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In search of better earnings, many Ukrainians seek to find work abroad. And most often, labor migrants choose Poland because it is close and easy to obtain a work visa with a minimum package of documents.

Of course, the level of salaries in Poland is higher than in Ukraine, but it is significantly lower than earnings in other economically developed countries of the European Union, for example Germany. In an effort to get more money for their work, Ukrainians with a Polish visa are looking towards Germany. But getting a German visa is very difficult and it is not a fact that it will be given at all. Therefore, working in Germany on a Polish visa is the only possible option to quickly improve your financial situation. But is it legal? Let’s figure it out.

Conditions for working on a Polish visa in Germany

A national visa of an EU country, be it Poland or Germany, gives the right to legal employment only in that country. So is it possible to go to Germany with a Polish visa? You can travel, for example, as a tourist, but you cannot stay and work legally without a visa or simply with a Polish visa in hand. This is fraught with fines and deportation. And none of the normal German employers will agree to employ an illegal immigrant in order to have problems with the law.

What to do then? Is there a solution to work in Germany without risk? 

There are two options when it is possible to work legally in Germany on a Polish visa:

1. Business trip from a Polish employer in form A1.
2. Official employment on a Van der Elst Visa.

What is Form A1 and why is it important for working in Germany?

Form A1 is a document issued by ZUS (social insurance authority) within the framework of EU social security. It confirms that a person working in one EU country remains insured in his country of residence (in our case, Poland), and the employer regularly pays social contributions for him. This means that the employee has the right to emergency medical care in Germany and other EU countries.

To obtain an A1 form (zaświadczenie A1) to work abroad on a Polish work visa, a foreigner must have in hand:

1. An open Polish work visa for a period of one year, six months, nine months or a residence card (karta czasowego pobytu) – a right of residence that allows you to legally stay and work in Poland for 1 to 3 years.
2. Taxpayer certificate (certyfikat rezydencji podatkowej), indicating that the foreigner permanently resides in Poland and pays taxes in this country on time.

To obtain a certyfikat rezydencji podatkowej, you need to submit an application to the tax office at your place of residence using the CFR form. And here some difficulties arise, because to contact the tax service you need to additionally provide:

• personal tax number (PESEL) – an analogue of the Ukrainian TIN;
• temporary/permanent registration in Poland (Meldunek).

Having the above package of employee documents, the employer submits an application to the social insurance office for a business trip, Form A1, which grants the right to work in Germany on a Polish visa without intermediaries. The application can be submitted in paper form or electronically through the ZUS PUE e-services platform. By the way, Ukrainians living in Poland can resolve most of their matters on this portal.

In addition to the application itself, the social insurance authority is also provided with:

1. A photocopy of the first page of the worker’s international passport and the page with the open visa.
2. A copy of the karta czasowego (if the employee has one).
3. Tax certificate.
4. Employment contract (umowa o pracę).
5. A contract between a Polish and German company to which the employee is posted.

If all documents are completed properly, you will be able to receive Form A1 a week after the application is received by the social insurance authority. After ZUS approves a business trip from a Polish employer in Form A1, the employee can safely go to work in Germany.

Important! Some clients ask questions like, is it possible to just buy an A1 travel sheet? We answer: buying a travel permit is the same as going to work in Germany without one. You must understand the simple truth that Germany and other Eurozone countries are not post-Soviet countries where you can simply buy official paper. You can even go to jail for falsifying documents here. So, if you are offered to buy a letter for an A1 business trip so that you can work in Germany on a Polish work visa, we do not recommend doing this.

Better contact our agency Group Working. We work closely with Polish and German employers, and it is not a problem for us to conclude an employment contract and prepare all the necessary documents for your legal business trip.

How we work in this direction – the main stages:

1. We are negotiating with German employers.
2. We conclude an agreement between Polish and German companies.
3. We issue a Polish work visa (if you are in Ukraine).
4. We issue PESEL, Meldunek, tax certificate.
5. We submit an application to receive form A1.
6. We send an employee to work in Germany.
7. Upon expiration of the visa, we prepare documents to obtain a new one.

Advantages of Form A1 for legal work in Germany

Having received Form A1, you will be able to:

1. Legally work in an EU country and are not afraid of law enforcement agencies. Form A1 confirms your legal status as an employee posted from Poland.
2. Have social guarantees in Germany (access to insurance, right to emergency medical care, etc.).
3. Avoid double taxation. If you have Form A1, you do not need to contribute to the German social security system.

What is Van der Elst Visa and how does it work for Ukrainians

Van der Elst Visa is a type of visa that allows workers from third countries (Ukraine), employed by a company in one EU country (Poland), to perform work in another EU country (Germany) due to production needs.

The Van der Elst visa allows Ukrainians with a six-month or voivodeship Polish visa to officially work in Germany, but not more than three months during the year without the possibility of completely changing employer. A visa can only be issued at the consular section of the German Embassy in Warsaw. The cost of submitting documents is 75 euros, and in case of refusal the amount paid is not refundable.

How to get a Van der Elst visa to work in Germany – step-by-step instructions

Let’s look at what steps you need to take to obtain a Van der Elst visa:

1. Make sure you meet the requirements (have a Polish work visa, Form A1).
2. Collect and prepare a package of documents (health insurance card, employment contract between a Polish and German company, written consent to working conditions between the German company and the worker). The embassy may require other documents.
3. Apply for a Van der Elst Visa at the visa department of the German Embassy in Warsaw.
4. Wait for a decision – the application can be processed from 4 to 12 weeks depending on the circumstances.
5. Obtain a visa for temporary work in Germany.

