Frequently asked Questions
Here we will answer the most common questions about our program
FAQ Acaluna
For our Candidates
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 by your future employer.
- Great motivation for a new life in Germany
- High willingness to learn the German language
- Age between 18 and 30 years
- Interest in the respective profession or education
- Qualities such as punctuality, ambition, and sincerity
- Willingness to adapt to a new living environment
- No criminal record
Candidates who already have knowledge of the German language will be preferred in the selection process. However, it is possible to apply without knowledge of the German language. In this case, candidates will receive an intensive language course.
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).
This depends from the desired job (Ausbildung or Blue Card). For example, the German Ausbildung usually starts in autumn every year 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.
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.
This depends a lot on your job, the region that you live in, the work experience that you have and the company that you work for. If you work full-time, the average salary in Germany is around €49.000 per year.
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.
Blue Card
In november 2023, new salary thresholds will be in place. Generally spoken, academic professionals will need to earn at least €43.800 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 €39.411 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
All foreign university degrees that have been recognized so far are listed on the 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+ institution.
If you don’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 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 here.
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.
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 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 apply and we will help you organize a language course first.
About Germany
In 2023, the minimum salary in Germany is €12 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.
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 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 of high quality, but it is also expensive. Most residents are required to have health insurance, which can represent a significant monthly cost.
Education: Public education in Germany is generally free at basic and higher education levels, but school materials and other expenses may be necessary.
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.