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Taxes in Germany

Taxes in Germany Updated: Jun 29, 2026 There are a large number of taxes in Germany. You only come into contact with some types of tax in certain circumstances or situations, for example when you buy or own property. Other taxes, on the other hand, you pay every day. Read the most important information about taxes in Germany here. iStock.com/SARINYAPINNGAM Tax types A distinction can be made between direct and indirect taxes. Indirect taxes tend to go unnoticed because they are not paid directly and are included in the total price. One example is VAT, which is levied on almost all goods purchased

About us

Saxony Works is an initiative of the Free State of Saxony. As a central, multilingual landing page for specialists and workers from all over the world, the information portal bundles a wide range of information on the topics of entry, job search, living and working in Saxony. Saxony Works paves the way for a quick and effective start to work in Saxony and supports sustainable integration. For international talents: We support you with general information before and after your entry. Whether it's about residence, work, recognition of professional qualifications or initial orientation in Saxony

Special regulations

Special regulations Updated: Aug 13, 2026 There are special visa and employment regulations for certain professional groups in Germany. Here you will find information on which requirements apply and how you can secure your long-term stay in Saxony. Overview of special regulations Experienced professionals without recognition Under certain conditions, you can obtain a work permit for Germany with professional experience even without formal recognition of your qualifications. This means that you do not have to provide proof of a German or German-recognized professional qualification. This special

Event Calendar

Finding and Retaining International Professionals: Events for Companies Updated: Aug 6, 2026 Here you’ll find events for Saxon companies on the topic of international workers. Learn about immigration regulations, support services, and real-world examples, and exchange ideas with experts and other companies. pexels.com/Towfiqu barbhuiya August 2026 September 2026 24.09.2026 Fachkräftegewinnung international - fair und nachhaltig Talente im Ausland gewinnen | ZEFAS 10:30 - 12:00 Uhr | online Fachkräfte zu gewinnen und langfristig zu binden, gehört zu den zentralen Herausforderungen für

Opportunity Card

Job search opportunity card Updated: Aug 27, 2025 With the so called Chancenkarte (Opportunity Card) you can come to Saxony to find a qualified job or to gain professional recognition or qualifications. The Chancenkarte is initially valid for one year and can be extended under certain conditions. It can also be applied for together with your spouse or registered partner. Two ways to the opportunity map Option 1: Recognized degree For the Chancenkarte you need: a professional qualification obtained in Germany or a fully recognized foreign professional qualification, proof that you are able to

Research

Visa for research Updated: Oct 27, 2025 The research visa enables qualified researchers from non-EU countries to implement their projects in Saxony and to teach at recognized institutions. Prerequisites Doctoral degree or suitable university degree with access to doctoral programs. Conclusion of a hosting agreement or an employment contract with a research institution. For the duration of the research activity, you must prove that your livelihood is secured (€ 1,091 net per month in 2026). This is possible via a blocked account, a scholarship or a declaration of commitment. There is no fixed minimum

Western Balkans regulation

Western Balkans regulation Updated: Aug 14, 2026 The Western Balkans regulation allows nationals of certain countries to work in Germany even without a recognized professional qualification. Easier conditions apply. The regulation applies to nationals of the following countries: Albania Bosnia and Herzegovina Kosovo Montenegro North Macedonia Serbia Prerequisites 1. Priority check by the Federal Employment Agency (BA) The Federal Employment Agency checks whether there is already a suitable jobseeker for the position in Germany. Only if this is not the case can the visa be approved. 2. Visa

Search for a study place

Visa to search for a study place Updated: Jan 9, 2026 Would you like to study in Saxony but have not yet been admitted to a university? Then under certain conditions you can apply for a visa to search for a study place. This visa allows you to stay in Saxony for up to nine months in order to apply for a university place or study preparation measures - such as language courses or attending a preparatory college. Prerequisites A valid passport. You need a school-leaving certificate that entitles you to study at a German university or attend a preparatory college. You must either already have the

