What to know first
- A job offer and permission to work are separate questions.
- Compare salary as gross compensation and understand deductions.
- Read probation and notice clauses before signing.
- Keep contracts, payslips, time records, and formal correspondence.
Confirm the right to do the work
EU citizens and different groups of non-EU nationals follow different rules. For non-EU citizens, a residence title may allow a specific role, employer, or form of work—or may contain restrictions.
Use the official immigration route for your circumstances. Do not rely on the recruiter's confidence as a substitute for the wording of your permission.
Read the complete offer
Identify the employing legal entity, workplace or remote-work terms, start date, role, gross compensation, working hours, probation, holiday, notice, overtime handling, collective agreements, and any variable pay.
Benefits can be valuable, but compare the guaranteed package first. Ask for unclear verbal promises to be reflected in the written agreement.
- Gross annual or monthly pay
- Fixed and variable components
- Weekly hours and overtime
- Work location and travel
- Probation and notice
- Holiday entitlement
- Side-work and confidentiality clauses
Bring the payroll documents employers usually request
For onboarding, expect requests for passport or ID, proof of the right to work where relevant, your signed contract data, an IBAN for salary, Steuer-ID, health-insurance fund and membership confirmation, social-insurance number, registered address and date of birth. Family and church-tax information may also affect payroll.
A German IBAN is often convenient, but an eligible SEPA account should not be rejected solely because its IBAN comes from another EU country. If the Steuer-ID or social-insurance number is pending, tell payroll before the first payroll cut-off rather than waiting for a failed payment.
- Passport or national ID
- Residence title or work-authorisation evidence when required
- IBAN in your own name
- Steuer-ID — 11 digits
- Health-insurance fund and membership confirmation
- Sozialversicherungsnummer
- Registered address and family data relevant to payroll
Protect the employment record
Keep the signed contract, amendments, payslips, leave records, sickness notifications, and important messages. Follow the employer's reporting process if you are ill or absent.
Deadlines can be short in employment disputes. For a dismissal, unpaid wages, or a serious conflict, obtain qualified advice promptly rather than waiting for a general guide.
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Common questions
Is the salary figure gross or net?
German job offers normally state gross pay. Net pay depends on personal tax and social-insurance circumstances.
Can I work before receiving my Tax ID?
Discuss the situation with payroll. Your permission to work and your payroll administration are separate matters.
Should I sign a contract I do not fully understand?
No. Ask for clarification and, for significant uncertainty, have the contract reviewed before signing.