Working in a skilled trade

If you trained in a trade abroad, start by finding the German occupation that best matches your work. Then check the employer’s requirements, whether recognition would help or is needed for your route, and your permission to work.

In short

• The Employment Agency’s 2025 analysis found shortages in parts of construction and finishing, plumbing, heating and air conditioning, and electrical and mechatronics trades. This does not mean every trade has a shortage everywhere, or that a job is guaranteed.
• Use the Recognition Finder to identify the German reference occupation and the responsible office for your intended workplace. A broad label such as “technician” may not be specific enough.
• Working for an employer and running your own craft business involve different checks. Some independently operated crafts need entry in the Handwerksrolle, the craft register. This is a business requirement; do not assume it means every employee needs a master craftsperson certificate.
• For a non-regulated occupation, a formal recognition decision is not generally required just to practise the occupation. A particular residence route or employer can still require evidence of your qualification.
• A shortage does not grant a visa or work permission. Check EU or EEA free movement, the Swiss agreement or the residence title that applies to you separately.

Find your German occupation

Write down your qualifications, the work you have actually done and the kind of job you want. Job titles do not always translate neatly. The Recognition Finder can help you compare your background with a German reference occupation and find the responsible office for the place where you plan to work.

The recognition guide explains the difference between professional recognition, academic comparability and immigration permission. Ask the responsible office whether your evidence should be assessed and which documents and translations it accepts. The guide also explains why to check possible funding before submitting an application or ordering services.

Search real vacancies by the German occupation name as well as the English name. The Federal Employment Agency’s job-search guidance includes its own job service and support for applicants from abroad. Check the work location, tasks and working conditions instead of relying only on an occupation appearing in a national shortage report.

Check your route to work

For EU and EEA citizens, and qualifying family members, the free-movement guide explains the relevant rights. Swiss citizens follow a separate agreement. Other residence situations can have their own work conditions.

If you need a work residence title, look at the route that fits your qualification and offer. For example, section 18a of the Residence Act provides a route for a skilled worker with vocational training to undertake qualified employment; the Act defines that qualification and sets further conditions. Other routes have different requirements. The skilled-worker residence guide helps you compare them. Recognition alone does not give you a residence title, and a residence title does not replace any professional permission your work requires.

If you want to start a business

First decide whether you want a job with an employer or to operate your own business. If you want to run your own business in a regulated craft, it generally needs to be listed in the Handwerksrolle, the craft register. Section 1 of the Crafts Code sets that requirement for a standing business. Annex A lists the regulated crafts, including electrical engineering and installation and heating crafts. Ask the local Handwerkskammer which craft and activities your plans fall under.

Section 7 provides several routes to registration, including a relevant master craftsperson qualification and certain other qualifications or permissions. The chamber decides whether the requirements are met. Do not assume that the only possible route is to take a new master examination, or that a trade name alone settles the question. A residence title for self-employment is a separate matter if you need one: see starting self-employment and residence for self-employment.

Before accepting an offer

1. Match the job to your skills. Ask for the tasks, German occupation name and location. Gather training records and evidence of relevant experience.
2. Check recognition and permission. Use the Recognition Finder and ask the responsible office what applies. Separately check whether your residence status permits the proposed work.
3. Ask what the employer expects. Clarify language needs, safety instruction, equipment, training and any documents before you commit to costs.
4. Read the offer. Check gross pay, working hours, location, overtime and any accommodation or travel deductions. Verify the employer independently and use the employment-contract guide before signing.

Common mistakes

• Applying for recognition under a broad job title without identifying a comparable German occupation.
• Assuming that the craft register for a business automatically applies to every employee in that craft.
• Treating an offer or a recognition decision as permission to start work under any residence status.
• Paying for documents or training before checking what the responsible office actually accepts.