Working in Munich

If you’re looking to work in Munich, you will likely face stiff competition in the job market. Munich has a high standard of education and many excellent academic institutions, which means residents are often highly qualified and skilled. This, coupled with a focused work ethic, is the driving force behind the city’s many thriving and innovative industries.

Core sectors include information and communication technology, automotive engineering, aerospace, life sciences and finance, while the media and publishing sector is claimed to be the largest in Europe.

Medical engineering, environmental technology, nanotechnology, and measurement and control systems are secondary to these but are rapidly developing. Service industries, tourism, retail, and trade also make a smaller but significant contribution to the city’s success as an economic powerhouse.

Job market in Munich

Although the Bavarian capital boasts one of Germany’s lowest unemployment rates year-on-year, it does not mean that finding a job and working in Munich will be easy for expats. This is especially the case since the country’s immigration laws have been tightened to protect local jobs.

Unless you’re highly qualified or can prove you’ll make a significant entrepreneurial impact on the local market, you may find that the job market in Munich can be challenging. That said, if you’re successful, you’ll find that working in Munich pays well and offers benefits such as subsidies for childcare, housing, and travel.

Munich’s main business hub is in the city centre, while industrial areas are mostly found on its outskirts and in the surrounding countryside. Luckily, commuting to work isn’t usually a problem as public transport in Munich is efficient, punctual, and accessible from almost anywhere in the city. Those who intend to drive should try to avoid the heavy congestion of the city’s peak-hour traffic.

The average working week is less than 40 hours, although this may not always be the case, especially if you’re in a high-profile position. Annual paid leave is normally between 18 and 30 days, depending on the company, and workers are entitled to six weeks of paid sick leave, after which health insurance covers a portion of the person’s salary.

Maternity and paternity leave is also generous, particularly for mothers, who sometimes receive leave periods of up to three years. They don’t draw a salary during this time but may return to work once the agreed period is over. This arrangement isn’t mandatory for expats, but it’s often granted and worth discussing with a potential employer.

For self-employed expats, the German Chamber of Industry and Commerce has offices all around the world and can give advice on starting a business in Munich.

Useful links

• German Chamber of Industry and Commerce
• Make It In Munich

Finding a job in Munich

Many expats move to Munich with a confirmed job offer in hand. Major companies tend to headhunt employees from abroad for positions that can’t be filled by the local German labour force.

For those who aren’t lucky enough to have been recruited in advance, several channels can be used to help in the hunt for a job. It is wise to try to contact specialist recruitment companies before moving to Germany – these professionals can offer great insights into the type of jobs available in a particular field.

Online job portals are also a good source of information. Once in Munich, you can consult the job listings in local newspapers for information on vacancies. Company websites also regularly list vacancies.

Expats who are not EU citizens must ensure they have a valid work permit to work in Munich.

Useful links

• Hays
• XING
• Experteer

Work culture in Munich

Business culture in Germany, in general, is formal, and efficiency in the workplace is paramount. Time is money, so being punctual is important. Once the meeting begins, Germans get straight 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 to back up your presentation.

Although most Germans speak good English, many prefer to speak German during business negotiations, so we recommend hiring a translator for key meetings if you can’t speak the language. Newcomers to Munich will find that Germans are private and maintain a strict separation between work and home life, so it will take time to forge more personal relationships with colleagues.