Living & Working in Germany - Career Transition Partnership [PDF]

RESETTLEMENT GUIDE

Living & Working in Germany Introduction Welcome to Germany! There is a growing community of Service Leavers in Germany, which on average increases by over one hundred each year. The information contained in this guide and the linked websites offer invaluable advice and information, on German bureaucracy and administrative actions required for successfully settling in Germany; www.make-it-ingermany.com (German governmental site); and www.howtogermany.com (American site); In addition and complimentary to these is a website dedicated to supporting the British Forces, including veterans, in Germany - www.bfgnet.de. For specific veteran information see: http://www.veterans-uk.info/index.htm Although Germany and the UK seem to be culturally very similar, and you might have spent a lot of your career in Germany; you may even own your own home etc. but settling over here can still be tricky and you will soon start to realise that Germany is indeed a different country with sometimes alien rules, regulations and processes. Service Leavers and their situations are still a rare commodity in German, and every Service Leaver and each Service Leaver’s story is unique. Networking is even more important in order to get information passed by word-of-mouth, and please be aware that although regulations across the country are generally the same, the administrations’ interpretations can differ from region to region. This guide has been compiled to make things easier for you and you are encouraged to let us know if you experience any problems. These are good overall sources of information for formal direction on subjects such as the law, employment and your rights, citizenship, studying, and other important processes and contacts within Germany:      

http://ec.europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/residence/contact/index_en.htm http://ec.europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/residence/worker-pensioner/index_en.htm http://ec.europa.eu/social/main.jsp?catId=25&langId=en https://www.daad.de/en/ http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/BritonsLivingAbroad/index.htm - Britons living abroad https://www.gov.uk/government/world/germany - Health Advice for Travellers

Quick To-Do check list – Settling in Germany Most of the below mentioned processes are explained in greater detail (Page number in brackets) further on in this guide, alternatively for further information please make an appointment with the Career Consultant / Employment Consultant for Germany (contact details can be found on page 17).

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Action Learning German (Pg4) Start as soon as possible

Housing (Pg5) Rent or buy a house or flat (SFA does not count)

Job Research / Finding (Pg6) German CV/ Bewerbungsmappe (Pg9) Registration (Pg10) Register with your local community (German net) Income Tax (Steueridentifikationsnummer) / Insurance (Sozialversicherungsausweis) Apply for tax number and National Insurance Pass Authority for Local Release (Pg10) Via unit RAO Dept. Car (de)registration De-BFG your car(s) with unit and register via Strassenverkehrsamt

Job Centre (Pg10) Register with the local Bundesagentur für Arbeit (BA)

Qualifications and Training in Germany (Pg11)

Accreditation of UK qualifications (Pg13)

Finances / Pensions in Germany (Pg14) Medical Insurance (Pg15) Arrange for medical insurance (Krankenversicherung) CTP Support (Pg16/17) Convert Driving Licence Via Einwohnermeldamt / Strassenverkehrsamt

Remarks Remains the largest perceived barrier to Service leavers in achieving career objectives, and can almost single-handedly prevent SLs from reaching their individual potential / goals. There are options available to you but the courses will only take you so far; they should be complimented and underpinned by your ability to immerse yourself in the local community. You should consider securing accommodation whenever family circumstances suit but sooner rather than later. Note: If you decide to rent be aware of the financial differences between the ‘Kalt’ and ‘Warm’ options. Once you have secured a place to live and date of move-in, you can register your utilities; the accuracy of bills and in some cases the activation of services will depend on your registration date. Strategy, tactics and information on where and how best to secure sustainable employment A Lebenslauf is different to an English CV and the Bewerbungsmappe will take some time to create. It is in your best interests to begin as soon as possible. Registration (anmelden) is a legal requirement for living in Germany and you are required to re-register each time you move. Note: You should consider registering at ideally 1-3 months prior to discharge and within 3 months of arrival or discharge. Steueridentifikationsnummer also known as IdNr or Steuer-IdNr. Replaces Steuernummer / Lohnsteuerkarte is a legal requirement in Germany. It is necessary in order to work here and can be applied for during registration via the Einwohnermeldeamt or Finanzamt. Sozialversicherungsausweis is also legal requirement in Germany and necessary in order to work here. It can be applied for during registration via your Krankenkasse. BFG are required to authorise local release for a Service leaver intending to live on the local economy, and you should be prepared to initiate this at ideally 3 months prior to discharge via your Unit Admin Office. Note: Only applicable if you leave the Services whilst based in Germany. You are legally bound to de-register your vehicle from the BFG system prior to discharge from the Services, and re-register either in England or Germany as necessary. You should contact your local BFG representative in a timely fashion (at least 8 weeks prior to your discharge-date) and ensure that you are aware of the processes involved http://bfgnet.de/advice/vlo/ If necessary you should consider formally registering ideally 1-3 months prior to discharge to allow for 12-14 weeks processing time. Note: The BA is not solely there to offer job-finding assistance but it can also assist with unemployment benefits (Arbeitslosengeld), language courses, vocational (re) training (Umschulungen) and possible apprenticeship (Ausbildungen) places. The easiest way to avoid accreditation issues is to carry out your training with a German provider or research your courses / qualifications with German companies to see if they are recognised. Currently it is not possible to utilise your Enhance Learning Credits (ELC) for training in Germany but you can use your IRTC & SLC. Your standard of German will generally need to be high to complete any local training. It is becoming increasingly less difficult to have your UK vocational qualifications accredited in Germany but the process can still be costly (€400+) and time-consuming (3 months). The main routes to having your qualifications accredited are via the ‘recognition-finder’ at bmbf.de or on the IHK FOSA website. The majority of people in Germany complete a yearly tax return, as required by law and you are advised to secure the services of a reputable financial advisor as soon as necessary. This is a legal requirement to be medically insured via a local health insurance provider (Krankenkasse) such as AOK, Barmer or IKK in German. There are several options available to you. Contact details of individuals and agencies available to support and advise you through your resettlement You are legally bound to convert your UK driving licence (Führerschein umschreiben lassen) within 6 months of registering in Germany. Dependant on type of licence you wish to convert will depend on the cost implications; a car licence may set you back €35.00 but HGV/PSV can cost a little more, and may require a medical and / or eye test etc. The process can take up to 6 weeks.

