Thinking about working in another European country? For each of 32 countries – all 27 EU countries plus Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland and the United Kingdom – you will find the key labour market figures, where the jobs are, how to apply, pay and working conditions, student jobs and what to do in your first weeks. General advice on job search, your CV and your rights: How to find a job abroad – 10 practical guides »
Germany is a country of 83.5 million people with an employment rate well above the EU average: 81.1% of people aged 20–64 have a job (EU: 76.1%).
Unemployment has risen slowly in recent years – from 3.1% in 2022 to 3.8% in 2025 – but it is still far below the EU average of 6.0%. Young people have good chances too: youth unemployment (15–24) is 7.1%, less than half the EU rate of 15.2%.
As an EU/EEA or Swiss citizen you do not need a visa or a work permit – a valid passport or ID card is enough to move, look for work and start a job. For most jobs you will need German: employers expect applications in German, and you may have to translate your certificates.
Key figures: Eurostat (population on 1 January 2026; unemployment and employment rates 2025; minimum wages July 2026); for the United Kingdom – Office for National Statistics; for Liechtenstein – national statistics. Country information: EURES – Living and working conditions, public employment services and the official government websites listed under each country. Rules, thresholds and amounts can change – check the official sources before you move. Updated: October 2026.
EN 
CS
DE
ES
FR
HU
IT
PL
PT
РУ
SK
TR
УК
AR
中文