At first glance, the application process seems simple, but in practice the probability of refusal significantly exceeds the chances of successful receipt. Therefore, employers and employees are increasingly choosing the first option for legal employment in Germany – according to the piecework form A1.

What mistakes can lead to a Van der Elst Visa being rejected?

The German Embassy in Warsaw may reject your application for a Van der Elst Visa for a number of reasons:

1. Forms filled out incorrectly or required papers missing.
2. Lack of A1 form to confirm your legal status.
3. Inconsistency of the employment contract (the contract must clearly indicate that the employee is going on a business trip).
4. Exceeding the working hours in Germany permitted by law.

To avoid mistakes and increase your chances of obtaining a Van der Elst visa, we recommend that you first consult with the experts at Group Working.

For many Ukrainians, starting from 2022, the process of labor migration to one of the most developed countries of the European Union is very relevant. Employment in Germany attracts Ukrainians with the opportunity to find a well-paid job, expand professional skills, gain experience and generally improve their quality of life. After all, the German economy is the most powerful in Europe, which largely determines the level of well-being of the population and the desire of Ukrainians to come here to work.

But in order to realize your chance 100% and set off on this exciting journey, you must first correctly obtain a work visa. The process of submitting documents for work in Germany to Ukrainians has its own nuances that require special attention. Any incorrectly completed documents (or an incomplete list provided to the German Embassy) is an official refusal to issue a work permit. You will have to correct errors, prepare documents again, and resubmit your application.

Further in our article we will look at what documents a Ukrainian needs to work in Germany, their specifics and typical mistakes that should be avoided.

What documents are required to obtain a work visa to Germany?

A work visa or residence and work permit is required to legally work in Germany. Their receipt is regulated by the rules of German and EU immigration legislation. In this case, the package of documents depends on the type of work and category of permission:

1. A general work permit is required for everyone who does not have German, EU or other simplified employment procedure citizenship (Iceland, Switzerland, etc.).
2. Work search permit – allows foreign citizens, including Ukrainians, to stay in Germany for up to 6 months, provided that they have the necessary qualifications and financial security.
3. EU Blue Card is a permit issued to highly qualified specialists with higher education who have received a highly paid offer from a German employer. The Blue Card gives a number of additional privileges (for example, quick receipt of MMP).
4. A work permit in Germany for freelancers, that is, self-employed individuals or those who plan to work in Germany as an independent specialist (for example, designer, social media specialist, programmer).

In each case, you need to prepare and execute different documents. But there is a mandatory list that applies to most categories of workers (including those from Ukraine). Let’s talk about it further.

Basic documents to submit

First of all, you will need to collect and prepare the following documents to work in Germany:

1. A passport is the most important document you will need. Make sure that the document is valid for at least 3 months after your planned departure from Germany and that there are free pages for marks.
2. Visa application form – filled out in German, which displays information about the applicant, purposes of the visit, length of stay in the country, etc.
3. A copy of the contract with the employer or an invitation to work in Germany, confirming the terms of employment. This should contain information on the specialty, duration of the contract, and working conditions.
4. Documents on education and qualifications confirming the specialist’s competence (diplomas, certificates).
5. Health insurance provides necessary medical care in the event of illness or injury.
6. Bank account statement or letter of guarantee from the employer confirming financial solvency.
7. Photos 35×45 mm on a light background without unnecessary decorations.

Additional documents for special categories of workers

What documents do Ukrainians need to work in Germany? It all depends on the employer’s requirements. For example, for specialists with higher education, they may request a diploma (with translation) or a certificate of recognition of qualifications. And construction and industrial workers will need training certificates or additional permits if the job requires the use of specialized equipment.

What you need to work in Germany so that your chances of getting a permit are high:

1. If there is a job offer from a German employer (except for permission to search for work in Germany);
2. If the employment of a foreign citizen, in particular a Ukrainian, does not negatively affect the German labor market;
3. If there are no applicants from citizens of Germany, Iceland, Switzerland, Norway, EEA (European Economic Area) member countries.
4. If the working conditions of foreign specialists correspond to the level of wages, number of working hours, and rest for German workers.

Translation and legalization of documents

All documents submitted to the German Embassy must be translated into German and notarized. In some cases, an apostille may be required. Translations are performed by certified translators. Legalization or apostille is required for diplomas, certificates and other documents issued outside the European Union.

Typical mistakes when submitting documents

As practice shows, among the most common mistakes that job applicants make in Germany are:

1. Filling out the form incorrectly.
2. Lack of necessary documents.
3. Invalid photo format.
4. Insufficient level of insurance coverage.
5. No translations or apostille.
6. Inaccuracy in the contract or missing signatures.

Why is it so important to correctly prepare documents for working in Germany:

1. Any inaccuracies will delay the review process. Additional requests from German authorities take time, so you may not be able to complete them before work begins.
2. No one will return funds for the consular fee and expenses for preparing documentation.
3. Failure to meet the deadlines specified in the employment contract may result in termination of the agreement by the employer.
4. In case of serious mistakes or attempts to falsify documents, you will most likely be blacklisted by German visa authorities.

Remember, if you work in Germany without proper permission, you may be subject to deportation, a fine, or even a ban on entry into the European Union.

To avoid problems with documents, follow these tips:

• carefully check the requirements for each document on the website of the German Embassy;
• do not ignore the little things (requirements for photographs, translations, apostille);
• Check submission deadlines in advance to have time to correct errors.

Careful preparation of documents will help you avoid problems and obtain a work permit in Germany. Therefore, we recommend that you involve professional Group Working consultants for this to ensure that everything goes smoothly.

Our company provides customized services:

• employment in Germany;
• collection and preparation of necessary documents;
• translations into German;
• housing assistance;
• legal support.