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TO DO LIST1 > 6 Months prior to discharge Date 

Use the many different options available to learn or improve your German language skills – AEC, VHS, BA etc.

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Find yourself somewhere to live – Immobilienmakler / local newspaper

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Start job-research / networking – Jobbörsen / Jobmessen / Freundeskreis / Ratsuchend

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Create German CV(s) and covering letters – Lebenslauf / Anschreiben / Bewerbung /Bewerbungsmappe

< 3 Months prior to discharge Date

1

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Register with your local community at the Registry Office – Einwohnermeldeamt / Stadtverwaltung

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Obtain your Tax Number – Steuer-Identifikationsnummer

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Obtain your Social Security Card - Sozialversicherungsausweis

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Seek military Authority for Local Release in Germany – SIBFG 3211 (Annex A)

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Arrange an interview with your local Job Centre – Bundesagentur fϋr Arbeit (BA)

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Arrange an interview with your local Chamber of Commerce – Industrie– und Handelskammer (IHK)

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Begin vehicle de-registration / re-registration process – BFG / Strassenverkehrsamt

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Arrange Health Insurance – Krankenversicherung / Krankenkasse

All subject to personal situation, timeline and requirements

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Learning German The importance of learning German cannot and must not be underestimated. You will need to learn it in order to successfully carry out your normal daily business in Germany from registration, and writing Lebensläufe through to interviewing and employment; make German a part of your everyday routine by reading the newspapers, watching TV and listening to the radio in German, or simply stick a few Post-its on your furniture or other objects with the German name for that particular item. That way, you'll soon be able to answer the question "Sprechen Sie Deutsch?" with: “Ja, natürlich”. And if you can already speak it, keep practicing and polish up on your written skills too. Current agreed standards are 2:   

A1, A2 B13, B2 C1, C24

Basic User Independent User Proficient User

Basiswissen Fliessend in Wort und Schrift Verhandlungssicher

Look for local schools or providers that run the course that you need (timings, standards etc.), compare prices and make sure that a language test is completed up front.   

http://sprachtest.cornelsen.de/einstufung/index.aspx http://www.prolog-berlin.de/de/deutschkurse-online-test.htm www.goethe.de/cgi-bin/einstufungstest/einstufungstest.pl

There are various ways to learn the language, to suit all budgets and time-frames: 

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Volkshochschule – The state-run adult education system offers German as a foreign language courses that vary in standard, length and cost, dependant on region and student requirements. They are often advertised at teaching standards A2 – B1 and are comparatively cheap. www.vhs.de Integrationskurse - These are government funded language courses for all immigrants and eligible EU citizens. They are generally aimed at the lower (basic to independent) level and consist of 660hrs (60 of which are spent on orientation topics) - 900hrs of German language training potentially leading to B1 competency level . Attendance / Application is organised via the BA and the Bundesamt für Migration und Flüchtlinge (BAMF) – the Federal Office for Migrants and Refugees and local Sprachkollege. Cost for eligible EU citizens is €1.20 an hour, but not-applicable if in receipt of benefits. Courses are predominantly full-time consisting of 6-8 study hours (Unterrichtseinheiten (UE)) daily, and can be up to 6 months long. It is sometimes possible to join the course at different stages according to individual ability. See below link for further information and criteria. www.bamf.de/SharedDocs/Anlagen/DE/Downloads/Infothek/Integrationskurse/Kursteilnehme r/MerkblaetterAuslaender/630-009_merkblatt-zum-antrag-aufzulassung_englisch.pdf?__blob=publicationFile CTP routinely facilitate and support a series of language training courses including the partially-government funded Integrationskurs. Other courses range from beginner (0) to advanced level (B2+), with tuition by local training providers i.e. Arbeiterwohlfahrt (AWO), IN VIA & Euwatec. The training is available all Service leavers, ex-serving personnel and dependents intending to or already settled in Germany. These courses are

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http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Common_European_Framework_of_Reference_for_Languages http://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gemeinsamer_Europ%C3%A4ischer_Referenzrahmen 3 Minimum accepted standard for employment in Germany 4 Minimum acceptable standard for entry to higher education institutions in Germany, in addition to normal university entrance criteria

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subject to partial external funding and although the majority of the tuition costs are borne by the Bundesagentur fϋr Arbeit, and in some case other organisations such as the ETS, there is a contribution expected from students. In order to properly place learners, personnel are pre-assessed (normally by the providers) with courses loaded accordingly. Information on these opportunities are regularly promulgated through the Service Leaver community. Deutsch für den Beruf: Das ESF-BAMF-Programm – Courses in German for professional purposes are aimed at people with an immigrant background who are seeking work or would like to progress in their chosen career. The courses combine language tuition, professional qualifications and practical exercises. www.bamf.de/EN/Willkommen/DeutschLernen/DeutschBeruf/deutschberuf-node.html Intensivkurse – These are privately offered courses by organisations (Sprachschule, Sprachakadamie or Sprachkolleg) such as the Goethe-Institute www.goethe.de, which offers a wide range of courses varying in length, intensity and level - from beginner to university level. You can choose between Intensive 8 (eight weeks, 170 UE), Intensive 4 (four weeks, 85 UE), Intensive 2 (two weeks, 45 UE), Intensive 2 - Language and Culture (two weeks, 50 UE). As an example of cost; the Intensive 4 with accommodation costs €1615.005 or without €1195.00. Other organisations are as follows:    

http://www.berlitz.de/ www.inlingua.de http://www.sprachkurse-weltweit.de/deutsch/deutsch-lernen.htm http://www.cdc.de/Deutschkurse-Deutsch-lernen-in-Deutschland.82.0.html

Housing (mieten oder kaufen) You can house-hunt via an estate agent (Immobilienmakler), at the bank (Sparkasse) or by looking in the local papers (Kleinanzeigen). If you decide to rent you will often need a security deposit known as Kaution (Ka, Kt and Kaut), that you must pay over and above your rent (also often several months in advance). Germany operates very much a rent culture and generally rent (Miete) is classified in the following terms: 

Kaltmiete (cold) - cost without any other considerations

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Warmmiete (warm) – cost including Nebenkosten

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Nebenkosten – A monthly rate based on an annual estimation including refuse collection (Müllabfuhr), (Grundsteuer), water and waste (Wasser und Abwasser), building insurance (Gebäudeversicherung), heating (Heizkosten) and communal area electricity (Strom) etc. There can be other Nebenkosten specific to individual premises.

