Can I work in Germany as an EU citizen without applying for a work permit?
November 2, 2022 | 50,00 EUR | answered by Leonie Eiserfelder
Dear lawyer,
My name is Chloé Buchner and I am a EU citizen. I recently moved my residence to Germany and would like to work here. I have heard that EU citizens are allowed to work in Germany without having to apply for a specific work permit. Is that true? Or are there certain restrictions or conditions that I need to be aware of?
I am currently searching for employment in Germany and want to ensure that I comply with all legal regulations. I have heard that it may be necessary to present a registration certificate or a residence permit in order to work legally in Germany. I am unsure if I need any other documents or permissions.
My biggest concern is that I may be working without a valid work permit and thus face legal consequences or issues with the authorities. Therefore, I want to make sure that I take all necessary steps to work legally in Germany.
Could you please confirm if I, as a EU citizen, am allowed to work in Germany without having to apply for a specific work permit? If so, what documents or permissions are required to work legally? Are there any specific formalities that I need to be aware of?
Thank you in advance for your help and support with this important issue.
Sincerely,
Chloé Buchner
Dear Mrs. Buchner,
Thank you for your inquiry regarding your work as an EU citizen in Germany. In principle, it is correct that EU citizens are allowed to work in Germany without having to apply for a special work permit. This regulation is based on the freedom of movement within the European Union and applies to all EU citizens, regardless of their nationality.
To work in Germany, you only need to be able to present a valid ID card or passport. It is generally not necessary to apply for a special work permit or to have a residence permit. As an EU citizen, you are free to move in Germany and engage in employment.
However, there are some formal steps you need to follow in order to work legally in Germany. First of all, you should register with the local registration office within three months of your arrival in Germany. There you will receive a registration certificate, which serves as proof of your stay in Germany. This registration certificate is often requested by employers to ensure that you are legally staying in Germany.
Furthermore, it is advisable to apply for a tax number in order to properly declare your income. You can contact the local tax office for this. Additionally, you should ensure that you comply with all legal regulations regarding working hours, minimum wage, social insurance, and occupational safety.
Overall, you should make sure that you can present all necessary documents such as ID card, registration certificate, and tax number in order to work legally in Germany. If you follow these formalities and adhere to the applicable laws, you should not have to fear any legal consequences.
I hope this information helps you and I am available for any further questions. Good luck with your job search and your work in Germany!
Sincerely,
Leonie Eiserfelder, Attorney at Law
