Germany remains one of the safest destinations for EU citizens who want to work abroad: higher wages, clear employee rights and lots of open positions, especially in restaurants and hotels. Here are the concrete steps if you’re thinking about working in Germany.
1. No work permit needed
As a citizen of the European Union you can work in Germany without a visa or work permit. You have the same rights as German employees: the same minimum wage, paid holidays, health insurance and pension contributions.
2. First steps after arrival
- Anmeldung – register your address at the local citizens’ office (Bürgeramt) within two weeks. You need your ID and a confirmation from your landlord (Wohnungsgeberbestätigung).
- Steuer-ID – your tax ID arrives automatically by post after the Anmeldung; give it to your employer.
- Health insurance (Krankenkasse) – mandatory; you choose the provider, your employer registers you.
- Bank account – salaries are paid by bank transfer only.
3. How much you earn
The statutory minimum wage is €13.90 gross per hour in 2026, rising to €14.60 in 2027. Taxes and social contributions are deducted from the gross amount; your net pay depends on your tax class. Skilled and experienced workers usually earn above the minimum.
4. How to recognise a genuine offer
- You get the real employer’s name and address.
- You have a written employment contract with salary, hours and probation period.
- Nobody asks you for money to “get” a job.
- You’re officially registered and insured – no undeclared work.
5. Where to find work fastest
Restaurants and hotels have the biggest need for staff: cooks, pizza chefs, kitchen assistants, waiters, housekeepers and cleaners. Many Italian restaurants in Germany also hire people who speak Italian or Romanian, and you can learn German along the way.
We help you get started
AS-Gastro-Consult has been placing workers from Romania and Italy in restaurants, pizzerias, hotels and gelaterias across Germany for years. We speak German, Romanian and Italian, explain the conditions and stay by your side after you’re hired.
See our job offers or message us on WhatsApp: +49 163 501 95 12.