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Strom - Individual electricity, TV / internet / telephone (Kabel u. Telefon Anschluss or GEZ Gebühren) and other insurances etc. are not normally covered within the Nebenkosten.

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Zimmer – Accommodation is normally advertised in terms of square meters (m2) not how many bedrooms a property may have, although often the ads do state how many rooms it has PLUS kitchen, bathroom and corridor, and whether it has a cellar (not included in the m2 count). Houses are more expensive to rent, and compared to flats, are also less common. Also check if the property has been renovated beforehand and what you can or cannot

5

Costs as at 2013

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change within the house. Normally when you leave the house it needs to look like before (i.e. freshly painted).

Note: If possible speak to the former tenants to see how much they paid to get an idea. The utilities are mostly paid to the landlord while water, heating and electricity are paid to the provider. Please always check first as there are so many different ways that you should never assume something but ask first. Often the property will come without a kitchen, which you will need to purchase. It then normally moves with you. Sometimes you can buy the kitchen from the former tenant and sometimes there is a kitchen included. This is always different and also a good thing to check beforehand. The normal renting period is unlimited, a landlord does not want to look for a new tenant all the time and might get scared if you mention limited renting time, better to check the cancellation notice period which on average is 3 months.  http://www.wohnung-jetzt.de/service/wohnungssuche/wohnungen-mieten.php  http://www.inpopro.de/mietvertrag/wodrauf-muss-mieter-bei-einem-mietvertragachten.html This link gives examples of average rent by regions / cities, alternatively check the newspapers or internet for regional variations http://www.mietspiegel.com/ When considering buying property it is prudent to deal with a specialist. You can buy properties privately or through an estate agent (Immobilienmakler). Here are some links that will give you some ideas how it all works. It is quickly out-of-date and it is best to speak directly to a local Makler or Bank e.g. www.sparkasse.de.   

http://berlin.angloinfo.com/information/housing/ http://www.immobilienscout24.de/immobiliensuche/ratgeber/index.html http://www.expatica.com/de/housing/buying/buying-a-home-in-germany-2124.html

Job finding / Research Where and how to find a job in Germany is very similar to the UK although networking can sometimes be even more important. Speak to relatives, friends, colleagues, local companies about requirements / jobs / projects. The more people that aware that you are looking for work the merrier. In addition the following methods can also be helpful:   

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Local and national newspapers (Kleinanzeigen) Most companies recruit via, and advertise on their own websites Jobbörsen / Stellenbörsen i.e. http://www.stepstone.de, http://www.monster.de, http://www.indeed.de, http://www.toytowngermany.com/jobs/ or http://www.reed.co.uk/jobs/germany are also very good sources of vacancies where you can list your preferences, and search complete areas or industries in seconds for suitable roles. Cold-calling companies that suit your circumstances i.e. location, industry, values etc. Recruitment agencies / Zeitarbeit Job Fairs (Offer) Work Attachments (Praktikum) – unpaid trials will not only gain you some experience and hence something to benefit your Lebenslauf but also may gain a concrete job offer if you find that you and the company like each other. Ensure that if you are working in a

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potentially dangerous environment that you are insured by either signing a contract (Vertrag) with the company or arranging the attachment through the BA.

Industries with good opportunities for Service leavers: As highly motivated mother-tongue English speakers, and experienced men and women, you all have highly sort after skillsets and trades across Europe. You can essentially be successful in whatever it is you choose to do. Some common jobs for Service leavers in Germany are as follows: 

Teaching English as a Foreign Language: (adult learning), business or contextual English can be a good way of earning / working whilst retaining some flexibility as the roles are predominantly freelance. For further information on roles and training see below:      

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Security: you will require a good level of German in order to successfully gain the mandatory license(s) Bewachungserlaubnis: 

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www.trinitycollege.co.uk http://www.tesol.org http://german-way.com/blog/2008/11/15/teaching-english-in-german-speakingeurope/ http://lingua-projects.de/kontakt http://www.inlingua.de/stellenangebote/anforderungsprofile.html http://www.berlitz.de/en/berlitz_company/career/job-vacancies/overview.html

http://sicherheitswiki.org/wiki/Paragraph_34a_GewO_(Gewerbeordnung)

IT security: (only with experience & qualifications) Drivers: – all kinds Engineering: (service technician etc.) Sales

Links  The Local - http://www.thelocal.de/jobs/?page=2  Karriere–Lounge http://www.firmenverzeichnis.de/  Jobrapido - www.jobrapido.de  Staufenbiel https://www.staufenbiel.de/jobs-arbeitgeber/alle-jobs-und-arbeitgeber.html  Jobs77 - http://www.germanyjobs77.com/?gclid=CIKe5pDl0J0CFcts4wodwSPmsw  Learn4good http://www.learn4good.com/jobs/language/english/list/country/germany/  Jobisjob - http://www.jobisjob.de/germany/english/jobs  Monster - www.monster.de  Workcircle - http://www.workcircle.co.uk/jobs/germany/english#  Trovit - http://jobs.trovit.de/  JobsinHubs - http://www.justlanded.com/english/Germany/Services/Jobs/Jobs-in-MunichBerlin-Hamburg-and-Frankfurt  Expatica - www.expatica.com  Xchange - http://odin.aafes.com/employment/WorkingAtAAFESHome.html  Mitula - http://arbeit.mitula.de/arbeit/english-speaking-job-germany  JobsinHubs (Europe) - http://www.jobsinhubs.com/jobsinhubs/  Jobsite - www.gojobsite.co.uk  Jobware - www.jobware.de  Jobpilot - www.jobpilot.de