How we cooperate with you:

1. We receive an offer from a German employer.
2. We collect and submit the required package of documents.
3. Sign up for a visa interview.
4. We pay a fee for a work visa.
5. We prepare and attend the interview.
6. We are waiting for a response to the application.

Need help finding a job in Germany? Contact us for a free consultation. By choosing Group Working, you are guaranteed to receive professional service and increase your chances of successful employment in one of the best EU countries. We know well what Ukrainians need to work in Germany and are ready to help make your dream come true.

Located in the very center of the European Union, with a competitive labor market, social guarantees and a high quality of life, Belgium is one of the most attractive countries today for Ukrainian migrant workers and others. The country is open to workers from various sectors of the economy. Among the most in-demand professions on the Belgian labor market are IT specialists, marketers, sales managers, teachers, HR, doctors, medical staff, accountants, nannies, workers in the fields of mechanical engineering, agriculture, services, and construction.

Why Belgium attracts migrant workers from other countries:

1. The average minimum wage is between 40-50 thousand euros per year.
2. 38 hour work week.
3. High standard of living.
4. Good transport links.
5. Medical insurance.
6. One of the best healthcare and education systems.
7. Pension payments, etc.

If you are not a resident of the EU, but want to officially work in this country, you need a work visa to Belgium.

How to apply for a work visa to Belgium

For legal entry and permanent stay in the country, you must obtain a long-term work visa (D-Visa) or obtain a work permit in Belgium (Work Permit).

Belgium provides several types of permits to citizens outside the EU, including Ukraine:

1. A – privileged unlimited, which gives a person the right to work anywhere without being tied to a specific employer and is available only to those foreign specialists who have previously worked in Belgium for several years under a type B permit.
2. B is the most common work permit for Ukrainians, but with certain restrictions: you work for a specific employer in a specific field of activity. The validity period of a type B visa is 1 year with the right to extension. You will not be able to come to Belgium to work on this visa until your employer receives a work permit.
3. C – issued to foreign citizens who wish to work, but do not have the right to permanent residence in the country (students, temporary visitors, refugees, etc.). The permit is valid for a year.

Belgium also issues special work permits for persons who have:

• a European blue card, which allows highly qualified specialists to work in the country for up to 3 months;
• a professional card for self-employed workers, which gives the right to work in Belgium for a period of one to five years.

How to obtain a work visa to Belgium for Ukrainians – action plan:

1. Decide on the type of visa, work and residence permit in the country.
2. Prepare a package of documents (the entire list is presented in the next section).
3. Submit documents to the Belgian consulate or through a visa center if the embassy uses such services.
4. Pay the visa fees and keep the receipt (this is needed to confirm the submission of documents).
5. Wait for the decision (review of the application usually lasts from 2 to 8 weeks, if there is no need for additional checks).
6. Obtain a visa allowing you to enter Belgium (upon arrival you need to register with the local municipality to obtain a residence permit).

For more information, visit the official website of the Belgian Embassy in Ukraine.

What documents are required to obtain a work visa to Belgium

Before obtaining a work permit in Belgium, you need to collect a package of documents (the list may vary depending on the type of work and visa category):

1. The visa application form has been correctly completed and signed in accordance with the requirements of the consulate.
2. A valid passport of a citizen of Ukraine (the validity period of the document must exceed the duration of the visa by at least six months).
3. Two passport size photographs taken in accordance with Schengen standards.
4. Work permit issued by an employer in Belgium (type A, B, C). As a rule, Ukrainians receive a type B permit.
5. An employment contract with the employer, which specifies working conditions, wages and duration of work.
6. A medical certificate from a certified physician confirming that you do not have a serious infectious disease.
7. A current police clearance certificate (issued at the territorial service center of the Ministry of Internal Affairs), translated into French, Dutch or German.
8. The health insurance policy is valid in all Schengen countries.
9. Documents on education or qualifications (certificates, diplomas).
10. Proof of residence in Belgium (e.g. rental agreement).
11. Receipt of payment of the consular fee for processing the application.

The cost of a work visa to Belgium for Ukrainians

Many job seekers are interested in the question: how much does a work visa to Belgium cost? The price depends on the type of visa:

• permit type A, B, C – €180;
• European Blue Card – €358;
• professional card – €140.

Advantages of contacting the Group Working team of specialists

The Group Working team helps job seekers in Belgium collect and prepare all the necessary documents in accordance with current requirements. We work quickly to speed up the visa process. We provide legal support and develop individual solutions for each situation.

By choosing Group Working, you are guaranteed to receive professional service and increase your chances of successful employment in one of the best countries of the European Union.

Germany’s high level of economic development, openness and tolerance towards migrants represent an attractive prospect for foreigners. Many people choose seasonal work, but good living conditions are increasingly encouraging them to move permanently. Find out about how to find legal work in Germany, popular vacancies and features of employment in German companies.

Advantages of working in Germany for foreigners

 1. Easy job search

The local labor market offers many interesting offers in almost all industries. Construction, elderly care and seasonal gardening are very popular among foreigners. However, it is worth remembering that IT specialists, healthcare workers and engineers are also in demand.

 2. Attractive salaries

The main reason for emigrating to Germany is high earnings for performing the same duties. In 2024, the minimum wage in Germany was 9.50 euros per 1 working hour. In many occupational groups, unions have won much larger sums. 

 3. Opportunity for personal and professional development

Exposure to a new environment and a different culture will teach you more self-confidence, communication skills and expose you to diversity. It is also an opportunity to learn the language, get acquainted with German customs and make new friends. In turn, as an employee, you get the opportunity to learn new systems, ways of organizing work, and also get acquainted with innovative technologies, tools and machines.

