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Software Engineer moving to Germany

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declan0872

Hi,

I considering moving to Germany and I am looking for some information.

I am a qualified software engineer with 3 years experience and was wondering where would be the best place in Germany to find a software job? If I move over to Germany i'll get a non-software job to start to get settled but then progress on to another job. I have started to learn the language. Is there any tech hub in Germany like Ireland has Dublin? Where would be the best place to start looking?

Thanks a million.

Best Regards,
Declan.

See also

Job offers in GermanyFinding work in GermanySetting up a business in GermanySummer jobs in GermanyObtaining professional recognition in Germany
beppi

Berlin has a tech startup scene, Frankfurt is the centre of Fintech. There are also software jobs (often very specialised niches) in many other locations.
I wouldn't recommend limiting yourself to one place - your chances are much higher if you apply all over the country and then move to wherever you find something.
Also keep in mind that most "mainstream" or mass market IT jobs have already moved to cheaper locations like India.

declan0872

Thanks a million for your reply!

TominStuttgart

No; there is no one area for high tech; you need to look at individual companies. But 3 years is not a lot of experience.  And what sense does it make to try for a lower job that where your experience lies? Actually, people from non EU-countries need to have high qualifications. Companies do not look for or can’t get the visa for a low skilled person who would then work their way up. I understand this as a strategy in one’s home country but not to get a job in Germany.

Bhejl

I don't disagree, Tom, but the son of a friend of mine from the US, fresh out of college (no experience), is working since June at a Software company in Regensburg. I have no idea how he pulled that off, but the company flew him to Germany for an interview, it went well, and they hired him. He flew back home, packed up his things, and moved to Germany.

Regarding language, his mother is German (my exchange partner from many years ago), and he took German classes in high school and college and can function in German, but I don't think he'd qualify as bilingual.

It's unlikely, but possible. :-) Good luck, Declan.

beppi

Bhejl: He is probably German citizen (as son of a German) and thus did not need visa formalities. But still an impressive feat without working experience - he must be pretty good!

Bhejl

Ach - of course you're right! He's a dual citizen, I'm sure, and that makes the process easier. Indeed it's impressive for such a young pup, and he's very happy here, last I heard.

How does it normally go for non-EU foreigners? Something like: In order to live and work here you need a residency permit. To get that you need proof of health insurance. To get into the public health care system you need a job, and in order to apply for a job you need a residency permit. And just because a person is qualified in the homeland doesn't mean she or he is qualified in Germany. I taught high school English and German in the US but would not be qualified to teach even English in a high school in Germany (fine, because I do not ever want to teach teenagers again!). Teaching is obviously a whole different world from IT and other fields, but still.

I'm rambling. Declan, just know it's not easy. :-)

declan0872

Hi Tom, Thanks a million for your reply, I forgot to mention that I am living in Ireland so a visa shouldn't be an issue right?

SimCityAT

declan0872 wrote:

Hi Tom, Thanks a million for your reply, I forgot to mention that I am living in Ireland so a visa shouldn't be an issue right?


If you are Irish then you won't need a visa because both countries are in the EU.

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