Every week our candidate desk answers the same questions from workers across India. Here are the twenty-five that come up most, answered plainly.
Eligibility
Do I need a degree? No. A two-year vocational qualification (ITI, diploma) plus two years' experience qualifies you for most trade roles under the experience-based route.
I have experience but no certificate. Can I go? Rarely under a work visa. Consider Ausbildung (paid training) if you are young, or a Gulf posting first to build a documented record.
Is there an age limit? No legal limit for work visas. Employers prefer 22 to 45 for physical trades. Over 45, the salary floor for some routes is higher.
Do I need German? Not for many industrial and warehouse roles. A2 for drivers, B1 for care and guest-facing hospitality, B2 for nursing.
Money
What will I earn? Typically €2,600 to €3,800 gross per month for trades; see our salary guide.
How much is deducted? Roughly 32 to 40 percent for tax and social insurance at these levels. Net pay is around €2,000 on a €3,000 gross salary.
Do I get free accommodation like the Gulf? Usually not free, but often arranged by the employer at €300 to €500 per month deducted transparently.
How much can I save? €600 to €1,300 per month in shared housing, depending on salary and city.
Do I pay the agency? Indian law caps what any licensed agency may charge a worker, and for Germany most employer programmes bear the cost. Never pay anyone outside official channels — see our Terms & Conditions.
Process
How long does it take? Three to five months for a complete file; longer if you need B1 or B2 German first.
What is eMigrate? India's emigration clearance system. ECR passport holders need clearance, which is issued only for placements through MEA-licensed agencies.
Can my documents be in Hindi or a regional language? They must be translated by a sworn translator; we arrange this.
What if the visa is refused? Refusals for complete, employer-sponsored files are rare; the main causes are salary below the floor or unaccepted language certificates. A licensed agency checks both before filing.
Working Life
What are the hours? 35 to 40 hours a week under most collective agreements, with paid overtime and at least 20 days' paid holiday (usually 25 to 30).
Can I change employers? Yes. After an initial period tied to the sponsoring job, skilled workers may move to another qualifying employer; the permit is updated.
What if I lose my job? You have time to find another qualifying job, and after twelve months of contributions you are entitled to unemployment benefit.
Is the contract for two years like the Gulf? Usually open-ended or renewable; German employment law protects against arbitrary dismissal after probation.
Family and Future
Can my family come? Yes — spouse and children, with the spouse allowed to work; no German test required for the spouse of a skilled worker.
When can I get permanent residence? After three years of qualified employment with B1 German; 21 months on a Blue Card.
Can I become a citizen? After five years. Germany allows dual nationality, but India does not, so you would take an OCI card instead of an Indian passport.
Practical
Is Indian food available? In every city with a South Asian community — and you will cook more than in the Gulf.
What about winter? Cold, dark and manageable with the right clothing; employers provide winter PPE on sites.
Is racism a problem? Germany has strong anti-discrimination law and most workplaces are professional. Isolation, not hostility, is the bigger risk — language and community fix it.
Can I send money home easily? Yes, through bank transfer or licensed apps at low cost.
Where do I start? Register your profile and browse European vacancies; our team tells you honestly which corridor fits your documents.
