Software Engineer moving to Germany

Berlin has a tech startup scene, Frankfurt is the centre of Fintech. There are also software jobs (often very specialised niches) in many other locations.
I wouldn't recommend limiting yourself to one place - your chances are much higher if you apply all over the country and then move to wherever you find something.
Also keep in mind that most "mainstream" or mass market IT jobs have already moved to cheaper locations like India.

Thanks a million for your reply!

No; there is no one area for high tech; you need to look at individual companies. But 3 years is not a lot of experience.  And what sense does it make to try for a lower job that where your experience lies? Actually, people from non EU-countries need to have high qualifications. Companies do not look for or can’t get the visa for a low skilled person who would then work their way up. I understand this as a strategy in one’s home country but not to get a job in Germany.

I don't disagree, Tom, but the son of a friend of mine from the US, fresh out of college (no experience), is working since June at a Software company in Regensburg. I have no idea how he pulled that off, but the company flew him to Germany for an interview, it went well, and they hired him. He flew back home, packed up his things, and moved to Germany.

Regarding language, his mother is German (my exchange partner from many years ago), and he took German classes in high school and college and can function in German, but I don't think he'd qualify as bilingual.

It's unlikely, but possible. :-) Good luck, Declan.

Bhejl: He is probably German citizen (as son of a German) and thus did not need visa formalities. But still an impressive feat without working experience - he must be pretty good!

Ach - of course you're right! He's a dual citizen, I'm sure, and that makes the process easier. Indeed it's impressive for such a young pup, and he's very happy here, last I heard.

How does it normally go for non-EU foreigners? Something like: In order to live and work here you need a residency permit. To get that you need proof of health insurance. To get into the public health care system you need a job, and in order to apply for a job you need a residency permit. And just because a person is qualified in the homeland doesn't mean she or he is qualified in Germany. I taught high school English and German in the US but would not be qualified to teach even English in a high school in Germany (fine, because I do not ever want to teach teenagers again!). Teaching is obviously a whole different world from IT and other fields, but still.

I'm rambling. Declan, just know it's not easy. :-)

Hi Tom, Thanks a million for your reply, I forgot to mention that I am living in Ireland so a visa shouldn't be an issue right?

declan0872 wrote:

Hi Tom, Thanks a million for your reply, I forgot to mention that I am living in Ireland so a visa shouldn't be an issue right?

If you are Irish then you won't need a visa because both countries are in the EU.