Frequently asked Questions
Here we will answer the most common questions about our programs
FAQ Acaluna
Would you like to move to Germany but you are overwhelmed by all the rules, forms and information that is out there? No problem we got you covered. Here you will find answers to the most frequent questions that our candidates ask us. If you can’t find your answer here, don’t hesitate to contact us!
General Questions
Yes, our service is completely free for you. That is because we are contracted by German companies that want to hire young professionals from all over the world. You only have to cover your own costs during the application process (eg visa fee, language certificate and the flight to Germany).
Many people want to come to Germany but only a few make it. That is because German is a difficult language and many struggle with all the bureaucratic papers they have to fill out.
Acaluna was founded to promote international mobility. Our employees have firsthand experience with the problems and obstacles that can arise when moving to a new country, that’s why we can help you to not experience the same problems. We are committed to ensuring that our talents do not have to navigate this path alone, therefore we will assist you in every step of the job and visa application.
As a German company, we understand the demands of German businesses and the bureaucratic hurdles along the way. That’s why we can communicate with your future German employer on the same level. We support all of our talents on their journey to Germany and also provide assistance after their arrival in the country. Every candidate of Acaluna will be provided with a personal contact in Germany that will assist him with any questions or problems that he faces.
And maybe the most important of all: our service is free for our candidates. We are paid only by your future employer.
- Great motivation to start a new life in Germany
- German skills of at least A2
- At least 18 years old
- Interest in the respective profession or education
- Basic knowledge about Germany
- Qualities such as punctuality, ambition, and sincerity
- Willingness to adapt to a new living environment
- No criminal record
Yes, in order to participate in our programs you need to speak at least A2 level of German. This is due to the fact that most companies still only use German for their internal communication.
To apply we will need a copy of your passport, a CV as well as school certificates or diploma from your studies. If you already speak German we need proof in form of a valid language certificate (like Goethe or Telc). We require these documents from all applicants.
This depends from the desired job (Ausbildung or Blue Card). For example, the German Ausbildung usually starts in autumn every year (August/September) so applications can be sent until march in order to begin the Ausbildung the same year.
If you already have an academic degree that is recognized in Germany, you could work with the Blue Card. Theoretically, you can start also during the year. However be advised, that in any case we need your full documentation and you need to have at least B1 level of German. If you don’t speak German yet you will have to learn it first. This can take up to 10 or 12 months if you learn it full-time.
Yes, if you apply with Acaluna and your application is accepted you will be provided with a personal contact person in Germany. This person will help you with any question or inconvenience that you may face.
Of course. If you apply with Acaluna, first we will review your application and your CV. In the next step we will reach out to companies in Germany where your profile could match. After presenting your CV to the company, we will organize an online job interview. There you will get to know the company and ask everything that you want to know. If both parties agree, the contract will be prepared. Only then you can sign the contract.
No, we only offer jobs that require you to move to Germany and live here.
We are offering mainly jobs in the industrial sector. Amongst our jobs are offer for Ausbildung programs in Germany or positions for skilled workers. You can find a full overview of our current jobs opening on our Career page.
If you don’t find your desired job there you can still fill out our application form. If we have a matching job offer we will automatically inform you.
If you work full time in Germany, the average working week is between 36 and 40 hours. The typical working hours are from monday to thursday from 8am to 5pm (with usually one hour lunch break). On friday. some companies have reduced working hours, for example from 8am to 3pm.
Some jobs mainly in production come with shift work. This means you work either during the day, afternoon or night. In order to compensate for the different working schedule you get additional holidays. Also you will receive shift work surcharges during afternoon, night and weekend.
If you work full time the annual minimum legal holiday entitlement is 24 days in Germany. However, most companies offer up to 30 days of paid holiday.
No, Acaluna is only recruiting international professionals and candidates for the German Ausbildung.
In both scenarios you will get an employment contract directly with a German company. Also the company is paying us for this service.
This depends on the type of your visa in Germany. In some cases it is possible to bring spouses, minor children and parents of minor children to Germany.
However you have to have a secure residence status and you have to prove that you can provide for your family. Your spouse also has to have basic German skills.
You can find more information on this complex topic on this government website.
We are a nationwide company, our clients are based in whole Germany. Therefore we have to offer jobs in all parts of Germany. During your application process we will ask you about your regional preferences. However, most of the jobs are located outside the famous big cities so if you are flexible about the region or town your chances of getting a job are a lot higher.
Acaluna has a cooperation with a big german health insurance company. That way we can directly provide you with a health insurance that you need for your visa appointment in the embassy.
Blue Card
Academic professionals will need to earn at least €45.300 per year before taxes in order to qualify for a Blue Card. However, there are certain benefits when your job is a shortage occupation (“Mangelberuf”).
If you work in one of the following areas, you only need to earn €41.041,80 per year before taxes to get a blue card:
- All STEM-jobs like Engineers, Mathematicians, Doctors, Nurses with an academic degree
- IT-specialists like Programmers and Developers
The same lower threshold also applies if you graduated less than 3 years ago.
All foreign university degrees that have been recognized so far are listed on the official anabin-database (website is in German). There you find information about your university and your degree. Both must be recognized in order for you to work in Germany as a professional. This means, your university must be listed as an H+ or H+/- institution.
If your university is listed you further have to check if your specific degree is listed. Here it is important to check that the spelling is exactly the same. Your degree must be listed as “Entspricht” or “Gleichwertig” in order to be fully recognized.
If you can’t find your degree or your university don’t worry. This just means that your degree hasn’t been recognized yet. In this case you can apply for your degree to be recognized. The process is called Zeugnisbewertung. This process will take a few weeks and will cost €200. You need to submit your academic transcripts, your university certificate and any other documents that depend on each country. You find more information on the official website.
