Seeking Advice on Relocating to Germany for a Graphic Design Career

I cannot comment on the specifics of the graphic design market - but you can (and should!) find lots of general advice about finding jobs in Germany, the associated visa topics and many related topics on various threads in this forum.

Language Skills: While I understand that English is widely spoken, do you recommend learning German to improve job prospects and integration?

I would not only recommend, I even say it is absolutely essential to speak German well!

English is understood by many, but it is NOT the medium of daily communication. Applying for jobs with less than B2 German is probably futile - especially in the creative field where understanding your customers and partners is critical!

Hi There! I work in the communications field, with graphic designers not so much as a graphic designer!

Visa and Work Permit: What is the process for obtaining the necessary visa and work permit for a non-EU citizen to work as a graphic designer in Germany?

This will depend very much on your approach, but I can advise that if you take a freelancing route, you will need a comprehensive portfolio of work and letters of interest.

Job Market: How competitive is the job market for graphic designers in Germany?

A larger problem is the general availability of Graphic designers willing and able to provide gig work. It depends on your area of speciality - if you can also provide web design and branding development you may achieve more success. Linkedin, Stepstone and other sites should be great places to begin looking at advertisements targeted at the German market.

Language Skills: While I understand that English is widely spoken, do you recommend learning German to improve job prospects and integration?

I absolutely recommend that you learn German to the B1 level, or even better B2. You will need it for your visa, and you will do better with German customers. It will help you understand their  needs. I recommend also a third European language for higher competitiveness in any job market related to communicaitons.

Networking: What are the best ways to network and make connections within the German design community?

Sorry outside of my networks - but I'd try LinkedIn and look for professional societies and/or guilds. If you can find them. If they exist. Here is where language skills will really help!

Qualifications: Are there specific qualifications, certifications, or portfolio elements that are particularly valuable to employers in the German design industry?

When I'm hiring, I want to see a digital portfolio that you can easily point to.

There are many websites that make that possible, but as a graphic design customer, I'm looking for professional and subjectively well put together work.

*To be clear - not actively looking for anyone in case you're reading this and thinking that this might be a kind of job prospect, sorry!