There is currently a high level of unemployment in Germany, and it can be difficult for non-EU nationals without specialist qualifications to find jobs there, since the Government is keen to protect jobs for German nationals. EU citizens are allowed to enter and take up employment in Germany without restriction, although they are required to obtain a residence permit if staying for more than three months. It is generally necessary to speak German in order to work in Germany, except in the case of some low-skilled or unskilled jobs. Many jobs are regulated in Germany, requiring formal qualifications which must be certified by the relevant German authorities.

Recent changes in immigration policy have made it easier for highly qualified people and those with particular skills, such as IT professionals, to obtain German work permits.

Vacancies for highly-skilled jobs are posted in national newspapers such as the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, Süddeutsche Zeitung, Die Welt, Handelsblatt and Frankfurter Rundschau, and are also filled via executive search agencies, whose services are usually provided free of charge to the jobseeker. Other types of vacancies are often advertised in the local press or registered with recruitment agencies.

Jobs in Germany can also be found in the many on-line recruitment websites, and on EURES, the European employment services website for jobseekers and employers throughout Europe.

EU nationals are eligible to enter Germany and use the services of the Labour Offices throughout the country, which mostly deal with vacancies for unskilled or semi-skilled work. Alternatively, some other European countries have links with these Labour Offices via their own national employment offices, so it is possible to search for a job before travelling to Germany.

For those who are able to find jobs in Germany, the country offers high salaries and generous employment benefits, which may include housing, childcare, travel and lunch subsidies. The usual working week is 38.5 hours, with an early finish on Fridays. There are 18 days' mandatory paid holiday per year, with many companies providing up to 30 days. There is paid sick leave provision of six weeks at full salary, following which 70% of salary is paid from health insurance. German employees also enjoy generous maternity and paternity provision.

The offices of the German Chamber of Industry and Commerce around the world can provide advice on how to set up in business in Germany on a self-employed basis.