Best job websites and portals for expats in Germany

Top Job Websites in Germany for Expats

Landing a job in a new country is both exciting and overwhelming. “Where do I even start? Do I need to speak fluent German to apply?” If you find yourself asking these questions, you’re not alone. Many expats and internationals moving to Germany feel lost trying to crack the local job market—wondering which job portals are legit, which ones offer English-speaking positions, and how to stand out when applying. At liveingermany.de, we’ve helped thousands of expats navigate these same uncertainties with practical, up-to-date guides. That’s why we’re presenting the most comprehensive, factual, and actionable guide to the best job websites and job portals in Germany for 2025—your essential resource to start your career journey with confidence.


Expat Challenges and Context

For expats, searching for a job in Germany often feels like running a marathon without a map. In a foreign language, with unfamiliar paperwork and an overwhelming number of job portals, the journey can zap your motivation before you even begin. Consider Alex, an American software engineer relocating to Berlin: even with international experience and a sparkling LinkedIn profile, he hit wall after wall on German-only websites and confusing bureaucratic processes.

The truth? While Germany boasts one of Europe’s strongest job markets, understanding where— and how— to search as an expat is crucial. You might hear that jobs are “impossible to get without perfect German,” but that’s simply not true. There are countless resources and strategies to help any foreigner find meaningful work, regardless of industry or level of German proficiency. The real challenge is knowing which platforms to trust and how to use them.


Your Guide to the Best Job Websites and Job Portals in Germany

Most Visited Job Websites (2025)

Germany’s top job sites serve as bridges between expat talent and local opportunities. Below you’ll find the most trusted, high-traffic portals—each with its strengths for various industries and language needs:

Top General Job Platforms:

  • Arbeitsagentur.de
    The official government portal. Most comprehensive listings across all sectors, including vocational training and dual studies. Primarily in German, but trusted and frequently updated.

  • StepStone.de
    Giant commercial job portal, listing white-collar opportunities across all regions and industries. Clean interface and powerful filters. Mostly German listings, but expats regularly succeed here.

  • Indeed.com
    Internationally recognized, user-friendly, and offers a large number of English-language listings and local jobs. Great place to start for newcomers.

  • Kununu.com
    Company review site that also features job ads. It can help you understand company culture—a must for expats seeking a good fit.

  • Personio.de
    Best for professional, HR, and office-based roles. More niche, but highly relevant for white-collar positions.

Other Major Platforms:

  • XING
    Germany’s answer to LinkedIn, invaluable for networking, professional groups, and job postings.

  • Jobbörse.de
    A job search engine with myriad postings, pulling from smaller portals across the country.

  • Kimeta
    Large German job aggregator with a simple, intuitive interface.

  • JobStairs
    Known for fast matching between candidates and companies—great for those ready to hit the ground running.

  • LinkedIn
    Widely used for professional English-speaking roles. Strong for international organizations and multinational corporates.


Niche and Specialized Job Portals

Depending on your field or language needs, niche job websites can make all the difference:

  • Wellfound (AngelList):
    For tech jobs, startups, and remote-friendly positions (English-language).

  • Dasauge.de:
    German-language hub for creatives—jobs in design, advertising, and media.

  • GesinesJobtipps.de:
    Focused on non-profit, public sector, and NGO jobs. In German only.

  • Local University Job Portals:
    Great for students, graduates, or researchers—check your city’s main university site.

  • City-Specific Sites:
    Examples include Talent Berlin and JoYo Hamburg for regionally tailored jobs.


Summary Table: Best Job Portals in Germany

Portal Main Focus Language Suitable for Expats
Arbeitsagentur.de All industries, official German Yes (with effort)
StepStone.de All industries German Yes (with effort)
Indeed.com All industries English/German Yes
XING Professional networking German Yes (with effort)
LinkedIn All industries English Yes
Wellfound (AngelList) Tech, startups English Yes
Dasauge.de Creative, media German Limited
Local University Portals Students, graduates German Limited
Talent Berlin / JoYo Hamburg Local jobs German Limited

Data verified as of 2025; sources: similarweb.com, snaphunt.com, hallogermany.com, official job platforms.


