Work & Visa in Germany

[b00mer]

Hi All,

Im hoping some of you can help me. Im a IT professional currently working in Australia and wanting to move to Germany to be close to my GF. She's currently finishing off her studies and will be finished by early 2009. We are planning to return to Australia and settle down by then and eventually to get married.

But in the meantime, I want to move across to Germany so I can be with her. I have been looking for job opportunities in Germany, thus far been unsuccessful. Can anyone point me the right direction or to any companies that willing hire foreign employees. I do realise not been able to speak fluent German will make it difficult to find a job, so I have taken the first steps by signing up for some German classes. But im afraid for me to speak fluent German will take a while. So any help in the job front will be greatly appreciated.

Also, what the best way of getting Working Visa for Germany. I know I am eligible for 12 month holiday Visa. But that only allows me to work for 3 months. Any help/information regards to this will also be appreciated.


Thanks in advance,
B00mer!

[Wanderer]

What sort of IT work do you do? Is it customer facing? There's quite a few English speaking locations if ur a 'back office' type.

European Space Agency is one, I nearly got on there once!

Might be worth trying trying London? Flights to Germany are cheap at the mo - 60 quid return to Hamburg....

[b00mer]

Hi Thank you for your response.

Im currently working as a SQL Server DBA. Prior to that I worked as a Helpdesk/System Admin Manager.

I don't even mind doing a helpdesk role for a while.

Would you be able to name or even the web sites of these companies.

It will be much appreciated.

[Directive/2004/38/EC]

There was in germany a "green card" scheme to bring in IT people on several year visas. It is/was mostly targetted at attracting indians i think. Check with your local embassy for more information.

[Wanderer]

Hi Thank you for your response.

Im currently working as a SQL Server DBA. Prior to that I worked as a Helpdesk/System Admin Manager.

I don't even mind doing a helpdesk role for a while.

Would you be able to name or even the web sites of these companies.

It will be much appreciated.

No mate, the jobs I were in for came via an agency, like 99% of them do in this part of the world.

Do be honest the helpdesk option is not an option unless you speak fluent German, imagine some mad German Frau barking down the phone at you in a Munich accent. It would scare me!

Best to aim for the server room where you don't have to talk to people.

I dunno what the market is for SQL server, I see zillions of jobs for SAP tho - many asking for English speakers.

One thing is for certain, it's gonna be almost impossible to get a job while u r in Germany. Try London, loads of Aussies there, Germany (Hamburg anyway) is only a hour or so flight from there...

[b00mer]

Well thanks mate... Ill keep looking. Job in London wouldn't be a problem I dont think. I just wanted to be closer to Fiance.

[Directive/2004/38/EC]

I think there are options in Germany. They need people with technical talent and as a foreigner you will tend to be more flexible than local talent. Don't worry about not speaking German for now, but be prepared to learn quickly when you arrive.