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GERMANY

MOVING TO GERMANY

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Browse our Guide to help you with your move to Europe.  We have everything you need to help you with your transition and getting settled in.
 

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Germany offers a variety of landscapes from the coast in the north to the Bavarian Alps in the south.  The country boasts a multitude of historical towns and cities, romantic castles, and excellent museums.  The tourism infrastructure is well developed and most of the people speak English. 

Our Favorite Germany Vacation Destinations

US MILITARY TIPS
US Air Force | US Army | US Navy | US Marine Corps
Berlin | Heidelberg | Frankfurt | Munich | Stuttgart

PCSing or going on TDY to Germany?
Use this page as your guide!

EMPLOYMENT

A major difficulty for families to overcome when relocating to Europe is the limited availability for employment for family members.  However, spouses should be encouraged to know that jobs can be found with preparation and persistence.  It is recommended to plan for a period of unemployment lasting as long as six months.  Just as in many small towns, individuals with very specialized professions--such as lawyers, teachers, and accountants--may not find employment in those professions.

The two major types of civilian government employment opportunities available are Appropriated Fund (AF) jobs paid for by tax dollars and Non-appropriated Fund (NAF) jobs paid for by money generated locally from profits earned by morale, welfare, and recreation activities.



APPROPRIATED FUND EMPLOYMENT
One possible arena in which to find employment is the federal civil service Appropriated Fund positions, commonly referred to as "GS" positions.  You can apply for most AF positions by submitting a resume via email to the
Civilian Human Resource Management Agency (CHRMA).  Family members should submit their resume to the CHRMA database prior to arrival in country.  However, the self-nomination process should not be started until they are in country. 

AF job announcements are listed on the CHRMA website and are classified as Open Continuous or Special Announcement.  Open Continuous job announcements may or may not mean that there is a vacancy for that job at the present time.  Job seekers list all OC announcements that they would want to be considered for on the supplemental sheet to their resume.  Then when positions fitting those announcements do become available, the interested party's resume is forwarded to the hiring official if it is found to meet the minimum qualifications for the job.  Special Announcements are for those positions that are currently and actively being recruited for.  Once a job seeker's resume is in the CHRMA database, he or she can self nominate for any Special Announcements listed on the CHRMA website with a click of a mouse.


NON-APPROPRIATED FUND EMPLOYMENT
Another possible arena for spouse employment is federal Non-Appropriated Funds (NAF) jobs.  NAF jobs are most often found in morale, welfare and recreation facilities and include a wide variety of job titles, including food service workers, child-care providers, and clerical staff to name a few.  NAF announcements are also posted on the CHRMA website.  To apply for them, candidates must submit a NAF application package and supplemental application forms.  NAF facility managers have direct hiring ability and may also be a good source for information regarding these jobs.


OTHER GOVERNMENT EMPLOYMENT
Teachers that are interested in applying for employment with the Department of Defense Schools (DoDDS) should make inquiries to the school directly.  Prior to leaving the states, you can contact the Recruitment Unit, 4040 Fairfax Drive, Arlington, VA 22203; Phone (703) 696-3068 to inquire about teaching opportunities at your school.

Employment opportunities are available with the Army & Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES) and to the Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA).  AAFES applications should be made to your local administrative offices.  Commissary applications should be made at your main local commissary.

Independent contractors also provide employment opportunities.  While most contracting companies are looking for high-tech telecommunications and computer specialists, opportunities exist for a wide variety of candidates.  Contract employment is available with major corporations through direct hire for extended periods.  Each contractor is responsible for its advertising and for the hiring of employees; there is not a central administrative contracting office for these positions, but some contract companies do post listings on the job board at your Community Family Support Center.


PRIVATE SECTOR EMPLOYMENT
Employment on the local economy is possible.  However, getting a work permit is difficult for non-European Union citizens and also brings in tax issues.  It is recommended that you consult with your installation legal advisor before entering into a work agreement with a local German firm.

An additional potential source of employment in Europe is associated with the military's adult education program, namely, working directly or indirectly with your Education Center.  Colleges under contract with the Department of Defense offer courses almost everywhere overseas where Americans are stationed.  Thes schools routinely recruit teachers in a variety of academic areas.  A Master's Degree is required for most teaching jobs, but since this is not always the case, a Bachelor's Degree or, in vocational-technical areas, an Associate's degree in the area to be taught could be sufficient.  It is recommended that interested person make contact with your Education Center and with the colleges for more detailed information.


PROFESSIONAL OR OCCUPATIONAL LICENSING
Please check with your professional organization before leaving the United States to find out about certification and/or licensing procedures while you are residing in Germany.  Several professional organizations have European Branches that enable you to participate in networking opportunities, conferences, and continuing education.  The following professionals are highly encouraged to check with their professional licensing/certification organization to find out about membership in their European Branches: Nursing, Counseling & Psychology, Social Work, Education, Occupational & Physical Therapy.


VOLUNTEERING
Volunteering is a great way to increase knowledge in a particular field and to increase your exposure as a job seeker by networking.  All volunteer time is counted as actual work experience on your resume when applying for federal employment through the CHRMA.


YOUTH EMPLOYMENT
Most communities offer a Summer Hire Program for youths interested in summer work.  These positions include clerical, postal, and manual labor positions to name a few.  The Summer Hire Program is usually a 6-10 week long program for ages 14-23.  If you are interested in the Summer Hire Program, you should contact your local Community & Family Support Center.  In addition, youths 13 and older may become certified babysitters by completing the Red Cross babysitter training course.  There are also a few positions with AAFES an DeCA available to teens.


EMPLOYMENT AT THE EDELWEISS RESORT, AFRC GARMISCH

DAMAGED SHIPMENT?

SEE OUR GUIDE TO CLAIMS FOR LOSS/DAMAGE TO HOUSEHOLD GOODS/BAGGAGE

Castles

Heidelberg CastleHeidelberg
Heidelberg is the very image of romantic Germany.  The city's 17th Century red sandstone castle ruin and the old bridge are two of the most majestic sights in all of Germany.

Neuschwanstein CastleNeuschwanstein
Venture into the Bavarian Alps and visit the fairy tale landmark upon which the Walt Disney based his Disney Land Castle: Mad King Ludwig's Schloss Neuschwanstein.

Vacation Tips

Browse our options below to help plan your vacation activities.  Don't miss these sights and activities.  Preview our photos before you go.

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