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Jobdirectory - www.job-directory.de Meinestadt - www.meinestadt.de Job Centre - www.arbeitsagentur.de Summary of job sites - http://www.stellenboersen.de/stellenboersen/

Job Fairs (Jobmessen) Not only are job fairs an opportunity for you to meet potential employers face-to-face but they can also serve as a filter and first interview by the company. There are four things to remember; dress appropriately, do your research, have enough CVs with you, and follow-up any contacts. See links below for further tips on how best to prepare and how to make the most out of your job fair attendance:  

http://www.berufsstart.de/jobmessen/tipps-fuer-den-messebesuch/ http://www.wikihow.com/Approach-Prospective-Employers-at-Job-Fairs

CTP organise regular Employment Fairs, Industry days and other relevant events that include German / European employers, and have regular contact with local employers on your behalf. However to gain maximum access to the German job market you are advised to compliment CTP fairs by attending local Jobmessen. Below are links to some of the more popular events:

Links          

Das Uni –und Karriereportal http://www.stellenboersen.de/messen/ For healthcare and medical https://www.t5-karriereportal.de/jobmesse/ Graduates http://www.absolventenkongress.de/ Students http://www.kissme-hannover.de/ Recruiting Event www.talents.de Job Messe Roadshow http://www.job-messen.de http://www.berufszentrum.de/messen.html http://www.sueddeutsche.de/app/jobkarriere/jobmesse/index.html?action=info&anfang=1 CI – Careers International http://www.careersineurope.com/future.php?sm1=6 Engineers http://www.ingenieurkarriere.de/recruiting-tag

Agency / Temp work (Zeitarbeit) Agency work means that you are employed via an agency for a contract ranging from weeks to months, dependant on requirement. The employing company pays the agency for your services, which in turn pays you based on tariff, qualifications etc. Recent changes in regulations ensure that agency workers and employees within the same company should be remunerated at the same rate. Agencies will often train you as well, by offering courses to obtain certain qualifications depending on your background and the agency/job demand. It’s a good chance to establish yourself within a certain company with opportunities for subsequent full-time employment at the end of the contract. A lot of companies don’t only use agency workers to cover peak times but also as a sort of paid work attachment and they recruit from the agency workforce. It also gives you the opportunity to gain experience of the job market, working culture and practices.

TIP: Always compare different Zeitarbeitsfirmen and check their contracts to make sure you get the best deal and ask about the chances of getting employment with one of the companies if possible (a good Zeitarbeitsfirma will not object and will in fact want proper employment for their clients). Ask who they are working with; some agencies have different branches that are linked – from agency to direct recruitment (e.g. Manpower group) and they might be able to offer you a more tailored solution.

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Links  

www.manpower.de/ http://www.wer-zu-wem.de/dienstleister/Zeitarbeitsfirmen.html http://www.randstad.de/

Business Start-up Please speak to your local Industrie- und Handelskammer / Handwerkskammer about this, they offer help and advice. There will be Existenzgruenderseminare in your area and your Stadt / Gemeinde might offer special programmes and funding.  

www.ihk.de http://www.handwerkskammer.de/

Wages in Germany Stoppages in Germany include many factors that may not be expected including health insurance and can be a shock if they are not expected. It’s worth having a look at the following links to give you an idea of what to expect:    

http://www.gehaltsvergleich.com/ http://www.personalmarkt.de/gehaltscheck/ga.person.jsp http://www.tarifregister.nrw.de/ German Confederation of Trade Unions - Deutscher Gewerkschaftbund www.dgb.de

Bewerbung / Lebenslauf Aside from the obvious difference in language; CVs, covering letters and application processes are markedly different to UK, and for the majority of roles available here you will need a German CV (Lebenslauf). Much like the UK, a sharp and well-written CV, can be the difference between being invited to interview or being resigned to the ‘polite decline’ pile. A Bewerbung or Bewerbungsmappe may consist of some or all of the following parts:    

Anschreiben – Covering Letter Deckblatt – Front Cover Lebenslauf – Tabelarischer or 40/50+ (dependant on age, experience etc.) Anlagen – Includes Berufszeugnisse, Qualifikationen etc.

Most European / international companies won’t necessarily appreciate applications in English unless the job description or vacancy is advertised in English. Please find out beforehand and get support to put the documents together as early as possible. Depending on your job expectations you don’t really need the help of a professional advisor who writes your CV for you. With a little bit of help you can do it yourself, just do the research and NEVER use an online translator. You can find assistance here:   

http://karriere-journal.monster.de/lebenslauf-anschreiben/careers.aspx http://www.stepstone.de/KarriereBewerbungstipps/bewerbungstipps/bewerbungsschreiben-vorlagen-und-muster.cfm http://www.bewerbung-tipps.com/lebenslauf.php

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Note: CTP run 2-day German CV Writing (Bewerbungstraining) Workshops 2-3 times a year; ask your Career Consultant for more details.

Registration In order to register on the German ‘net’ you will require your passport, an address and in rare cases proof of discharge. You register at your local Einwohnermeldeamt, Bürgeramt or Stadt / Gemeindeverwaltung and in return you will receive a Meldeschein. Further information may be found at the following website. Http://www.meldebox.de/einwohnermeldeamt/anmelden.php

Note:   

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Don’t register if you intend or want to work as a UK Based Civilian (UKBC). You cannot register in Germany without a place of residence (Anschrift). There is no requirement to register in Germany if you are a serving member of NATO forces. You are already here under the Status of Forces Agreements (SoFA). (But this is often overlooked if you are coming to the end of your service). If you are a non-EU citizen (i.e. BCS) you are not covered by SoFA once you have discharged, and you will require a permit prior to registration http://www.schengenvisainfo.com/ and are legally required to apply for a resident’s permit during your first 3 months of residency if you wish to remain longer than 3 months in Germany via your local Immigration Office (Ausländerbehörde).

You must apply for and obtain authority for Local Release in Germany (SIBFG 3211 – Annex A) from your unit in advance, and within 3 months of your due for discharge date. Applications should reach G1 Branch HQ BFG no later than 1 month prior to your anticipated date of release. By granting authority your unit is ensuring that you have a residency and you have made the necessary provision for any family outside of Germany. The approval of the local civil authority must be obtained prior to your application – represented by your Meldeschein (received upon registration), a copy of which should (where possible) accompany the application.

Bundesagentur für Arbeit (BA) / Job Centre In order to register as actively looking for work (Arbeitsuchend) at the BA you must be registered (angemeldet), and unemployed (or potentially unemployed). For general information and advice you can arrange an interview (Beratungstermin als Ratsuchend) prior to being registered. The BA is a huge source of information when it comes to:  Employment & Bewerbungs Advice http://jobboerse.arbeitsagentur.de/  Training http://berufenet.arbeitsagentur.de/berufe/index.jsp  And if necessary unemployment benefit advice at: www.arbeitsagentur.de or Agentur für Arbeit (international/Europe) https://ec.europa.eu/eures Most of the branches operate slightly differently and generally you will need to be unemployed, and potentially meet other criteria in order to be eligible for their services. Its case-dependant and arranging an interview with your local BA is a very good start. The earlier you register with your BA the better, but you will normally need to be registered on the German net beforehand, which can be difficult if you are still in the Army (see Registration in the above table). Officially you will need to register as a Job-Seeker 3 months before your discharge date if you think you will require benefits or other assistance.

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If you find yourself unemployed (Arbeitslos) after your discharge date, you can apply for unemployment benefits (Arbeitslosengeld I – ALG1) at your local BA. If you are entitled, it covers you for approximately 12 months and is calculated as a percentage of your previous salary (based on your average salary during the previous 5 years); it is 60% of your net salary if you don’t have dependent children and 67% if you have dependent children. The entitlement can be incrementally extended beyond 12 months (and up to 2 years) if you are A: over 50 years of age or B: if you are taking part in a BA sponsored training or apprenticeship programme. If you find yourself not entitled to ALG1 then you may apply for Arbeitslosengeld II otherwise known as Hartz IV however you should be aware that this benefit is means-tested against your current immediate family capital and income i.e. house, car, pensions etc. You may encounter bureaucracy issues whilst applying for unemployment benefits because your entitlement refers to EU-law and regulations which are understandably not very well known. Normally you are only entitled if you have paid into the local social security system. Your entitlement to unemployment benefits is based on the decision No 160 of 28 November 1995 concerning the scope of Article 71 (1) (b) (ii) of Council Regulation (EEC) No 1408/71 This normally only applies if you can prove that the centre of your life is in Germany and has been for a long time (e.g. your children are in full-time German education, you have a lot of German friends, speak German, are a member of a German club etc.) During the process of applying for benefits the BA may ask for evidence / quantity of your National Insurance contributions in UK, to do this you can download a form CA 3916 from the HM Revenue and Customs website at the link below. http://search2.hmrc.gov.uk/kb5/hmrc/forms/view.page?record=f0RK6voTwxU&formId=398 This form allows you to request a Portable Document (PD) U1 – a statement of National Insurance contributions (NICs) to assist any unemployment related benefit claims . You should complete form CA 3916 and return to the address on the front of the document complete with your P60, P45 and final pay slips. Currently the process can take up to 14 weeks.

Note: If you are discharged in another country i.e. the UK, it may be necessary to register as unemployed or for job-seeker’s allowance there first and prior to registering in Germany. Alternatively the authorities may also require that you have worked for at least one day (with full insurances / entitlements) prior to receiving any benefits here. Otherwise this may have implications on your application and your entitlement to ALG in Germany.

Note: If the German Employment Services will not accept the above information you can request assistance from the liaison body at Bundesagentur fϋr Arbeit, Regensburger Strasse 104, Nurnburg. Reception telephone number is 0911 / 179-0.

Qualifications and Training in Germany Qualifications and Training are viewed differently in Germany than in UK. Most of the professional population in Germany will have qualified through one of these developmental routes: 

Academic route via higher education (Fachhochschule or Universität) attaining a Master’s Degree / Uni-Diplom9 (collectively known as a Hochschulabschluss) or a Bachelor’s Degree / FH-Diplom6. Higher education in Germany is an option for immigrants but demands

6

Being phased out as part of the Pan-European Bologna process to ensure comparability in the standards and quality of higher education qualifications.

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a high level of German7 and a very specific educational background similar in criteria to that required for acceptance into a UK university i.e. A-Levels in certain subjects including German 

Vocational route via an Apprenticeship programme (Ausbildung) in a specific trade attaining a Gesellenbrief (Apprenticeship completion certification), with time and experience this will lead on to a Meisterbrief (Master-tradesman certification). There are different types of Apprenticeships and most will last from 2-5 years, with varying entry requirements, such as (GCSEs) Real / Hauptschulabschluss and of course a competent command of German (normally B1). They are generally not age-restricted, although certain training programmes e.g. the Police, Customs etc. will attract special criteria. Most apprenticeships are regulated by the Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK) or the Chamber of Crafts (HWK). Training route privately or via the BA if you are registered. Training is mostly classified as in-house, personal or professional development (Fortbildung) and normally consists of relatively short courses. However the BA funds longer courses (Umschulungen) that are generally shorter than Apprenticeships, in order to assist the unemployed to become (more) employable.

For further information on further education, apprenticeships, trades etc. please look at the following links:      

      

German Education system http://www.kmk.org/information-in-english.html Services and accreditation http://www.kmk.org/zab/unsere-aufgaben.html Database www.anabin.de Various subjects, international exchange http://www.deutsche-kulturinternational.de/de/themen.html German Academic Exchange Service http://www.daad.de Bundesagentur fϋr Arbeit http://www.arbeitsagentur.de/web/content/DE/BuergerinnenUndBuerger/Ausbildung/Beruf sausbildung/index.htm With GCSEs/O-levels (Realschulabschluss) planet-beruf.de With A-levels (Arbitur) abi.de Information about 3100 trades BERUFENET Over 140 films about trades (Filmportal der BA) BERUFE.TV Apprenticeships vacancies JOBBÖRSE Training Opportunties (Weiterbildungsportal der BA)KURSNET Specific trade information (Berufsinformationszentrum (BiZ)) http://www.arbeitsagentur.de/web/content/DE/dienststellen/rdnrw/oberhausen/Agentur/B uergerinnenundBuerger/Berufsinformationszentrum/index.htm

Note: If you decide to re-train via an apprenticeship or similar, you could be entitled to Arbeitslosengeld 1(see info on pages 8 & 9) for up to 2 years of the training, in addition to the normal apprentice allowance (Ausbildungs Gehalt / Vergϋtungskosten), which is approximately €300 - €800 pcm and travel allowances (Fahrtkosten). You may arrange your own Ausbildung provider and then inform the BA in order for the finances to be taken care of i.e. ALG1 etc.