How to Use German Job Portals: Practical Guidance

1. Set Up Your Profiles

  • Create or update profiles on LinkedIn, XING, and Indeed.
  • Fill out work experience, education, and skills in English and (if possible) German.

2. Customize Your Application Documents

  • Prepare a German-style CV (Lebenslauf)—it’s concise, factual, and different to the American/British resume.
  • Tailor your cover letter (Anschreiben) for each position. Even if the job is advertised in English, many German employers appreciate seeing documentation in German.

3. Tackle Language Barriers

  • Many major platforms (Indeed, LinkedIn, Wellfound) offer an English user interface. For German-only portals, use browser-based translation tools or Google Translate.
  • Consider basic German learning apps like Memrise or Babbel to unlock more opportunities.

4. Network Actively

  • Register and get active on XING and LinkedIn.
  • Join industry groups, participate in community discussions, and attend local job fairs—Germans value personal contacts highly.
  • Don’t forget city-specific expat Facebook or LinkedIn groups for extra leads.
  • Use location-based sites (like Talent Berlin) and filter by city in broader job portals.
  • University job portals are excellent for internships and entry-level positions.
  • Your residence permit/visa must allow both the type of job and number of hours you wish to work.
  • The federal Make it in Germany portal provides reliable legal and visa advice.

Practical Tips for Expats

1. Leverage translation tools:
Don’t let German-only sites deter you—Google Translate’s browser extension can make navigation manageable while you learn the ropes.

2. Don’t hesitate to network:
“Who you know” matters in the German job market. Use XING and LinkedIn, and consider reaching out to fellow expats or locals for informational interviews.

3. Prepare a German CV:
Even if your German isn’t perfect, many employers appreciate the courage to try.

Reflective question:
What’s your biggest hurdle in the German job search—language, networking, or navigating bureaucracy?


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Live in Germany’s Expertise

At liveingermany.de, our mission is to take the guesswork out of moving to and thriving in Germany. Our guides—like this one—are researched, written, and peer-reviewed by expats and locals who have navigated Germany’s complexities themselves. We also offer:

  • Downloadable checklists for every stage of the relocation journey
  • First-hand interviews with expats across sectors
  • A vibrant, supportive expat community for real-time answers

Trusted by thousands every month, liveingermany.de is your go-to source for actionable, reliable advice—from career moves to settling in and everything in between.


FAQ Section

What is the best job website and job portals in Germany?
The top job portals include Arbeitsagentur.de (official government site), StepStone.de, Indeed.com, XING, and LinkedIn. For tech roles, Wellfound (formerly AngelList) stands out. The best portal for you depends on your industry and language needs.

How do I get started with these job websites in Germany?
1. Register and fully complete your professional profile on LinkedIn, XING, and Indeed.
2. Prepare your documents (CV, cover letter) according to German standards.
3. Start with English-friendly platforms (Indeed, LinkedIn), then branch out to German-only portals using translation tools.

Are these job portals available for expats?
Yes! All mentioned portals can be used by expats. While some are primarily in German, many offer English interfaces and listings. Employers in Germany are increasingly open to international applicants, especially in sectors like IT, engineering, health care, and finance.


Sources


By using the right job portals, robust networking, and a proactive approach, expats in Germany can kickstart a fulfilling career path—no matter where they start their journey.


Jibran Shahid

Jibran Shahid

Hi, I am Jibran, your fellow expat living in Germany since 2014. With over 10 years of personal and professional experience navigating life as a foreigner, I am dedicated to providing well-researched and practical guides to help you settle and thrive in Germany. Whether you are looking for advice on bureaucracy, accommodation, jobs, or cultural integration, I have got you covered with tips and insights tailored specifically for expats. Join me on my journey as I share valuable information to make your life in Germany easier and more enjoyable.

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