Your Directions
The directions lead you step by step to the most important information.
To Your DirectionsHave you decided to lend fresh impetus to your career and chosen to work in the Ruhr region? You are very welcome! Whether they have a university degree or a vocational training qualification, skilled workers are very much in demand with the companies of the Ruhr region. Because there are already shortages of qualified candidates for jobs in some sectors. In other words, there are good prospects for a job in one of the largest metropolitan regions in Europe.
The markets of the future have shifted in the Ruhr region in recent years. Where the economy was long characterised by the mining and steel industries, the industrial core has now been joined by areas such as resource efficiency, logistics, digital economy or healthcare. Skilled workers are urgently required in these fields. Highly-qualified experts in technical areas such as engineering and motor vehicles, mechatronics, automation and electrical engineering are in particular demand. In addition, there is also a shortage of qualified personnel in the healthcare and nursing care professions.
The Ruhr region is home to companies that have some of the largest turnovers in Germany. These include world-famous firms such as RWE, Thyssen-Krupp, Evonik Industries, Klöckner, Aldi and Hochtief. In addition, the economy of the Ruhr region is also characterised by outstanding small and medium-sized enterprises as well as creative Start Ups who are amongst the world leaders in their respective fields. To maintain their competitive edge in the future there is a high demand for qualified skilled employees in the companies of the Ruhr region.
Are you interested in working in the Ruhr region? Here you will find all the important information that you require: from the first job search to obtaining a residence permit and recognition, the employment contract, tax and the possibility of completing vocational training.
New skilled workers immigration law for Germany with facilitated access to the German labour market
Started March 1st 2020 - new and regulations for immigration of skilled workers enter into force by law.
An Overview about Job offers within the Ruhr region espacially for refugees is offered by
Looking for a job that matches your professional background? There is a range of job exchanges in the Ruhr region where you can search for job offers in individual towns and cities and their surrounding areas.
Job search in the Ruhr region with the regional Job market of the Funke Medien Gruppe:
Digital Jobs in Essen:
Job search for students:
Job search with the employment exchanges:
Stellenbörse der Europäischen Kommission
Whether or not you require a visa to work in the Ruhr region depends on your country of origin. As a rule, foreign citizens wishing to work or study in Germany require a visa. However, there are exceptions.
Overview of all countries with a visa requirement
Zur Zentralstelle Fachkräfteeinwanderung NRW
Overview fast track procedure
offered by make-it-in-Germany
A company wishes to hire you? Congratulations! Your employer will issue you with an employment contract for the period of your employment. You should read through this carefully before signing it. You can read what should be contained in the employment contract and what you need to pay attention to on the portal of the German Federal Government:
Information on employment contracts
Vocational training in Germany consists of a theoretical and a practical part. Trainees learn theory either on a weekly basis or as block lessons in a vocational school, with practice taught directly at companies. This system of training is known as "dual vocational training". The period of training lasts from two to three and a half years.
Dual vocational training in Germany
Prerequisites for commencement of training
Jobbörse-Stellenangebote apprenticeship exchange for the Ruhr region
As an employee in Germany you will regularly pay income tax. This is stated in your payroll accounts. All information regarding income tax, how it is calculated, how much you have to pay and who transfers it can be found on the information portal of the German Federal Government:
If you are employed at a company in Germany, then you are liable for social security contributions. Social security insures you against risks such as illness, inability to work or unemployment in old age. All information regarding social security benefits and what it costs, the social security card and your pension entitlements can be found on the information portal of the German government: