Working in Frankfurt

Frankfurt has been a popular expat destination for decades. Its major drawcard is its thriving economy and the opportunities it provides for ambitious professionals. 

Working in Frankfurt is certainly not for the faint of heart. New arrivals are expected to work hard and efficiently to prove their worth. Their hard work is usually rewarded with great salaries and the excellent standard of living that Frankfurt is known for. 

Job market in Frankfurt

Frankfurt is the financial, commercial and industrial capital of Germany and, along with Paris and London, one of the major banking and financial centres of Europe. The city is home to more than 400 banks and financial institutions, as well as the Frankfurt Stock Exchange – the largest in Germany.

Major names in finance with large operations in Frankfurt include Deutsche Bank, JPMorgan Chase, Goldman Sachs, Credit Suisse, UBS, KPMG, PwC, and Deloitte. The city is also home to two important central banks, namely the European Central Bank and the German Federal Bank.

The aviation industry is another prominent employer in Frankfurt. Frankfurt International Airport is one of the world's busiest airports and the single largest place of work in Germany, employing more than 70,000 people. Other major employers in the aviation industry include Lufthansa, Condor and Fraport. 

Frankfurt is also home to Germany's highest concentration of lawyers. As a result, most of the world's large international law firms maintain offices in the city, including Allen & Overy, Baker McKenzie, Clifford Chance, Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer, Linklaters and Norton Rose Fulbright. 

Useful links

• German Federal Employment Agency

Finding a job in Frankfurt

Such a high-profile work environment means expats should prepare for a competitive, professional, fast-paced experience. Most expats work in the financial, banking and business industries, and most often for international employers that are building their presence in Germany. Many are relocated by companies they have worked for previously or are headhunted, so relevant experience and good qualifications are vital when applying for positions in the city. 

If you're trying to find work in Frankfurt, you can start by using online sources for some useful insights into the types of jobs available in the city. Those looking for work in niche industries will benefit from networking and building relationships with those already in their field in Frankfurt. 

Speaking German is not a prerequisite for many jobs in Frankfurt, but some knowledge of the local language will certainly be beneficial if you're hoping to pursue a successful career in the city. It will improve business interactions and smooth out social dealings. Ideally, German lessons should be taken before arrival in Frankfurt.

Expats from non-EU countries and some newer EU-member states must have a work visa to commence employment in Frankfurt. This can be applied for at the German consulate in your home country. EU nationals have the advantage of not requiring a work permit in Frankfurt.

Useful links

• English Jobs Germany
• Stepstone 
• Xing

Work culture in Frankfurt

The work culture in Germany's commercial hub is somewhat conservative. If you want to be successful and make a good impression in the local workplace, you will need to understand and incorporate elements of German business culture into your practices. 

Business culture in Germany is generally formal, and efficiency in the workplace is paramount. Time is money, so being punctual is important. Once the meeting begins, Germans get straight down to business and there's little room for small talk.

Punctuality and appearance are critical, so you should dress well and arrive at meetings fully prepared and on time. It's best to avoid humour, especially at first, as it can be misconstrued. You should also expect to be asked detailed questions and have facts and figures on hand to back up what is being presented.

Germans are typically private and maintain a strict separation between work and home life, so it may take some time to forge more personal relationships with colleagues.