Starting work in Germany and don’t know what to bring, arrange, and register? Don’t worry – many people have the same problem, especially if it’s their first job in Germany. In this guide, we’ve gathered all the most important formalities, documents, and official steps you need to go through to legally and stress-free start working. Everything clear, straightforward, and step by step.
What documents do you need to have with you to legally start working in Germany?
Let’s start with the basics. Whether you’re going for seasonal work or a permanent job – there are certain documents needed for work in Germany that you must have with you on the day of departure. These are primarily:
- valid ID card or passport (EU citizens don’t need a work permit),
- apartment rental agreement (if you have it beforehand),
- health insurance certificate and tax number, if you’ve worked in Germany before.
Another separate issue – what documents do you need for your first job in Germany? Besides ID, you’ll also need registration certificate (Anmeldung), social insurance number, and written confirmation of employment contract. Without these things, you won’t get far with formalities – so it’s worth preparing them in advance.
First job in Germany and registration – why is this the first and crucial step after arrival?
Registration (Anmeldung) is a formality you must complete within 14 days of moving to Germany. And although this sounds like a bureaucratic obstacle, it’s actually one of the key organizational steps – without registration, you won’t open a bank account, get a tax number, or sign up for insurance. What do you need for work in Germany when registering? At the office (Bürgeramt) you need: rental contract, completed Anmeldung form, and ID. The registration confirmation (Meldebescheinigung) will be needed for almost every subsequent formality. Worth knowing that lack of registration can result in even a fine, and most importantly, will make it difficult to start employment.
Legal work in Germany vs. tax number, social and health insurance – how do you tackle this?
After registration, an avalanche of official procedures starts, but relax – most of them you’ll handle automatically or with your employer’s help.
- Tax number (Steuer-ID) you’ll receive by mail within 2-3 weeks of registration. If you lose it – you can recover it through the Bundeszentralamt für Steuern website.
- Social insurance number (Sozialversicherungsnummer) will be assigned after your first work registration – usually the employer does this.
- Health insurance you must choose yourself – public (GKV) or private (PKV), depending on income. What documents are needed for work in Germany regarding insurance? Employment contract, registration confirmation, and ID are the foundation. Nothing moves without them.
Good to know that what you need for work in Germany isn’t just papers – but also awareness of what and when to arrange.
Bank account in Germany – do you really need one and how do you open it?
Although many Poles initially try to use their Polish account, it quickly becomes clear that a German bank account is necessary. Employers rarely transfer salaries to foreign accounts, and many things – like apartment rental or phone contracts – require a local account. Documents needed for work in Germany therefore also include opening a bank account. To open one, you need: Steuer-ID, registration, and ID. Most banks also offer a so-called Basiskonto – a free basic account for EU residents.
What about qualification recognition and language certificates? When are they mandatory?
For many, it’s their first job in Germany, so they don’t know that some professions require so-called diploma recognition. If you want to work as a nurse, doctor, teacher, or electrician – you must go through an official qualification recognition process. In other professions (e.g., hospitality, logistics, construction), often a translation of certificates or diploma is enough. Your first job in Germany may also require presenting a language certificate – e.g., B1 in care or C1 in education. It’s worth checking the requirements of the specific employer or profession. Lack of appropriate documents doesn’t always ruin your chances but can delay employment. And remember – better to prepare too much than too little.
Minijob, seasonal work, posting – different rules, different formalities, different documents for work in Germany
Not every form of employment requires the same documents.
- If you’re going for a Minijob (up to 538 euros monthly), there are fewer formalities – but you still need registration, health insurance, and tax number.
- Seasonal work (e.g., harvesting) requires temporary permit and registration with the employment office.
- And with employment by a Polish employer (posting), completely different rules apply – e.g., A1 form and European insurance card.
That’s why what documents you need for work in Germany also depends on how you’re employed. It’s good to check this before you sign the contract – because later it might be too late for quick fixes.
Want to be sure your taxes in Germany are settled correctly and stress-free? Do it quickly, in Polish, and online – with the tax app Taxando.
Maciej Wawrzyniak ist ein erfahrener Unternehmer, dessen Unternehmen jedes Jahr mehr als 40.000 Steuererklärungen erstellt. Als Mitbegründer von Taxando bringt er seine Erfahrungen und Kenntnisse in den Bereichen Finanzen, Marketing und Steuern in das Projekt ein.
Privat liebt Maciej sportliche Herausforderungen, spielt Gitarre und schwimmt gerne im See. Außerdem ist er stolzer Vater von drei Söhnen.