4. Developed social support

Germany as a country is famous for caring for its residents. Large financial support is provided to families with children, sick people who cannot work for health reasons, as well as expectant mothers – immediately after the birth of a child, they can count on really large cash injections. Germany also has two types of unemployment benefits. One of them is available to people aged 15-65 years who have lost their jobs and have no means of support, and the other is available to unemployed people over 65 years of age, subject to completing the necessary formalities at the employment office.

5. Low cost of living

Even with a minimum income, you can easily save about 500 euros every month. Of course, many things are more expensive than in other European countries, and services are quite expensive, but compared to capitals such as Brussels, London or Paris, living in Germany is very profitable. Depending on your lifestyle, costs will vary, but the average monthly cost of living is around €1,000 per month.

6. Work-life balance

In Germany there is a clear separation between work and personal life. Employers there are well aware that maintaining a balance in this aspect significantly increases employee productivity, which is very important for them. They rarely provide the opportunity to work overtime and willingly agree to flexible work schedules or part-time work. Thanks to such solutions, working people have time to relax or visit nearby cities.

7. Advantageous location

The border with Germany can be crossed at several points, which means that there are many travel options and the cost of travel is low. Germany borders nine other countries, making it an excellent base. This is a real advantage for people planning to explore Europe.

8. Attractive tourist country

Germany has many highly developed cities, but also many small charming towns. Picturesque mountain landscapes can be found in particular in Bavaria. A big advantage is also the ubiquitous cleanliness, which pleases everyone who comes to this country.

9. Excellent transport links

German public transport allows you to quickly move between cities. Modern buses, trams and metro lines provide high passenger comfort. National roads and highways allow free movement from land to land.

10. Tolerant nation

Germany is also a very open and tolerant country where people with disabilities, people of different orientations and nationalities are not excluded. The local population does not close itself off from emigrants, which makes it much easier for them to adapt to the new reality.

Popular vacancies and salary levels in Germany

German employers are willing to pay their employees well. Compared to the earnings that many professions can expect in other countries, the differences in pay in Germany are quite significant. The dynamics of development in Germany in recent decades have been very strong, which has led to the fact that the demand for workers has increased to such an extent that entrepreneurs have begun to compete with each other for employment in order to attract more workers from abroad.

When going to work in Germany, you can expect to earn from 1,000 to 7,000 euros per month. The salary in many cases depends on education, knowledge of the German language and the type of work performed.

The highest paid professions in Germany, which are very popular among foreigners emigrating to this country.

1. Plumber (plumber). Salaries, depending on location and experience, range from approximately 1,500 to 3,500 euros per month. But to apply for a plumber position in Germany, you need to take several specialized courses and have a communicative level of German.
2. Welder earns from 1800 to 2500 euros per month. Working as a welder in Germany requires the candidate to have a valid qualification and welding certificates recognized in that country or preferably throughout the European Union.
3. Auto mechanic – one of the most sought-after specialists in Germany. The salary of a car mechanic in Germany is about 2,300 euros. To apply for a position as a car mechanic in Germany, documented experience in this profession is required. Graduation from a vocational school and communicative knowledge of the German language are highly valued.
4. Elderly care – another one of the higher paid and more willingly chosen professions by foreigners. The salary of nurses ranges from 1500 to 2200 euros net per month. Working as a caregiver while caring for an elderly person does not require nursing education, although it is encouraged in this profession. Almost anyone can apply for this position, but the required level of knowledge of the German language depends on the specific vacancy.
5. CNC machine operator (including milling and lathes) in Germany can expect to earn 2,700 euros. However, being a CNC machine operator is a profession that requires specialized knowledge, backed up not only by certifications, but also by experience, which significantly affects the final compensation offered for this position. Knowledge of the German language for this position at a communicative level is only required in some cases. In other cases, basic English is sufficient.
6. Electrician. Working as an electrician in Germany, a person can earn: from 1000 euros (with a license) to 3000 euros (a specialist with a higher education). When applying for a job as an electrician in Germany, it is necessary to know the German language at a communicative level, and if you choose this profession mainly because of high earnings, it is worth obtaining qualifications and licenses in advance, which significantly increase the amount of the final salary.
7. Truck driver with a valid driver’s license category C+E can expect a salary in Germany of approximately 2400-2500 euros per month. But to work as a driver in Germany, you need to know the German language at least at level A2. Experience is also very important in this profession.
8. Seasonal workers hotel service workers, salespeople, catering workers or warehouse workers – young people without experience and people who want to earn extra money while on vacation. Employers have greater freedom in choosing candidates. As a result, they try to outdo each other with additional high wages and benefits in order to attract as many seasonal workers as possible.

Requirements for candidates to work in Germany

To legally work in Germany you must have the following documents:

1. A foreign passport is the main document confirming your identity;
2. a work permit (Aufenthaltserlaubnis) in Germany obtained by the employer;
3. health insurance number (Krankenversicherungsnummer) in order to be entitled to health services;
4. consent to start work (Bescheinigung über die Erlaubnis zur Arbeitsaufnahme). The employer is obliged to issue this document to an employee who is not a citizen of an EU Member State.
5. Confirmation of a medical examination (Gesundheitszeugnis) at the request of the employer.
6. Tax number (Steuer-IdNr): Employees working in Germany must have a tax number.
7. Social insurance number (Sozialversicherungsnummer), required for paying social insurance contributions.
8. Language certificate if the employer requires knowledge of the German language.

How to look for work in Germany?

Finding a job in Germany is not as easy as it seems. Most people who come to this country for the first time go there with acquaintances, friends or relatives who help them get a job and rent an apartment.

