Visas, job hunting, housing and everything else you need before you relocate.
Relocating to Germany from Australia is increasingly popular — particularly among skilled workers in tech, engineering and healthcare. Here is what you need to know.
Visa Options
Australians under 35 can apply for a Working Holiday Visa. For skilled workers, the Skilled Immigration Act (Fachkräfteeinwanderungsgesetz) has made it significantly easier since 2020.
Working Holiday Visa (Working Holiday-Visum)
If you are an Australian citizen aged 18 to 35, Germany's Working Holiday Visa is the most straightforward entry point. It allows you to live and work in Germany for up to 12 months. Key details include:
- You must apply at the German Consulate in Sydney, Melbourne, or Perth before departing Australia
- You can work for any employer, but employment with a single employer is limited to six months
- No job offer is required before you apply
- Proof of funds (approximately AUD 3,000) and travel insurance are required
Skilled Worker Visa (Fachkräftevisum)
The reformed Skilled Immigration Act now recognises a broader range of Australian qualifications, making it easier for tradespeople, engineers, nurses, and IT professionals to move permanently. For a full breakdown of your options, see our guide to German visas for Australians.
| Visa Type | Requirement | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Working Holiday Visa | Age 18–35, Australian passport | 12 months |
| Skilled Worker Visa | Recognised qualification or degree | Up to 4 years |
| Job Seeker Visa (Jobsuchervisum) | Degree plus six months' savings | 6 months |
Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte)
Introduced in 2024, the Chancenkarte lets qualified Australians move to Germany to search for work using a points-based system, even without a confirmed job offer.
Working Holiday Visa (Arbeitsurlaubsvisum)
If you are an Australian citizen aged 18 to 35, the Working Holiday Visa is often the easiest first step to living and working in Germany. It allows you to stay in Germany for up to 12 months, with the option to work for any employer during that time — though no single employer can hold you for more than six months. Read our complete guide to the German Working Holiday Visa from Australia for step-by-step application advice.
- You must apply at the German Consulate in your home state (Sydney, Melbourne, or Perth)
- You need to show proof of sufficient funds — generally around AUD 2,500 to cover initial costs
- A return flight or proof of onward travel is typically required
- Health insurance valid in Germany is mandatory for the entire stay
- You can only apply for this visa once in your lifetime
Many Australians use the Working Holiday Visa as a trial run, testing life in Germany before committing to a longer-term visa pathway.
Skilled Worker Visa (Fachkräftevisum)
Since the introduction of the Skilled Immigration Act in 2020 — and significant updates in 2023 — Germany has actively opened its doors to qualified workers from non-EU countries, including Australia. If you hold a recognised university degree or formal vocational qualification, you may be eligible. Our guide to working in Germany as an Australian covers everything from job searching to contracts and workplace culture.
Key Requirements at a Glance
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Qualification recognition | Your Australian degree or trade certificate must be recognised by anabin or a German authority |
| Job offer | In most cases you will need a confirmed job offer. Once you have one, it also helps to brush up on your German — even a basic level makes a strong impression on employers. Our German for beginners guide is a great starting point. |
If you are planning to study rather than work, you may also want to explore studying in Germany as an Australian, which covers tuition fees, university applications, and student visas.
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B1 German / Beginner Swiss German
An Australian who learned German to B1 level without living in Germany — navigating the same lack of local resources that most Australian learners face. Currently learning Swiss German. This site is the resource I wished had existed when I started.
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