If you fulfill the requirements for the Blue Card you can apply directly with Acaluna. Just fill out our application form. In the form just choose the option “Ich möchte als Fachkraft (blaue Karte) arbeiten.” and enter your desired job. Please note that the desired job must be related to your university degree.
Please upload any certificates (language certificate, diploma etc.) that you already have in order to speed up the application process.
If you meet all the requirements and have all the needed documentation at hand, the process usually takes up to three months. However, if you’re missing some documents, you’re university degree has not been recognized yet or you first need to learn German, the process might take up to one year.
Theoretically you don’t need a certain language level in order to get a Blue Card. However, the companies that Acaluna works with, highly appreciate at least some basic German skills (B1 or higher). Therefore, it’s only possible to apply for a Blue Card with Acaluna if you speak at least B1-level.
If you fulfill the requirements but only lack the German skills don’t worry, you can still contact us and we will help you organize a language course first.
Ausbildung in Germany
The so called dual training is the typical German vocational training. It combines theoretical classes in the vocational school (Berufsschule) with practical work in a company. That way you can directly implement the skills that you learned in school in a practical enviroment.
This depends on your profession and school. There are generally two types of dual training:
- Part-time school: You work 3 to 4 days in the company and attend school for one or two days during the week (same schedule every week).
- Block classes: You work in the company 5 days a week and only attend school at certain times. When you attend school it is usually for 3 or 4 weeks at once. After each block you will continue working in the company.
During the Ausbildung you will earn between €900 and €1200 per month in your first year. With every year of your Ausbildung the salary will increase. After you finish your Ausbildung you can work as a normal professional in Germany, therefore you will earn way more than that.
The duration of the Ausbildung depends on the specific job. Some programs only take 2 years other take 3,5 years. We always list the duration of the ausbildung in the job offer.
Starting your career with an Ausbildung in Germany is the perfect way to get to know the German work environment while also learning all the needed skills for your profession. During the Ausbildung you will visit the Berufsschule (vocational school) where you will have time to also study more German and learn all the job-related vocabulary.
Yes, during vocational school there will be exams. However, you will be prepared by the school and by your company. At the end of each Ausbildung there is a final exam that you have to pass. But don’t worry, you could also repeat it 2 times.
If you successfully complete your Ausbildung you will receive an official German degree. This allows you to extend your stay and work as a professional worker (Fachkraft).
If you had good grades during your Ausbildung usually the company offers you a new employment contract for the time after.
About Germany
In 2023, the minimum salary in Germany is €12,41 per hour. However, there are exceptions to this. For example during an Ausbildung, the employer doesn’t have to pay the minimum wage. You will rather receive a fixed salary between €900 and €1200 per month.
The sector that employs the most people in Germany is the service sector. According to statistics, more than 70% of German workers are employed in this sector, which includes areas such as commerce, tourism, health and education.
The most sought-after professions in Germany include engineers, information technology specialists, doctors, nurses, healthcare professionals, IT professionals and renewable energy specialists. However, due to demographic change, there are job opportunities in almost every sector.
Generally, cities in East Germany like Leipzig, Dresden and Essen are associated with lower cost of living. At contrast, cities like Munich, Frankfurt and Berlin are amongst the most expensive cities in Germany.
Freiburg im Breisgau, located in the southwest of Germany, is generally considered to be one of the warmest cities in the country, with relatively hot summers compared to other German regions.
Although it is possible to find jobs in Germany where knowledge of German is not strictly necessary, having fluency in the German language significantly increases your chances of employment and integration into German society. In big companies or the IT sector it might be possible to get along with only English. However in other areas, usually a minimum level of B1 is required.
If you want to apply with Acaluna however, German skills are a must have.
To look for a job in Germany, it’s essential to start with an online search on job sites such as Bundesagentur für Arbeit, Indeed, LinkedIn, and Glassdoor, where you can find a wide range of available vacancies. They offer you a brief overview of available jobs and requirements that must be fulfilled.
If you apply with Acaluna, we will take care of this step and forward your application directly to German companies and organize online interviews.
Life in Germany can be considered relatively expensive, but this depends on several factors, including the city you live in and your lifestyle. Some of the main expenses to consider include:
- Housing: The cost of housing can be high, especially in metropolitan cities such as Munich, Frankfurt and Berlin. Rent represents a large part of the monthly expenses for most people.
- Food: Food prices can vary, but in general Germany offers a variety of options, from affordable supermarkets to restaurants for all budgets.
- Transport: Public transport is efficient in Germany, but costs can vary depending on the city and the type of transport used. Owning a car can be expensive due to insurance, fuel and maintenance costs.
- Health: The German health system is mandatory for everyone. The fee for it will be automatically be deducted from your monthly paycheck.
- Education: Public education in Germany is generally free at basic and higher education levels.
- Leisure and Entertainment: Leisure costs, such as going out for dinner, attending sporting or cultural events, can vary, but are generally affordable compared to some other European countries.
It’s important to note that while Germany can be expensive in some areas, it also offers relatively high salaries and a solid quality of life. In addition, there are opportunities to save money, such as taking advantage of the efficient public transport system or opting for own-brand products in supermarkets to reduce costs.
In summary, the cost of living in Germany can be considered moderately high, but many factors influence the perception of expensive or affordable, and it is possible to live comfortably in Germany with proper planning.
Are you ready to take the next step in your career and explore new opportunities in Germany?
Contact us today to start your journey. Our team of dedicated professionals is eager to help you achieve your professional goals.