People who want to travel to Germany to earn money on their own for the first time can find work on job sites or contact potential employers directly and request information about current job offers. But many unpleasant surprises can await them here. Among the offers published on such portals, there are often advertisements for illegal and private work, which significantly reduces the safety of the trip and the likelihood that the work will be fully paid

The best way to find a job in Germany is to use the services of a recruitment agency for work in Europe, Group Working, which acts as an intermediary between the employee and the employer. She takes care of the employee, offering him only offers of legal work from trusted employers, assistance in obtaining a visa and other documents, support and a number of other guarantees.

Writing a resume and cover letter for a German company

To find a job in Germany, applicants need to prepare a professional CV and cover letter. They should be: 

• written in German and adapted to the standards and realities of the German labor market in Germany;
• concise and contain only the most important information about skills and professional experience.

The cover letter should be written independently, and not copied from a ready-made template. This is the only way to stand out among hundreds of other candidates and get an invitation to an interview.

• You should use as few standard phrases as possible. The dry facts are already included in the resume, so the cover letter should be in the form of a short story about yourself in relation to the position for which the candidate is applying.
• Those who are just starting their professional journey should not write a resume and cover letter longer than 1 page. Those with longer professional experience may write a little more, but not more than 2 two pages.

Translation of documents for work in Germany into German

Translations of all documents into German (passports, diplomas, certificates of additional education and qualifications) are required for job seekers in Germany. Professional translations increase the chance of finding a suitable position, obtaining a work visa and work permit. To ensure high quality and linguistic correctness, translations of documents must be carried out by professional and certified translators with appropriate formatting.  

Preparing for an interview

A company is more likely to hire a candidate who shows interest and dedication and knows exactly what type of person it is looking for and what direction it is going in. The more information a job seeker can get about the company, the better.

In about 10 minutes, the candidate must convince a HR specialist, director or entrepreneur online that he is suitable for this job. You need to succinctly talk about your education, experience, training and courses, your strengths and skills that can be useful to you now.

Visa and work permit in Germany

If the applicant is not a citizen of the European Union (EU) or the European Economic Area (EEA) and wants to stay in Germany for more than 90 days to work, they must obtain a visa as well as a work and residence permit. There are many different types of visas available in Germany. 

The most common types of residence permits include:

1. temporary residence issued if a person gets a job in Germany, he can obtain a residence permit with a validity period corresponding to the expected period of employment plus 3 months;
2. blue card Usually awarded to highly qualified non-EU nationals who have a locally recognized university degree. From November 2023, the current minimum annual gross salary is reduced to €43,800 from the previous €58,400, and for STEM professions, including scientists, mathematicians, engineers, doctors and IT specialists, the minimum annual gross salary is reduced to €39,682. from the previous 45,552 euros. German authorities have also announced that IT professionals without a university degree can also apply for an EU Blue Card if they can prove that they have at least 3 years of similar work experience;
3. long-term residence in the EU.

After obtaining a residence permit in the form of a national D visa, individuals can travel to Germany and apply for a work permit, which will be indicated on the visa issued for this purpose. Confirmed job offers will be required and evidence that the vacancy cannot be filled by the EU national or other international worker who first applied. A work permit is usually issued for a period of one year, but it can be extended. Highly skilled workers can obtain another permit, valid for several years.

The Germany work visa application process generally consists of the following steps:

1. receiving a job offer in Germany;
2. collecting all necessary documents and submitting a visa application. The worker must provide several documents to the German embassy or consulate in his or her country of residence to prove that he or she meets all relevant conditions for a work visa, including proof of residence, proof of qualifications, a personal cover letter and a mandatory job offer;
3. registration for a visa interview;
4. payment of the fee for obtaining a German work visa. The standard fee for a work visa to Germany is 75 euros;
5. undergoing a job interview with an employer;
6. waiting for a response to a request.

In each individual case, the recruitment agency for work in Europe Group Working offers detailed advice, individual assistance in selecting vacancies, obtaining a work visa and a work permit in Germany. Contact us today to assess your options and find your dream job!

The Belgian labor market offers many opportunities for foreign workers. Salaries in Belgium are among the highest in the European Union.  A minimum salary of 1,955 euros gross per month is sufficient to meet the needs of one adult.  Belgium offers a high standard of living, making it an attractive country to work and live in.

Wage levels in Belgium

In 2024, the average annual salary in this country was 49,801.43 euros. Minimum salary in Belgium – 1955 euros gross per month. Average salary in Belgium is 3900-4600 euros gross per month. But differences in earnings are possible depending on the industry and level of education.

• Manufacturing worker earns 14 euros per hour in Belgium.
• Mason – 18-23 euros/hour.
• Carpenter – 17 euros/hour.
• Plumbing – 17 euros/hour.
• Cleaner – 13 euros/hour.
• Agricultural worker – 12 euros/hour.
• Furniture assembler – 19-20 euros/hour.
• Industrial electrician – 20-21 euros/hour.
• Air conditioner installer – 23-24 euros/hour.

Moreover, wages in the hotel and service sector are usually the lowest, while in industry and the IT sector they are much higher. For example, an air conditioning installer can earn 10 euros per hour more than the average office worker in Belgium.

Social guarantees for workers in Belgium

Belgium is a country where they try to create the most comfortable conditions for workers and provide social guarantees.

