Start a Career in Germany: When Is the Best Time for it?
Germany’s job market is under pressure. In August 2025, unemployment rose above 3 million for the first time in a decade. Companies continue to struggle with the consequences of Covid-19, rising costs, and weak exports. At the same time, automation and artificial intelligence are changing many work processes. While this is less advanced than in the United States, the direction is clear: routine jobs are increasingly automated, while reforms in Germany and Europe remain limited. In the short term, unemployment is expected to rise further. Still, for international applicants there are many structured entry paths that open the door to a career in Germany.
At the same time, Germany still reports around 600,000 open positions — the highest number of vacancies in the EU. Despite economic headwinds, many sectors cannot find enough staff, particularly in areas where automation cannot easily replace human work: healthcare, elderly care, logistics, social services, and other labor-intensive industries. “Generally, there are still good opportunities to start a career in Germany, and this is likely to remain the case for some time before AI-driven changes fully reshape the labor market,” says Wolfgang Sender, founder of Life-in-Germany.de and TopTest.ai.
Medium and long term, opportunities in Germany may become more limited, even though the shortage of skilled workers will increase. For many, however, the real question is when to apply in the short term. That means: in which month is an application most effective? The answer depends on the type of occupation. Here is what to expect.
FSJ (Voluntary Social Year)
The FSJ is a voluntary social service program that runs all year round. Participants work mainly in healthcare, elderly care, childcare, or support for people with disabilities. Tasks include assisting nurses, helping elderly people in daily routines, supporting teachers in kindergartens, or working in social institutions.
Applications must be made directly with recognized organizations or institutions in Germany. Visa procedures are straightforward, and accommodation and meals are usually included. German skills at level A2–B1 are recommended but not always mandatory. “The FSJ is ideal for young people who want to test whether Germany is the right country for them and who also want to do something socially meaningful,” explains Wolfgang Sender.
Ausbildung (Dual Vocational Training as Entry to a Career in Germany)
The Ausbildung is a formal vocational training program that usually starts in August or early September. Participants split their time between school-based education and practical work in a company. Fields include healthcare (nursing, elderly care), crafts (plumbing, carpentry, electrician), office administration, retail, logistics, and IT. The training lasts two to three years and includes a monthly salary that covers basic living expenses.
Applicants apply directly to companies offering training contracts. German skills at level B1 are required, since all training and exams are conducted in German. Ausbildung is best for young people who want a structured entry into a profession with long-term residency prospects. For many, it is one of the most reliable ways to build a lasting career in Germany.
Studying in Germany (Including Dual Studies)
Most university programs start in October with the winter semester. International students can apply for bachelor’s or master’s programs. Many master’s courses are offered in English, while most bachelor’s programs require German at least at B1 level. Studies focus on academic development in fields such as engineering, computer science, business, natural sciences, or social sciences.
Dual study programs (Duales Studium) also begin in October. Students divide their time between university lectures and paid work in a company. They receive a salary while studying and gain professional experience at the same time. Applications are made directly with universities and, in the case of dual studies, also with the partner company. These programs are best for ambitious applicants who want both an academic degree and immediate work experience.
Work and Travel (Ferienbeschäftigung)
Work and Travel is available year-round, with peak demand from June to September. It is a form of seasonal work (Saisonarbeit), typically in agriculture, tourism, and hospitality, but it can also be found in office jobs, crafts, and other business areas. Participants from partner countries can apply for a working holiday visa.
Applications are made directly to employers, often through seasonal job portals. Basic German skills (A2) are helpful but not always required. “The problem is that the administrative processes are currently so complicated that thousands of jobs remain unfilled,” says Wolfgang Sender. “We will soon offer a new solution to make this faster and more efficient.”
Chancenkarte (Opportunity Card)
The Chancenkarte is available all year. It is a points-based immigration option for skilled workers from outside the EU. Points are awarded for education, professional experience, language skills, age, and ties to Germany. Successful applicants receive up to one year to search for a job or vocational training in Germany and may work part-time during this time.
