What are the benefits of working in Germany?

The benefits of working in Germany are it has a fast-growing economy, there are numerous job opportunities in the IT, engineering, and manufacturing sectors. Compared to other countries the country provides fair wages and salaries. And the German government is making consistent efforts to bring foreigners into the workforce.

Here are some significant benefits of working in Germany:

Average salaries

The average salary in Germany comes to about 58.800 Euros according to the Stepstone Salary Report by Stepstone an online job portal in Germany. Another report by XING an online job portal puts the annual salary at 70,754 Euros but this includes bonuses, holiday and Christmas allowances.

The salaries can vary based on the industry, region, and size of the company. The Stepstone report says that large companies with over 10,000 employees pay the highest salaries in Germany which is 27 percent above the average salary.

The average gross salary for medium to large-sized companies with employees between 5000-10,000 employees is 17 percent above the average while those for small companies that have between 1000 to 5000 employees, the average salary exceeds by 12 percent.

When compared to other countries in Europe, the average salary in Germany is quite high. Here is a table showing the salaries in Germany compared to other countries in Europe for similar positions:

There is also a statutory minimum wage offered to workers so that no one is subject to low and unfair wages. In January 2020, the minimum wage was 9.35 Euros per hour.

 There can be variations in salary based on one’s education and work experience.

Attractive employee benefits

Workers are paid competitive salaries in Germany. They earn benefits such as paid sick days of up to six weeks, paid holiday time of up to four weeks a year, and maternity and parental leave of up to one year. Even if you have to pay a higher rate of income tax, this is offset with social benefits.

Welfare benefits for employees

German companies are focused on improving their employees. They invest in employee training and growth. So, when you come here to work you should look forward to developing your technical skills.

Employees are not discriminated based on age, gender, race or religion. Companies here are focused on paying fair wages to employees.

Social security benefits

Germany has an elaborate social security system that sees to it that its citizens live comfortably even if they’re sick, disabled, unemployed or retired. There are different insurance categories for which both employees and employers contribute. It is compulsory to have medical insurance.

Germany has relatively high level of income tax as given in the table below:

 The high level of taxes is justified by the fact that the government gives you a lot of benefits in return.

As a German employee, you will contribute about 20% of your income to the key social security funds, with your employer matching the remaining 20%!  Here are the details of the funds:

1.Pension Fund: Once you reach the age of 65, you have the option to retire and earn up to 67 percent of your gross salary prior to retirement. Don’t worry, if you move to another country as an expat, you’ll still be eligible for the pension you have accumulated in Germany.

2.Health insurance: You will be enrolled in a public health insurance fund by your employer.

3.Unemployment insurance:  You will be contributing to the unemployment fund while employed. This fund helps you to register with the German Labor Office if you’ve lost your work and earn a portion of your previous salary. The sum you get and how long you get it depends on your age and how long you’ve worked.

4.Accident & sick pay insurance: This insurance protects you if you become sick at work, or if you are injured in an accident. This insurance should cover the care as well as ensure that you are covered during your rehabilitation or earn a pension if you become disabled.

5.Disability insurance: You also make a small donation to the state’s disability fund, which helps people with disabilities stay in the workforce or provides them with income when they are (no longer) able to function. People with natural disabilities, wounded war veterans, and victims of violent crimes are all covered for by this fund.

Work-life balance

The companies here follow a five-day workweek giving their employees more time to spend with their families and other personal activities. There is no expectation for employees to work extra hours or during non-office hours.

Easy process to obtain a work permit

The German Government has made it simpler to obtain a work permit in Germany to encourage foreign workers. As a non-EU citizen, you can apply for a work visa or apply for a Blue Card to work in Germany. You can explore the various visa options to work in Germany.

Opportunities for your family

You can bring your family members to Germany once you have a work visa and a residence permit. Your family members will be eligible for work and study opportunities in the country.

You and your family members will be eligible for social security benefits which will include insurance and pension benefits.

Attractive work benefits, social security benefits, low cost of living and a good work-life balance are good reasons to work in Germany.