Benefit can be received by people who are in difficult financial situations and do not have sufficient funds to support themselves and their families. It will help cover basic living expenses. However, to qualify, you must meet the no-income criteria. Persons without Belgian citizenship can only apply for this benefit if they have the right to unlimited residence in Belgium. To do this, you need to contact CPAS (Community Center for Social Action), an institution that helps immigrants in need. It has a branch in every Belgian region and city district. The scope of his activities is very wide. You can receive financial assistance regardless of your origin or length of stay in Belgium. If you understand your situation correctly, CPAS can help with:

• settlement of social issues – provide financial and material assistance (clothing, furniture);
• registration of a temporary medical card, giving the right to free medical care;
• job search and referral to language courses and advanced training courses.

Family benefit in Belgium – a benefit intended to partially cover the costs associated with raising a child and providing him with adequate living conditions.

Unemployment benefits in Belgium provided by local offices of the National Employment Agency (RVA). Its size depends on age and length of service.

In the event of termination or expiration of the employment contract, the employer is obliged to issue a so-called document C, on the basis of which benefits will be assigned to the unemployed. To be eligible for benefits, an unemployed person must prove the appropriate number of days worked during a certain period, depending on his age. For people who worked full time:

• up to 36 years – 312 days\21 months from the date of loss of work;
• from 36 to 50 years – 468 days\33 months from the date of job loss;
• from 50 to 60 years – 624 days\ 42 months from the date of loss of work.

To obtain the right to benefit and its extension, the following conditions must be met:

• official registration in Belgium;
• ability and willingness to work;
• lack of other work and salary;
• active job search.

A person receiving unemployment benefits can leave Belgium for a maximum of 4 weeks per year.

The amount of unemployment benefit is 65% of the last gross salary for the first 3 months of receipt. Depending on length of service prior to job loss and marital status, it declines in subsequent periods of unemployment. In the following quarters it is 60%, then 50% and 40%, depending on the situation.

Young unemployed people who have completed or interrupted their education but are not yet employed can receive benefits after a mandatory one-year waiting period, provided they apply before they turn 25.

Maternity benefits in Belgium. The expectant mother, if she works, has the right to rest 6 weeks before the expected date of birth. She is also entitled to a week’s leave shortly before giving birth and 9 weeks of postnatal leave. Every young mother has the right to leave of at least 15 weeks, i.e. 4 months. Expectant fathers also have the right to 10 days of parental leave.

The amount of maternity benefit in Belgium is determined individually. For working women, its value is 82% of wages during the first 30 days and 75% thereafter. Unemployed mothers receive a basic benefit of 60% of their first month’s lost wages. 

Working hours and working conditions in Belgium

The Belgian federal government website states that standard working hours are a maximum of 38 hours per week. The rule is that a standard working day can last a maximum of 8 hours – 6:00 to 20:00. However, there are many exceptions to these rules.

The 38 hours per week maximum rule can mean “an average of 38 hours per week over a specified period.” In this case, you can, for example, work 40 hours one week and 36 hours the next. However, in the standard system, weekly working hours should not exceed 40 hours (however, there are exceptions to this rule).

In a particular company, it may be that a 40-hour work week is the norm, but in return, employees receive 12 additional days off from work. This means one extra day off from work per month. When working a 40-hour week, an employee spends 8 more hours per month at work than when working a 38-hour week (assuming a month is approximately four weeks).

A system is also possible in which an employee works 39 hours a week, and in return the employee receives 6 additional days off per year.

In some sectors (paritair comité) the standard working week is even shorter than 38 hours per week. Provisions regarding the length of the working week are included in the collective labor agreement (collectieve arbeidsovereenkomst, CAO) in force in the industry.

Opportunities for professional development in Belgium

The Belgian labor market is an exciting place, where the diversity of professions and dynamically changing trends reflect the transformation of society. 

Working in Belgium offers many benefits for employees: 

• Flexibility – the ability to adapt your work schedule to personal needs, studies or other commitments. 
• Career counseling – there are trade unions in every area, where they provide answers to all your questions related to employment, labor relations with employers, the rights and responsibilities of an employee. 
• Multilingual support – different languages ​​are spoken in Belgium, so language barriers will not prevent access to valuable information, services, and various administrative processes. 
• Diverse Experience – the opportunity to work in different companies and sectors, gaining varied and enriching experience. 
• Advanced training – the employer welcomes the professional development of employees, pays for acquisition and advanced training courses, internships at different enterprises and in different countries, which contributes to career growth.

Comfortable conditions for foreigners in Belgium

Persons not resident in Belgium must register at the municipal office. He will issue them with the appropriate residence permit. In Belgium, the stay of foreign citizens can be either temporary (séjour Non Permanent) or permanent (séjour Permanent), an application for which can be submitted to a municipal office:

• temporary residence – every EU citizen may be deprived of the right of temporary residence for the first 5 years if he does not meet the above conditions or if he becomes too great a burden on social assistance (CPAS/OCMW);
• permanent residence – after 5 years of continuous temporary residence, EU citizens can obtain the right to permanent residence. This right is lost if the person does not reside in Belgium for two consecutive years.

A foreigner can stay in Belgium for 3 months (tourist stay, which must be reported to the relevant authorities (usually the city hall or police station) within 10 days). Failure to comply with this requirement may result in a fine (200 euros). This obligation does not apply to people in hospitals, hotels or those under arrest.

A travel document giving the right to enter and stay (regardless of the purpose) in the Kingdom of Belgium for a period of up to 90 days is a valid passport or identity card. Before entering, you must ensure that the document is in good condition and allows you to confirm your identity. You should always have it with you. Lack of documents may result in a fine or temporary detention (however, this in itself is not considered grounds for deportation from the country).

A stay of more than three months is legally possible for a foreigner if he: 

• is an employee hired under an employment contract (receives a salary) or runs his own business (non-salary);
• actively looking for work. The person applying for registration must convince the administration that he has a good chance of finding work. In 6-8 months her situation will be reviewed;
• is studying at one of the universities in Belgium and has health insurance;
• has enough money to support himself in Belgium and have health insurance.

Each employee in Belgium can work a maximum of 65 days per year under the seasonal work system. The exception is employment in the chicory harvest, which can last a maximum of 100 days a year. As well as employment in agricultural work, which can last a maximum of 30 days a year. An employee can be hired by different employers and combine orders.

The employment of a foreigner under the seasonal work system does not require a written contract or registration. Before starting seasonal work, each employee must receive a so-called harvest card (plukkaart/la carte de cueillette), an agricultural card (landbouwkaart/la carte agricole) or an occasional form once a year. The employer submits an application for a card or other form to the sectoral Social Fund. No matter how many employers a person works for, the same form must still be filled out every time.

High standard of living and social infrastructure in Belgium

Known for its exquisite chocolate, delicious French fries and other foods, a variety of beers and amazing architectural monuments, Belgium attracts tourists and migrant workers from all over the world. This country has a developed and diversified economy based on various sectors:

1. Industry. Belgium has a strong industrial sector, including steel, automobiles, electronics, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, food processing, machinery and equipment. Important industrial regions include: Limburg, Antwerp and Liege.

2. Services. The services sector plays an important role in the Belgian economy, especially in the areas of financial services, information technology, telecommunications, business services, tourism and transport.

3. Foreign trade: Belgium is an important player on the international stage in terms of foreign trade. Here is one of the largest seaports in Europe – the port of Antwerp, which is the main trading hub for many European countries. Belgium is home to many international organizations, which facilitates trade.

4. Finance. Belgium has a well-developed financial sector, and Brussels is one of the most important financial centers in Europe. The country is home to many banks, insurance companies and other financial institutions.

5. Innovation and research. Belgium invests heavily in research and innovation. The country has renowned universities and research institutes that contribute to the development of new technologies and solutions.

6. System of labor and taxation. The Belgian tax system is complex and covers many types of taxes, including income tax, VAT and property taxes. The country has high wages and an extensive social security system, including healthcare, pensions and unemployment benefits.

7. Medicine. In Belgium, the health insurance system is based on the principle of universal access to health care, which means that every resident and foreigner staying in the country has the right to basic health care. This system is mainly based on social insurance administered by a government agency, as well as private health insurance.

The main pillar of the Belgian healthcare system is the so-called “Social Security for Health”, which is compulsory for most working people and their families. Health insurance premiums are deducted directly from employees’ salaries. The unemployed and other social groups who do not pay contributions are covered by other forms of insurance that provide access to health care.

Belgium also has an extensive private health insurance system, which provides additional protection in the event of expensive medical procedures or faster access to certain medical services. These insurances are optional and can be purchased by individuals or employers as an additional benefit for employees.

Healthcare in Belgium is mainly public, but there are also many private clinics and doctors. Health insurance covers a range of services, including doctor visits, hospitalizations, prescription drugs, rehabilitation, dental care, and more.

8. Regulatory framework and permits in Belgium promote business creation and provide tax benefits to investors and employers. Combined with strong financial and legal systems, this environment encourages new investment in infrastructure and promotes competition among suppliers.

How to find a job in Belgium?

Find a job in Belgium possible both on a permanent and seasonal basis (picking fruits, vegetables, flowers or medicinal herbs). In the case of permanent work, caregivers are required to care for the elderly, sick people or nannies for children. There is also a demand for cleaners, catering specialists, beauty specialists, gardeners and foresters. The easiest ways to find work are in areas such as:

• industry, 
• healthcare, 
• construction, 
• transport,
• logistics.

Finding a job occurs in several ways. You can respond to a job posting or submit your resume and application yourself, regardless of whether the company is hiring or not. Job openings are usually posted online or in the local press.

In these cases, there is a risk of falling for scammers offering illegal work, being left without money and being deported from the country. 

It is safer to find a job in Belgium through the recruitment agency for work in Europe, Group Working. Its specialists provide access to a database of vacancies from trusted employers, help with finding suitable offers, obtaining visas and other necessary documents, and also accompany the process of official employment in Belgium and other countries of the European Union.

The level of wages in a country directly affects its economy. It determines the quality of life of employees and their family members, affects the level of satisfaction with work and life in general. 

Find out which country highest salaries in Europe, and make an informed decision about looking for work in a specific EU country. 

How are wages calculated in European countries?

Europe is a continent with great economic diversity, which is directly reflected in differences in income between individual regions. 

Wages in Europe are presented as monthly wages for gross earnings, that is, before deduction of income tax and social security contributions paid by the employee. These deductions vary from country to country.

The basic minimum wage in Europe is fixed at an hourly, weekly or monthly rate. It is set by law (government), often after consultation with social partners.

Eurostat publishes minimum wage data every two years. They reflect the situation on January 1 and July 1 annually. Minimum wage changes introduced between these two dates are reflected only in the next biennial data release.

For those countries where the national minimum wage is not set in gross terms, the net cost is adjusted to the gross amount to cover the applicable taxes. This concerns Montenegro and Serbia. In these countries, the minimum wage is determined in pure hourly terms. The following recalculation is applied: net hourly rate x 40 hours x 52.2 weeks) / 12 months. 

For those countries where the national minimum wage is not set at a monthly rate (calculated on an hourly or weekly basis), the minimum wage level is converted to a monthly rate according to conversion factors provided by the countries concerned:

• Germany: data from January 2024 [(hourly rate x 38.1 hours per week)*4.345]; the value of 38.1 hours refers to the average base hour per week for full-time employees.
• Ireland: (hourly rate x 39 hours x 52 weeks)/12 months.
• France: data has not changed since July 2005 (hourly rate x 35 hours x 52 weeks)/12 months.
• The Netherlands: data from January 2024 (hourly rate x 36 hours x 52 weeks)/12 months.
• Malta: (weekly rate x 52 weeks)/12 months.