Note: In order for you to finance training utilising your Enhanced Learning Credits with German providers, they (the providers) must first be registered with ELCAS. Contact ELCAS for more information www.enhancedlearningcredits.co.uk - You can use other elements of your Resettlement Grant in Germany, which your IERO will be glad to brief you on. 7

The Goethe-Zertifikat C2: Großes Deutsches Sprachdiplom

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Other Training Courses          

Bundesinstitut für Berufsbildung - www.bibb.de Courses/aviation - http://www.gaetan-data.com/ Das Weiterbildungsinformations-system - www.wis.ihk.de Deutschen Angestellten-Akademie - www.daa-bw.de Deutscher Volkshochschul-Verband - www.dvv-vhs.de Driving instructor - http://www.verkehrs-institut.de/ Gardening - www.landwirtschaftskammer.de Logistics courses - www.dekra-akademie.de – www.va-online.de Security - http://work2live.de/ Various courses - http://www.tuev-nord.de/SID-A747E7C5999A222B/de/bildung/SEMINARE_UND_LEHRGAeNGE_895.htm

Accreditation of UK Qualifications For the reasons mentioned above it is sometimes problematic for German employers / organisations to understand and accept other methods / types of learning / qualifications. It’s not difficult to have your UK (or overseas) civilian qualifications recognised or accredited in Germany: Generally Degrees, school qualifications and licences will map across without too much bother:  http://www.bamf.de/DE/Willkommen/ArbeitBeruf/Anerkennung/anerkennungnode.html;jsessionid=098AC2B5C893462ED2700AE986F19C6B.1_cid294  Accreditation of your school qualifications http://www.wissenschaft.nrw.de/fileadmin/Medien/Dokumente/Studium/Bewerben/Anerke nnung_im_ausland_erworbener_Qualifikationen_01.pdf  NARIC http://www.enic-naric.net/index.aspx?c=Germany Most vocational certificates however (e.g. C&G, NVQ etc.8) are not formally recognised in Germany without professional recognition (Anerkennung). Since new regulations in 2012 the process has been considerably simplified and the accreditation and recognition procedures for vocational qualifications are far more straightforward now. Generally speaking full apprenticeship accreditation requires evidence of 8 months academic experience (certificates) and 18 months vocational experience (write-ups, references etc.). For all (vocational) trades that normally require an apprenticeship (Gesellenbrief) - you will need to arrange an interview with your local Industrie- und Handelskammer (IHK) or your local Handwerkskammer. They will advise as necessary as to whether your qualifications, profile, write-ups, references etc. can be accredited (Bescheid über Gleichwertigkeit) either as fully accredited (gleichwertig) or partially accredited (teilweise gleichwertig), with advice on how to achieve full accreditation. Subject to initial advice during the interview, the process then requires your paperwork being sent to an industry expert, who will inspect and confirm the accreditation, and supply you with confirmatory certification. The process currently cost €420 and takes approximately 3 months.     

8

Anerkennung in Deutschland http://www.anerkennung-in-deutschland.de/html/de/ Informationsportal fϋr Ausländische Berufsqualifikationen https://www.bq-portal.de/ Industrie –und Handelskammer (Foreign Skills Approval) http://www.ihk-fosa.de/ Bundesministeriums fϋr Bildung und Forschung http://www.bmbf.de/de/15644.php Handwerkskammer Ostwestfalen-lippe zu Bielefeld http://handwerk-owl.de/de/

The original or the translated certificates can still be useful to demonstrate knowledge to potential employers.

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Do not automatically assume that you have to have all of your certificates / references etc. translated; IHK for example are quite content to deal with original transcripts. Although with regards to personal references the (expensive) cost may be worth the positive impact to a potential employer. If it is necessary to have documentation translated your local Amtsgericht can normally provide you with a list of professionally accredited local translators.

Note: When attempting to translate your ‘trade’ apply caution and ideally seek expert advice as certain qualifications sound very similar but are in fact quite far apart on the academic scale. An English Diploma does not automatically equate to a German Diplom i.e. you may be an engineer but to give yourself a post- or pre-nominal professional title (Berufsbezeichnung) as an Ingenieur (Ing.) in Germany you will typically be the holder of Incorporated Engineer (IEng) or have European Engineer (EUR ING) status and have a level 4/5 qualification (HNC/HND) in Engineering. Similarly a Diplom-Ingenieur (Dipl.-Ing.) will typically hold Chartered Engineer (CEng) status and have graduated with at least BSc/BEng (Bachelor’s Degree in Science or Engineering) or more likely MSc/MEng (Master’s Degree in Science or Engineering). If you would like to know which German trade is the equivalent to yours http://berufenet.arbeitsagentur.de/berufe/index.jsp this type of confusion can lead to misunderstandings during any job application process.

Pensions, Tax & Financial Management It is advisable to employ the services of a good tax / pension advisor, who specialises in international finances / taxes (they cost approx. €80+ per hour); King & Mayr GmbH & Co.KG are a company that regularly attend our awareness and resettlement events, and are experts in tax and legal regulations for Germany. They are contactable via the following means +49 (0)2451 910500 or [email protected] http://www.easystaygermany.com/ alternatively you can: 

Speak to your bank (e.g. Sparkasse); they are keen to sell you their products but can also be a very good source of advice for German pension information.  