Applications are made at German embassies or consulates abroad. German skills are an advantage but not mandatory for all jobs, since some positions are available in English-speaking environments. The Chancenkarte is a strong tool for professionals with qualifications but no job offer. Yet, as Wolfgang Sender points out, “It is still underused internationally, although it has enormous potential.” For many, however, it can be an effective bridge into a career in Germany.
Au Pair
The Au Pair program runs year-round. Participants live with a host family, help with childcare and light household duties, and in return receive accommodation, meals, and pocket money. Au Pairs usually take care of children, accompany them to school, and support families in everyday routines.
Applications are made directly to host families or via agencies. Basic German skills are useful but not always required, as many families want the Au Pair to learn German while staying. Unfortunately, the program is relatively unpopular in Germany, although it offers young people a good opportunity to improve their German and get to know the culture closely.
Overview of Entry Options, Start Times and Requirements
| Entry Path | Typical Start Time | What You Do | Application Target | Language Requirements | Best For |
| FSJ | All year | Voluntary service in healthcare, elderly care, childcare | Social institutions, NGOs | A2–B1 (recommended) | Young people seeking orientation and social engagement |
| Ausbildung | August / September | Vocational training in nursing, crafts, office jobs, IT | Companies offering contracts | B1 (mandatory) | School leavers wanting structured training and long-term residency |
| University Study | October | Academic study (bachelor, master) | Universities | English (master) or B1+ | Students aiming for academic degrees in Germany |
| Dual Studies | October | Academic study + paid company work | Universities + companies | English or B1+ (varies) | Ambitious students seeking degree and work experience combined |
| Work and Travel | All year (peak June–September) | Seasonal jobs in agriculture, tourism, office, crafts | Employers via portals/agencies | None to A2 | Young people wanting short-term work and travel |
| Chancenkarte | All year | Job search with part-time work allowed | German embassies/consulates | Varies, English often ok | Professionals with qualifications but no job offer yet |
| Au Pair | All year | Childcare and household tasks with a host family | Families or agencies | None to A2 | Young people (18–26) wanting cultural exchange and language immersion |
| Internship | All year | Project support, admin, research, assistance | Companies directly | English or B1+ (depends) | Students and graduates gaining practical experience |
| General Jobs | All year (slower Dec & summer) | Full employment in various sectors | Companies directly | B1–B2 (most roles) | Experienced professionals with clear qualifications |
Internship (Praktikum)
Internships are available throughout the year. They allow students or graduates to gain practical experience in companies across industries, from business and engineering to healthcare and IT. Typical tasks include project support, research, administrative work, or assisting professionals. Some internships are mandatory for university students, while others are voluntary.
Applications are made directly to companies, often through job portals or career websites. Language requirements depend on the company: international firms often accept English, while smaller organizations may expect German at B1 or higher. Internships are best for students or graduates who want to build networks, experience German workplace culture, and improve their employability.
General Job Applications and Career in Germany
Applying directly for jobs in Germany is possible year-round. Applicants search through online job portals, company websites, or recruitment agencies. The required language level depends on the position: international companies may accept English, but most roles expect German at least at B1–B2.
While applications are always possible, companies are often slower to respond in December due to the Christmas season and at the end of the fiscal year. Summer months can also bring delays because of vacations. This does not mean applications are unsuccessful during these times, but candidates should be prepared for longer waiting periods. Direct job applications are best for experienced professionals with clear qualifications that match open vacancies and who want to build a sustainable career in Germany.
Proving Skills with TopTest.ai
To make applications by international applicants for Germany more successful, clear evidence of qualifications is essential. For this reason, we at Sender recently developed TopTest.ai. The platform allows applicants to prove their knowledge in more than 2,500 subjects by taking short online exams. Successful candidates receive German-issued knowledge certificates that can be attached to applications in Germany and abroad.
TopTest.ai is available in seven languages and covers a wide range of topics, from healthcare and logistics to IT and AI-related skills. These certificates do not replace academic degrees, but they provide employers with a reliable and transparent assessment of a candidate’s abilities. For many applicants, they serve as an additional asset that can make the decisive difference when starting a career in Germany.