Study

Visa to study in Saxony Updated: Oct 1, 2025 Saxony offers ideal conditions for studying at universities, art colleges, universities of applied sciences and vocational academies. After graduation, there are good prospects in business, research, culture and start-ups. International students generally require a visa for this. Prerequisites A valid passport Admission to a state-recognized university in Saxony Note: Depending on the university and subject, different rules apply for admission. You should therefore always check with the university of your choice. You can use the DAAD admissions database

Recognition partnership

Recognition partnership Updated: Jan 9, 2026 With a recognition partnership, you can work after arriving in Germany and complete the recognition procedure with the support of your employer. The visa and residence permit are initially issued for 1 year. An extension to 3 years is possible. Prerequisites 1. vocational training or degree at least 2 years of training state-recognized in the country of origin You can prove your qualification with the following documents: positive information on the professional qualification from the Central Office for Foreign Education (ZAB) or digital certificate

Language acquisition

Visa for language acquisition Updated: Jan 9, 2026 You can improve your German language skills in Saxony. With a language acquisition visa, you can travel to Saxony for a language course and prepare for your next professional or academic step. Prerequisites A valid passport. Registration for an intensive German language course that takes place daily and comprises at least 18 lessons per week . Proof that your livelihood is secured - for example through a blocked account (at least 11,904 euros in 2025 ), a scholarship or a declaration of commitment from a person in Germany. Valid health or

Contact points in the home country

Contact points in the home country Updated: Oct 15, 2025 The path to Saxony begins in your home country. In addition to the German diplomatic missions abroad , there are many contact points that can provide you with information about life, the language and career opportunities in Saxony. iStock.com/Antonio_Diaz Contact points at a glance German Chambers of Commerce Abroad (AHK) The German Chambers of Commerce Abroad (AHK) are important points of contact for individuals and companies wishing to do business in Germany. They work closely with the regional Chambers of Industry and Commerce (IHK),

Nursing specialist in Saxony

Nursing in Saxony: start training or work as a specialist Updated: May 12, 2026 Nursing staff are urgently needed in Saxony. They have a good chance of finding secure work and a steady income. iStock.com/PeopleImages Information on training General information The training usually lasts 3 years. During this time, you will have lessons in a nursing school and learn practical application in a clinic or care facility. You will receive a training allowance during your training. The amount is determined by the employer. In nursing, this remuneration is generally comparatively high and is often higher

Onboarding

Onboarding - making it easier to arrive Updated: Mar 30, 2026 A supportive working environment is crucial for international specialists. Good onboarding makes the start easier, creates trust and promotes long-term loyalty to your company. iStock.com/Ridofranz Steps to successful onboarding A successful start begins before entry and continues actively within the company. Good preparation involving the new colleague and the team are the best prerequisites for this. Early contact and support Actively involve your new employee even before they arrive . This can be done through virtual meetings,

Microelectronics in Saxony

Microelectronics in Saxony: Careers in Europe's Chip Region Updated: Jun 11, 2026 Saxony is one of Europe’s leading hubs for microelectronics. In and around Dresden—also known as “Silicon Saxony”—international companies, research institutions, and startups are developing technologies for the future. The industry offers a wide range of career opportunities for international professionals, apprentices, and college graduates—for example, in manufacturing, IT, electronics, engineering, or research. Well-known companies in the industry include Infineon Technologies, GlobalFoundries, Bosch,

Gastronomy and hotel industry in Saxony

Gastronomy and hotel industry in Saxony: paths to training and work Updated: May 12, 2026 The catering and hotel industry in Saxony offers many job opportunities for international professionals. Restaurants, hotels, cafés and catering companies are regularly looking for kitchen, service and management staff. Saxony is a popular tourist destination with historic cities, natural regions and many cultural events. That is why there is a year-round demand for qualified employees in the sector. Whether with training, professional experience or as a career changer: international specialists are

