Working in Germany

As a Romanian, and therefore EU, citizen you can work in Germany without a work permit, on the same terms as German nationals: pay, working conditions and access to training.

• You only need a valid ID card or passport.
• You have the same rights in employment as locals; an employer may not treat you differently because you come from another EU country.
• Rules on the minimum wage and employment contracts are on the official portals; check the current figures there.

Once you move into a home in Germany, you must register your address at the local residents' registration office (Bürgeramt or Einwohnermeldeamt). Your city's website lists the exact deadline and the documents you need.

1. Find a home and ask your landlord for the move-in confirmation (Wohnungsgeberbestätigung).
2. Book an appointment at the Bürgeramt and register your address (Anmeldung).
3. Keep the registration certificate: banks, employers and other offices ask for it.

Regulated professions (for example doctor, nurse, teacher or some technical trades) need your qualification recognised before you can work. For non-regulated professions recognition is not mandatory, but it can help you get hired.

• The official Anerkennung in Deutschland portal tells you whether your profession is regulated and which authority handles it.
• Prepare your diplomas, transcripts and proof of experience; certified translations are often required.
• Fees and processing times differ between authorities: check the portal.

As an employee, income tax and social contributions (pension, health, unemployment, long-term care) are usually deducted directly from your salary. You need a tax identification number (Steuer-ID), issued by the Federal Central Tax Office (BZSt).

• You usually receive your Steuer-ID by post after you register your address.
• Your tax class (Steuerklasse) affects how much is withheld each month; find out which class applies to you.
• Rates and thresholds change: check them on the Federal Ministry of Finance website.

Health insurance is mandatory in Germany. Most employees are in the statutory system (gesetzliche Krankenversicherung), with a health insurance fund they choose. Some groups can opt for private insurance.

• Choose a statutory health insurance fund (Krankenkasse) and tell your employer.
• The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) only covers temporary stays, not once you work there.
• Details about the system and eligibility are on the Federal Ministry of Health website.

Finding a home can take time, especially in big cities. Prepare the documents landlords usually ask for and read the contract carefully before you sign.

• Landlords often ask for proof of income and an ID document.
• The deposit (Kaution) and how it is returned are set out in the contract; check them before you pay.
• Never send money for a home you have not seen or have no contract for.

Costs vary a lot between regions and cities. Before you accept an offer, compare the net salary with rent, transport and insurance in that city.

• Look at your net salary, not gross: tax and contributions are deducted from gross pay.
• Budget for the rental deposit and the first months until your first payday.
• Up-to-date information on living conditions is available on EURES.

Romania has an embassy in Berlin and consulates in several German cities. They can help with identity documents, civil status documents and emergencies.

• Current contact details are on the embassy website and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs list of missions.
• For German language and integration courses, see the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF).
• The Department for Romanians Abroad has information and programmes for the diaspora.

EURES is the European job mobility portal. It lists jobs in Germany and gives you access to advisers who answer questions about moving. The Federal Employment Agency (Bundesagentur für Arbeit) also has a job database.