German employers who start hiring from abroad often assume they must buy every step from private providers. In fact, the federal government and the Federal Employment Agency (BA) offer a range of free services. They do not replace a recruitment partner in India — public services in Germany do not source and test candidates in Indian cities for you — but they cover information, approvals and recognition advice that employers should use.
Make it in Germany
Make it in Germany is the federal government's official portal for skilled immigration. For employers it provides:
- Explanations of the residence routes and their conditions
- A quick check of which route fits a candidate's profile
- Guidance on recognition and the accelerated procedure
- A hotline on working and living in Germany, run jointly by the BA and the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees
It is a sound first reference for HR teams new to international hiring, and a reliable source to point candidates to.
The BA Employer Service
Every local employment agency has an employer service (Arbeitgeber-Service). Advisers can explain hiring from abroad, advertise vacancies on the BA job portal, inform you about support programmes and connect you with the BA's specialised international units. For trainees, they can explain assisted training and other support; see our Azubi playbook.
Pre-Approval: How It Works in Practice
The BA must consent to employment under most skilled-worker routes. Employers can request this consent in advance as a pre-approval (Vorabzustimmung), which the candidate then adds to the visa application. Our fast-track guide explains how it combines with the §81a accelerated procedure. A few mechanics are worth knowing:
- The request is made by the employer, using the BA's forms, together with the employer declaration on the employment relationship
- The BA checks whether pay and working conditions are comparable to those of domestic workers, and whether the route's specific conditions are met
- The Employment Ordinance provides that consent is deemed granted if the BA does not respond within a short statutory period after receiving complete information — complete being the key word
- The pre-approval is tied to the specific candidate, employer and job described
Most delays are caused by incomplete or inconsistent information. Our employer declaration guide covers the common errors.
Recognition Counselling
Before arrival, candidates can turn to the Zentrale Servicestelle Berufsanerkennung for guidance on the recognition procedure. Once in Germany, counselling is available through the IQ network and state services. Some workers already in Germany may qualify for financial support towards recognition costs under federal or state programmes; ask a counselling centre about current conditions. See our authorities guide.
Advice for Workers on Their Rights
Counselling services for foreign workers, including the federally funded Faire Integration network, advise employees on labour and social law questions in several languages. Pointing new arrivals to such a service signals that you have nothing to hide and helps resolve misunderstandings early.
Welcome Centres and State Services
Several states and cities run welcome centres for international professionals, offering information on registration, family matters and integration. Some states have also centralised parts of the residence-permit process for skilled workers. Check whether one exists for your location.
What Public Services Do Not Do
- They do not source, screen or test candidates in India at scale for individual employers
- They do not prepare Indian documents, translations or experience files
- They do not run pre-departure language training on your timeline
- They do not handle Indian emigration formalities
That is the work of a licensed recruitment agency in India, operating within Indian law. The two sides complement each other: public services in Germany for approvals and advice, a licensed partner in India for sourcing and preparation.
Practical Sequence
1. Read the route overview on Make it in Germany and confirm the likely route for each role 2. Speak to your local employer service about vacancies and support programmes 3. Agree sourcing and selection with your recruitment partner in India 4. File the pre-approval with complete information 5. Point candidates to recognition counselling where recognition is needed 6. After arrival, introduce workers to local counselling and welcome services
Next Step
We work alongside the public services, not instead of them. To plan a programme that uses both, start at our Germany hiring page.