Factors influencing salary levels

The most important factors influencing wage levels in Europe include: 

1. Level of economic development of the country;
2. Structure of the labor market and industry;
3. Social status, profession and qualifications of the employee;
4. Cultural conditions. 

The gap between average wages in individual countries is also due to differences in GDP. A higher GDP per capita reflects a country’s high economic potential, helps create new jobs and ultimately leads to improved well-being of society. 

Ranking of average salaries in Europe

The average monthly net salary in euros of selected European countries in 2024 is as follows:

1. Luxembourg: 4300.
2. Denmark: 4,200.
3. The Netherlands: 3,650.
4. Ireland: 3,375.
5. Germany: 2,750.
6. Sweden: 2,680.
7. Belgium: 2,650.
8. France: 2,650.
9. Finland: 2,450.
10. Austria: 2,300.
11. Spain: 1850.
12. Italy: 1820.
13. Portugal: 1650.
14. Slovenia: 1475.
15. Cyprus: 1375.
16. Malta: 1,350.
17. Czech Republic: 1,300.
18. Lithuania: 1275.
19. Greece: 1250.
20. Croatia: 1150.
21. Poland: 1,150.
22. Slovakia: 1,050.
23. Estonia: 1050.
24. Latvia: 1000.
25. Hungary: 980.
26. Romania: 945.
27. Bulgaria: 850.

According to Eurostat, the European country with the lowest average monthly net earnings at the moment is Bulgaria, where the average salary is 850 euros. The country with the highest average earnings is Luxembourg, where the monthly net salary is €4,300. The average salary throughout the European Union is 2,006 euros per month.

Poland is at the bottom of the average earnings rankings in Europe. They earn more than the average worker in Bulgaria, Estonia or Romania, but less than in France, Belgium and Holland. In 2024, the planned growth of the wage budget in European countries is expected to average 5.9%. The highest growth (6.1%) was recorded in Poland. 

Why is average salary not an accurate indicator?

Average salary in Europe – a statistical indicator reflecting how much employees earn on average in individual countries. The average indicator is determined by two parameters: the average salary in the business sector and the average monthly salary in the national economy. The greatest doubts are raised by the method of calculating the average salary in the first option. Government statistics take into account the wages of persons working under an employment contract only in the sector of enterprises that employ at least 10 people, including payments for profit sharing or balance sheet surplus in cooperatives. Therefore, 100% of microenterprises whose share exceeds 30% are excluded from the calculations. 

It is not as precise a term as minimum wage. After all, in the context of global economic changes, the average salary in Europe is constantly fluctuating. 

What is the difference between average and median salary?

• Average salary – gross amount, that is, wages before deduction of income tax and pension contributions, contributions for health and disability insurance.
• Median salary – a value that is exactly in the middle of all the data taken into account, so 50% of them are salaries below the median, and the remaining 50% are above. The average median value is the sum of all data values ​​divided by their number. However, to accurately determine the median, the data must be arranged in ascending (or descending) order.

Although for economists determining the average wage in Europe is considered a sufficient indicator, on the basis of which it is possible to observe changes taking place in the labor market, statisticians often tend to argue that the median is more reliable. It better illustrates the central trend of wage growth. This is because the average can be skewed by very extreme minimum and maximum values ​​(for example, the equivalent of minimum wage compared to hundreds or even millions of monthly income), which is not so important in the case of calculating median salaries. 

Level of minimum wages in European countries

The minimum wage in EU countries ranges from 477 euros per month in Bulgaria to 2,571 euros per month in Luxembourg.

On 1 July 2024, 22 of the 27 EU countries had a national minimum wage (including Cyprus from 1 January 2023). EU countries without a national minimum wage were Denmark, Italy, Austria, Finland and Sweden. 

Among the 10 candidate and potential candidate countries, 7 had a national minimum wage (Montenegro, Moldova, North Macedonia, Albania, Serbia, Turkey and Ukraine), while Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia and Kosovo did not have a national minimum wage at all .

Based on the level of the minimum monthly wage in force on 1 July 2024, expressed in euros (€), the relevant EU countries can be classified into 3 different groups:

• Group 1 with a national minimum wage of more than €1,500 per month (Luxembourg, Ireland, the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany and France. Their national minimum wage ranged from €1,767 in France to €2,571 in Luxembourg).
• Group 2 with a national minimum wage above 1000 euros and below 1500 euros per month. This group includes: Spain and Slovenia. Their national minimum wage was €1,254 in Slovenia and €1,323 in Spain.
• Group 3 with a national minimum wage equal to or lower than 1000 euros per month. This group includes: Cyprus, Poland, Greece, Portugal, Malta, Lithuania, Croatia, Estonia, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Romania, Latvia, Hungary and Bulgaria. Their national minimum wage ranged from 477 euros in Bulgaria to 1000 euros in Cyprus.

All other minimum wage countries belong to group 3, with minimum wage levels ranging from €185 in Ukraine to €568 in Turkey.

In which European country can you earn the most?

Average earnings in Western Europe, in countries such as Germany, France and the Netherlands, are significantly higher than in Eastern European countries such as Romania, Bulgaria or Hungary. Central Europe, including Poland, the Czech Republic and Slovakia, is in the middle. Although people here earn more than in Eastern Europe, their income is still less than in the West. The Nordic countries – Finland, Sweden, Norway and Denmark – are characterized by high salaries but equally high costs of living.