Intercultural competence

Promoting intercultural skills in the team Updated: Jan 8, 2026 Raising the team's cultural awareness at an early stage and promoting employees' skills helps to avoid misunderstandings when working with international colleagues and to communicate successfully. iStock.com/PeopleImages Intercultural training Intercultural training has established itself as an effective means of preparing employees specifically for the challenges of diverse teams and therefore also for international colleagues. Intercultural training can raise awareness of cultural differences. However, they are basically aimed

Preparing the workforce

Welcome to the team! Updated: Jan 8, 2026 Companies with a welcoming culture are seen as attractive employers, strengthen their employer brand and attract international talent. A positive and appreciative working environment promotes integration and helps international employees to develop a sense of belonging more quickly and feel comfortable in the workplace. iStock.com/whyframestudio The integration of international employees begins even before their first day at work. An open welcoming culture in the company is the basis for successful and long-term loyalty to the company. Show cosmopolitanism

EU Blue Card

EU Blue Card Updated: Aug 12, 2026 With the EU Blue Card , academic specialists benefit from special advantages - such as permanent residence, mobility within the EU and family reunification. At a glance Prerequisites a higher education qualification acquired in Germany or a foreign recognized or comparable higher education qualification or a tertiary educational qualification acquired in Germany or a foreign recognized or comparable tertiary educational qualification with a duration of at least three years (at least level 6 of the International Standard Classification of Education (ISCED 2011) or

Professions and sectors

Professions and sectors in Saxony: opportunities for skilled workers and trainees Updated: Aug 7, 2026 Saxony is an important industrial location in Germany. Products "Made in Saxony" are exported worldwide. The automotive industry, mechanical engineering and microelectronics are particularly well represented. The environmental technology, energy and life sciences sectors are also growing strongly. Jörgen Lösel Good job opportunities in bottleneck professions There is a shortage of skilled workers in many professions in Saxony. These so-called bottleneck professions offer particularly good

Public projects and programs

Public projects and programs Updated: Jan 7, 2026 For you as a company in Saxony, there are numerous advisory and support services available to pave the way for international skilled workers and trainees and facilitate their integration into your team. Current projects in Saxony The Free State of Saxony supports a large number of international projects. Below you will find a selection of these. District of Bautzen Welcome Center Bautzen → Contact now by e-mail now. Chemnitz region Immigration Information Center (FIZU) Chemnitz Support with employment law and organizational issues relating to the

Funding opportunities for companies

Funding opportunities for companies Updated: Jun 5, 2026 Companies in Saxony, especially small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), face particular challenges when it comes to recruiting and integrating international skilled workers. This makes it all the more important to be aware of the available funding opportunities and to make targeted use of them. Here you will find an overview of relevant support offers. Overview of support services Promotion of recruitment and sustainable integration - Promotion of consulting - Internationals SMEs in Saxony can receive grants for additional expenses

Making jobs visible worldwide

Making jobs visible worldwide Updated: Aug 28, 2025 If you want to attract international specialists and workers or potential trainees, your job advertisement should not only be convincing in terms of content, but should also make your attractiveness as an employer clear. iStock.com/Igor Suka Remember: you are in international competition for qualified and motivated specialists. This makes it all the more important that you actively highlight your support and integration offers. Describe your corporate culture and emphasize your values. This will help to attract candidates from different

Recruitment service provider

Recruitment service provider Updated: Jan 28, 2026 International recruitment service providers offer you access to a large pool of applicants and have extensive experience. Many are industry-specialized and recruit specifically according to your requirements. Service providers with experience in recruiting international specialists and workers know the labor markets in the countries of origin, cooperate with local educational institutions and provide legally compliant support throughout the entire immigration process. In addition to selecting applicants and preparing them for entry, many service

Business trips

Formats for recruiting international specialists Updated: Jun 24, 2026 In order to target qualified international specialists, it pays to have an active presence on site and in digital formats. Direct encounters create trust and enable the establishment of long-term contacts. iStock.com/MiodragIgnjatovic Delegation trips and trade fairs Participating in international delegation trips and trade fairs gives you the opportunity to make direct contact with potential candidates. In particular, visits to universities, vocational schools or vocational training centers in the target country allow you to

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