on current trends.

About Work in Germany

While English-speaking foreigners often flock to London or New York City, there are plenty of countries that make just as much sense for those looking to work abroad. For example, one of Europe’s biggest and most diverse countries is an ideal destination. In fact, if you're willing to learn German, all sorts of professional opportunities await! To get you started on your journey toward working in Germany,

here are some of the best top 10 jobs for foreign citizens:

1) Sales managers

Sales managers oversee a team of sales representatives and work with them to generate sales and meet targets. Although they don't need formal higher education, it is still common for them to have majored in business or management-related subjects while at university. In return, they can expect a steady salary between €48,000 ($51,500) and €52,000 ($56,200) per year as well as an attractive benefits package from their employer.

Sales reps believe that their managers should be more positive and not so hard on them when things go wrong. The latest salary survey suggests that 32% of managers are male and 68% female – very gender-neutral!

2) Healthcare Professional

Healthcare professionals, such as doctors and nurses, will always be in demand. Germany is one of Europe’s largest consumers of pharmaceuticals and medical equipment, so there’s a very high likelihood that jobs will remain available for anyone interested in healthcare. Considering there are already some 320 foreign-born doctors practicing medicine in Germany today (many from other EU countries), it seems fair to predict that demand won’t be decreasing anytime soon.

All you need to work as a doctor or nurse is an appropriate university degree; those working with German insurance companies must have European Union citizenship, while those working directly with patients must have a visa allowing them to do so.

3) Biotechnology and neuroscience researchers

Technology has driven a lot of recent job growth and is continuing to do so. Nearly half of all jobs created from 2016-2022 will be in STEM fields, and an additional 3 million Americans will have a science, technology, engineering, or math-related degree by 2023. Biotechnology and neuroscience researchers are two of those new positions that are popping up across the country -- especially on college campuses -- as researchers work to develop new medical treatments and cures.

These jobs can pay well, too; biotechnology researchers earned an average salary of $122,000 in 2022 (although it’s a highly specialized skill set that requires at least a bachelor’s degree). That's almost $60K more than traditional med tech roles that don't require advanced degrees.

4) IT and Data Science experts

According to a recent study, there will be more than 300 000 unfilled data science positions worldwide by 2023. So, if you’re interested in one of these lucrative jobs, working abroad as a foreigner might be your best bet—especially in Germany.

As one of Europe’s largest economies and tech hubs, Germany is looking to fill several thousand IT and data science roles over the next three years with foreign professionals who are willing to work overseas. In fact, anyone holding a Bachelor’s degree or higher (IT and math majors included) can find an entry-level job there—even if you don’t speak German.

5) Engineering professions

Engineers are always in demand, but it is particularly true today. Although many of these jobs require a minimum of a bachelor's degree, your job experience counts just as much as your education. According to a report from LinkedIn, the top three most sought-after skills among employers include data science/analytics skills at 29 percent, security knowledge/skills at 19 percent, and engineering/product development skills at 17 percent. 

6) Finance and accounting professionals

Germany has long been a hub of international finance, and it remains one of Europe’s leading financial centers, Mr. Schneider says. More than 4,200 foreign companies are listed on German stock exchanges (compared with 1,800 in France and 981 in Britain). The top job opportunities for foreigners are expected to be finance professionals at multinational companies.

There is also a growing startup scene—led by Rocket Internet—that hires foreigners to fill executive roles; these start-ups have already founded big brands like Zalando, HelloFresh, and Delivery Hero. In addition, more than 70% of all jobs require a college degree or some sort of training. German students rank among Europe’s best performers when it comes to math and science skills.

7) Tutors/Lecturers

Studies show that learning a language is made significantly easier when you have someone else with whom to practice. This can mean having a private tutor, but it also works if you’re taking classes at your local community college.

If you want to work as a language tutor or lecturer, teaching German would be an ideal job to go after; there are thousands of people out there looking for a private instructor who speaks their native tongue! This can be both fun and lucrative, so keep reading.

8) Marketing professionals

Looking for a place to work that offers stability and plenty of opportunities? Consider moving to Germany. The country is home to some of Europe’s biggest brands, including Volkswagen, Daimler, Siemens, and SAP, as well as exciting startups like Rocket Internet.

Thanks to an unemployment rate hovering at just 2 percent (and a healthy economy fueled by industry), there are more than enough jobs available across many industries.

9) Tourism

The United Nations World Tourism Organization found that 4.3 billion people traveled outside their home countries in 2022, making international tourism a $7.6 trillion industry that employs more than 250 million people. The travel and tourism industry is one of the world’s largest sectors and is expected to grow each year as more tourists travel farther and destinations become better connected with low-cost flights, online booking websites, and ride-sharing services.

In a survey conducted by Mastercard, eight out of ten consumers reported plans to take at least one international trip within a 12-month period. With such an enthusiastic customer base, it’s no wonder companies from around the world are looking to hire foreign employees to cater to these expanding needs!

10) Researchers in MINT

The Workplace of Tomorrow, a PwC-Hays jobs report, predicts that by 2022 third of all jobs in MINT (Mathematics, IT, Natural Sciences, and Engineering) will be filled by people working across borders. This trend is already being seen today as half of all academic science researchers are based outside their native country and half of all large technology companies have at least one base abroad.

By moving to another country you can not only build your career on an international stage but also make a difference in the lives around you with your skills and experience. Make your move to find new opportunities!

Free Sponsorship to Travel to Germany 

Getting a free sponsorship to travel to Germany is easier than you might think. With so many companies and organizations looking to expand their workforce, a job in Germany is within reach for those who qualify and don’t mind relocating. These kinds of programs are not just reserved for skilled workers—they are often open to unskilled workers, too. While there are some jobs you can do from home, such as graphic design or data entry, Continue Reading.

Conclusion

As a new ex-pat, it's important to not only know what jobs are available for ex-pats in Germany but also what jobs will be most beneficial and enjoyable. The industry you choose is hugely influential on your overall satisfaction with life abroad, so make sure you pick a position that both challenges and motivates you.

As you can see from our list above, there are plenty of opportunities to find work as an ex-pat in Germany; hopefully, we've inspired you to think about how pursuing these careers might make your working life more interesting and allow you to experience all that German culture has to offer.