How to Get a Developer Job in Germany as a Foreigner

Where the jobs are

Berlin has the largest startup scene and the most English-speaking teams. Munich is strong in enterprise software, automotive and insurance; Hamburg in e-commerce, media and logistics; Frankfurt in banking and fintech; Cologne and Düsseldorf in telecoms, insurance and consulting. Outside these cities there are many well-paid roles at industrial companies (“Mittelstand”), but these more often expect German.

Do you need to speak German?

Not always. Many startups, scale-ups and international companies use English as their working language, and the job ad usually says so. Large traditional employers, public-sector bodies and client-facing consulting roles more often require German. Even when the job is in English, basic German makes everyday life — renting, registering your address, dealing with authorities — much easier, so it is worth starting early.

• Ad written in English and mentions an international team: English is usually enough.
• Ad written in German: assume German is required unless it says otherwise.
• “German is a plus”: you can apply without it, but learning it helps you stand out.

How German applications differ

German employers often expect a slightly more formal application than English-speaking countries. A clear CV (“Lebenslauf”) in reverse chronological order with exact months and years is standard. A photo is no longer expected, and you can leave it out. Many companies still ask for a short cover letter, and certificates or reference letters (“Arbeitszeugnis”) are common. If you do not have formal reference letters from previous employers, that is fine for international candidates — a strong portfolio or GitHub profile helps more in tech.

Work permits for non-EU citizens

Citizens of EU and EEA countries and Switzerland can work in Germany without a permit. Everyone else usually needs a residence permit for work. The main routes for IT professionals are the EU Blue Card (for people with a recognised university degree and a qualifying job offer) and a dedicated route for IT specialists who can show professional experience even without a degree. There is also an Opportunity Card that lets skilled workers come to Germany to look for a job.

Salary thresholds and requirements change, so check the current rules on the official make-it-in-germany.com portal before you apply. If your degree is from outside Germany, you can check whether it is recognised in the anabin database, which employers and authorities use.

Understanding the offer

Salaries in Germany are quoted as gross per year. A large part goes to income tax and social insurance (health, pension, unemployment and long-term care), so your net pay is noticeably lower — use an online net-salary calculator before comparing offers. Health insurance is compulsory; most employees join the public system through their employer.

• Probation period (“Probezeit”): usually up to six months, with a shorter notice period during that time.
• Notice period after probation: often one to three months — check what applies to both sides.
• Holidays: most tech jobs offer well above the legal minimum; the number of days is stated in the contract.
• Remote work: check whether it is written into the contract or only a team habit.

A realistic plan

Start by filtering for English-speaking roles in the city you prefer, tailor your CV to each ad, and apply to companies that mention visa sponsorship or relocation support. In interviews, it helps to show that you have thought about the move — a short, honest answer about why Germany and how you plan to settle in reassures employers who have to invest in a work permit.