Working in Germany
For transparency, AI has been used during the generation of this content, with every care taken to verify its accuracy.
Average Salary
The average gross yearly salary in Germany is €51,876. This differs across industries and sectors, and depends on an individual’s experience, specialisation, and location. For example, in the engineering sector, entry-level engineers typically earn between €45,000 - €55,000, while mid-career professionals can expect to earn between €55,000 - €70,000, and senior engineers or specialists often exceed €80,000 per year.
General information
Currency
Euro (€)
Official language
German
Conversational languages
English
Time zone
Winter period: Central European Time (UTC+01:00) Summer period: Central European Summer Time (UTC+02:00)
Common types of Employment or Contracting
Common types of employment
Common types of contracting
Already secured a job overseas?
If you have secured an assignment but are unsure of where to start with setting up as a Freelancer or B2B contractor, please feel free to reach out to our International team for assistance.
Living in Germany
Living in Germany offers a high quality of life and culturally diverse environment, with people from a wide range of backgrounds living in the country. The cost of living can vary significantly depending on the region or city you reside in. Major urban centres like Munich, Frankfurt and Hamburg are known for their higher living expenses, especially when it comes to housing.
- On average, a weekly grocery shop for a small family costs around €80–€100
- Monthly childcare fees vary widely but typically range from €300 - €600, depending on the region and type of care
- Rental prices in expensive cities can exceed €1,500 per month for a modest apartment, while smaller towns offer more affordable options between €700–€900
- Fuel prices fluctuate, but a litre of petrol can cost between €1.66 - €1.76, and a litre of diesel costs around €1.58 - €1.63
Vehicles drive on the right-hand side of the road in Germany. To legally drive, residents must hold a valid driving licence; EU and EEA licences are generally recognised without restrictions. Non-EU citizens can usually use their foreign licence for up to six months; after which they may need to exchange it for a German licence or pass the local driving test. Germany has strict rules and high standards for driver safety, so it’s important to familiarise yourself with local traffic laws.
Weather in Germany
Germany experiences a temperate seasonal climate with distinct changes throughout the year. Winters are generally cold, occasionally bringing snowfall, particularly in southern and mountainous regions. Summers are mild to warm, and heatwaves can occur. Spring and autumn bring moderate temperatures. Rainfall is evenly distributed year-round, so it’s wise to prepare for occasional showers regardless of the season.
Language and integration support
A variety of support services are available to help newcomers improve their German language skills, including integration courses, language schools, and online resources. Many employers and local municipalities also offer programmes or workshops tailored to different proficiency levels, making it easier to adapt and participate fully in German society. Accessing these resources not only enhances communication but also opens more opportunities for professional and personal growth.
For any translation needs - especially those required for work permit or visa applications - our dedicated Languages team is ready to support you. They provide accurate, timely translations and can guide you through the process to ensure all necessary documents meet the required standards.
Our services in Germany
Across the globe, we support energy and engineering companies with the international recruitment and global mobilisation solutions they need to extend their capability and grow their businesses.
Find out about our international services
Global mobility
NRL Recruitment simplifies international employee relocation with seamless global mobility services. From visa assistance to cultural onboarding, we ensure your staff transitions smoothly across borders, minimising disruption and maximising productivity.
Payroll solutions
Managing payroll across multiple countries can be complex, but our payroll solutions make it simple. We handle accurate, compliant compensation for your global workforce, ensuring employees are paid correctly and on time, every time.
Global employer of record
With our global employer of record services, you can legally employ staff overseas without establishing local entities. We manage compliance, contracts, and HR administration, giving you the freedom to expand globally with confidence and ease.
International recruitment
Finding the right talent worldwide is effortless with our international recruitment solutions. We connect your business with top-tier professionals, managing the end-to-end hiring process so you can focus on growth and strategic priorities.