HM Revenue & Customs (If you are emigrating to a foreign country and would like advice on tax implications for your assets, e.g. pension, rent etc. there is plenty of information on the following websites:   

 

www.sparkasse.de www.ihre-vorsorge.de

www.hmrc.gov.uk/ www.gov.uk/state-pension-if-you-retire-abroad www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-for-work-pensions

St. James’s Place Wealth Management for officers, entrepreneurs or business owners. From overseas +44 (0)118 9034700 www.sjpp.co.uk/andybarden/ For military pensions advice contact Forces Pensions Society +44 (0)207 8209988 or [email protected] www.forcespensionsociety.org/

To answer some common questions about military pensions: 

Immediate pensions (monthly payments paid by Equiniti Paymaster - the Armed Forces Pension paying agent) can be paid either to UK and Germany and cannot be split between the 2 countries

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





If you decide to have your pension paid into your German account it is paid at the commercial rate in use on the day the money is transferred. The amount in Euros will therefore have monthly variations. If you decide to have your pension paid into your German account it is possible that you may be able to get full tax relief on your forces pension if you are both a National and a resident of Germany. Although Germany has a (Doppelbesteuerungsabkommen) agreement with other countries, including the UK meaning they cannot tax you on income that is already taxed in another land (i.e. at source), you are advised to seek the advice of a Tax Advisor who specialises in international taxation (Steuerberater mit der Spezialisierung ‘internationales Steuerrecht’) in order to discuss your personal circumstances. It is possible that the financial impact of your pension, in addition to any other incomes / salaries may have implications on your local tax code.

Most of the working population (Angestellter/in or Arbeitnehmer/in) in Germany employ the professional services of a financial advisor at least once a year, to (re)calculate their annual contributions and any likely reimbursements etc. If however you want to work for yourself (Selbständig) or wish to work in a professionally qualified industry as a Doctor, lawyer, Consultant or Teacher etc. then you will have the professional / legal status of a Freiberufler/in, and are obligated to abide by different regulations. For this you will definitely require expert advice. The following websites may be of assistance to you:   

Verienigte Lohnsteurhilfe http://www.vlh.de/content/index_html.htm Bundeszentralamt fϋr Steuern http://www.finanzamt.de/ Bund der Steuerzahler Deutschland http://www.steuerzahler.de

Health Insurance A free Health Service doesn’t exist in Germany, which means there is a legal requirement for you to be insured. Health insurance can be completely straightforward or extremely tricky. It always depends on the individual case; therefore all information given should only be taken as general guidelines. http://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gesetzliche_Krankenversicherung. There are two types of insurance – Statutory or regulation (gesetzliche Krankenversicherung - GKV) www.gkv.info and Private (private Krankenversicherung - PKV) http://www.pkv.de/, and there are several options available to you: 





GKV through employment – Standard route upon finding employment as an employee (Arbeitnehmer or Angestellter) on the German net, your employer will deal with all health insurance matters for you. They will ordinarily have a preferred insurance provider, or will ask you which insurance you would like to be insured with (e.g. AOK, BEK or IKK etc.). Your contributions will be automatically deducted from your salary (approx. 7.5% of your salary), with your employer matching your contribution. Versichert über Familienversicherung - If your partner is in full-time employment on the German system you may be covered as a dependant to another entitled / insured person. In order to be eligible to be covered by a spouse’s insurance, the financial amount of other forms of income cannot exceed either €395 pcm or a mini-job salary at €450 pcm. Income is described as, and includes pensions, and any rental remuneration. This will clearly affect all of those SLs that have completed a full career and / or are in receipt of an immediate pension (assuming it exceeds €395 pcm). Arbeitslosigkeit - If for some reason you are on benefits, your health insurance may be covered through the local authority paying the benefits.

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 



Training – If you on an apprenticeship program the company you are apprenticing with is responsible for your insurance. PKV - There are private health insurance companies and the gesetzliche insurance companies offer additional private packages as well. The regulations are very complicated and you are advised to carry out a lot of research before making a final decision. Please make sure that if you sign a contract you can get out of it if your circumstances change. Private health insurance might be relatively inexpensive at the outset however your premiums will increase as you age, and it is not always easy or possible to revert to gesetzliche insurance just when it suits your circumstances. Residual S1 Card – As of 01 July 2014 no new S1s will be issued, but current S1s will be honoured until their original run-out date. The changes should not affect people who already hold a residual S1, or if you are a worker seconded to Germany or the family member of someone making UK national insurance contributions i.e. NAAFI personnel, or personnel of state pensionable age. Additionally some types of long-term disability benefits may entitle you.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/expathealth/10628246/NHS-axes-free-health-care-for-expats.html http://www.nhs.uk/NHSEngland/Healthcareabroad/movingabroad/Pages/residual-S1-forms-for-earlyretirees.aspx 

Versicherung für Nichtversicherte – This is for individuals not covered via any of the standard routes i.e. unemployed but not receiving benefits, freiberuflich, or self-employed9 etc. This can be expensive and therefore it is better to find out early what option is best for you.

Note: If you are aged 55 or older and have never had German health insurance you will not automatically be eligible for gesetzliche Versicherung and may require Private. However, the Versicherung für Nichtversicherte can be a means to get you insured with a gesetzliche Krankenkasse, depending on the individual cases. There are also additional regulations when operating freelance / self-employed or earning a higher salary (> €52.20010,11).

Note: Read here for comprehensive expat information http://www.expertsforexpats.com/expatnews/other-news/british-expats-could-have-free-nhs-treatment-rights-restored/

Training & Support – Career Transition Partnership As a Service leaver settling in Germany you will face other challenges than those of your colleagues and preparation may differ slightly, but with some self-determination, and support from CTP it doesn’t have to be difficult. 





The Career Transition Workshop (CTW) offers you a unique opportunity to learn a lot about yourself, your transferable skills and your unique selling points. 99% of the 3 day workshop you will be able to use in any country in the world, it doesn’t matter what language or qualifying process they use. An online recruitment and job search site specifically for Service leavers called RightJob, offering national, European and world-wide roles https://www.ctp.org.uk/rj-instructions all complimented by a comprehensive website offering lots of information & guidance on all of your transition and resettlement queries www.ctp.org.uk Employment Fairs, Industry Events and other useful workshops and courses catering for Service leavers settling in Germany and Europe.

9

Freelance – not necessarily obliged to be covered however PAYG can be expensive As at 2013 11 This sum does not normally include military pensions or other non – salary incomes 10

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



 

Vocational and academic training courses many of which offer internationally recognised qualifications or offer you the opportunity to enhance your professional and personal development. UK CV building tools and other workshops; you will undoubtedly need to produce an English CV – It’s not only an opportunity to get all your information set out in your mother tongue but there are also plenty of international organisations within Germany, whose vacancies require UK CVs. German CV Writing (Bewerbungstraining) Workshop and 1:1 support for creating your German CV. A resettlement centre in Germany: Resettlement Centre Germany Building 85 Normandy Barracks Sennelager BFPO 16 Civ: 004952549825464 or Mil: 79 5464 Email: [email protected]

Feedback The information provided in this guide has been collated over many years and from many different professional and individual sources. It is constantly reviewed and updated, but in part also relies on feedback from Service leavers’ experiences, so please feel free to inform the ERM, by emailing [email protected] of your experiences, any inaccuracies in the guide, or any new regulations that may impact other personnel. We are always looking for articles, stories, jobs, employer contacts, general tips and more from Service leavers settling in Germany. Please let me know if you are interested and we see how we can use the information.

Other Help & Support Royal British Legion  

http://www.britishlegion.org.uk/ http://www.rblgermany.org/

German Beratungsstellen There are lots of local organisations that can help you with all kinds of problems: legal, immigration, unemployment, benefits, debts, children/family etc. Their help is free and they are mostly government or church funded. For more information please speak to your local authorities or use the internet.

Business & Economic News in English 

http://www.spiegel.de/international/business/



http://www.einnews.com/germany/newsfeed-germany-business

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Living & Working in Germany – Useful Governmental Links 

http://www.bundesregierung.de/Webs/Breg/EN/FederalGovernment/_node.html



http://www.bamf.de/DE/Startseite/startseite-node.html - Immigration/German government site



http://www.einbuergerung.de/26_122.htm - Immigration/German government site



www.bmwa.bund.de - Bundesministerium für Wirtschaft und Arbeit; Lots of information on Germany - Federal Ministry of Economics and Labour



http://www.bmg.bund.de/ - Bundesministerium für Gesundheit und Soziale Sicherung



http://www.london.diplo.de/Vertretung/london/en/01/Living__and__Working/Living__work ing__Germany__Unterbereich.html - German Embassy London – Information for Immigrants



http://ec.europa.eu/citizensrights/front_end/index_en.htm



www.bccg.de – British Chamber of Commerce in Germany



www.germanbritishchamber.co.uk German- British Chamber of Commerce



http://europa.eu/eu-life/index_en.htm - European Public Employment Service



http://ec.europa.eu/eures/ EURES Living and working in Europe



http://www.bmas.de/DE/Startseite/start.html - Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs

Living & Working in Germany – Other Useful Links 

http://www.toytowngermany.com/ - English language community



http://www.howtogermany.com/ - Information for Immigrants



http://www.escapeartist.com/jobs/overseas1.htm



www.justlanded.com



www.expatica.com



http://www.transitionsabroad.com/



http://www.tatsachen-ueber-deutschland.de/389.0.html - Information on Germany



www.deutschland.de



www.magazine-deutschland.de

Forum

for

politics,

culture

and

business,

Lots

of

information on Germany, national and international news

German Newspapers  

http://www.zeitungen.de/ http://www.zeitungendeutschland.com/ All newspapers in Germany (most with online access)

English / German Dictionary 

http://dict.leo.org/

Jobs on the military net Page 18 of 20



http://www.labourdesk.com/



http://www.vqtrust.org.uk/ - NVQ Assessor



www.civilianjobs.mod.uk



MSF – Military Support Function



www.jobsatnaafi.co.uk – NAAFI jobs



http://odin.aafes.com/employment/WorkingAtAAFESHome.html US Army



Questhttp://www.questonline.co.uk/



http://www.bfgnet.de/- BFG net website

Networking & Leisure For networking opportunities, language improvement or just for socialising / hobby reasons, why not join a local club / team ideally doing something you enjoy such as:   

Hunting http://www.jagdverband.de/ Fishing http://angelnindeutschland.de/angelvereine.html Shooting http://www.dsb.de/dsb/landesverbaende/

Alternatively get involved with the local community by joining the Anglo-German Club or the Deutsch-Britische Gesellschaft  

http://www.debrige.de/ www.britishgermanassociation.org

Join the Army Reserves (based in Germany) 412 Amphibious Engineer Troop (V) are the only Army Reserve Unit based in Germany. They are formally part of 75 Engineer Regiment (UK-based) and have recently moved from Hameln to Minden. The primary role of the troop is to provide an Amphibious Bridging and Ferrying capability using the M3 Amphibian. Most members of the troop will be trained as Military Engineers; however there are also important roles for REME mechanics and qualified Chefs. No former military service is required and all training will be conducted and arranged by the Troop. If you do have military experience it will be taken into consideration and could enhance your basic pay. You will be paid for every day you attend and can receive an annual Tax Free bounty of up to £1641. 412 Tp (V) are made up of people from all different backgrounds and Cap badges, some have vast military experience and others have vast civilian knowledge, this seems to work incredibly well within the troop as each member learns a new skill from another. The troop normally parades once every 2 weeks, all weekend activities are varied ranging from Basic Military Skills and Engineering which include Weapon Training, First Aid, Map Reading, Infantry Skills, Demolitions, Bridging and using the M3 Amphibian vehicle. We also carry out adventure training weekends such as Skiing, Battlefield Tours or Parachuting. Members of the troop have also deployed to various parts of the world including Iraq, Afghanistan, South Africa, Cyprus, Kenya, Belize and most recently America. If you participate or are interested in any sporting activity you will also be eligible to represent the Regiment and possibly the Army.

Page 19 of 20

If you have any further questions please feel free to contact the troop: Permanent Staff Instructor (PSI) 412 Tp, 75 Engr Regt, Herzog-von-Braunschweig Kaserne, Minden Civ: (+49) 0571 95190384 Mob: (+49) 0172 2593001 DII(F): 75ENGR-412-TpPSI Email: [email protected]

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