Typically, you will need:

• A vocational degree, diploma, associate, or bachelor’s degree relevant to your intended position;
• A certain level of German proficiency (usually A2–B1 depending on the industry and visa type);
• Good health and a clean criminal record;
• An employment contract or a job offer from a German employer (for the skilled labor pathway).

Additionally, your documents must be fully prepared, translated, and notarized according to German authority requirements.

It depends on the program:

• Apprenticeship (Ausbildung): Usually requires at least B1;
• Skilled Labor (18A/18B): Many sectors require A2–B1, while caregiving, customer service, or medical professions often require B1–B2;
• Some Engineering/IT sectors may be more flexible if English is used for work, but German remains crucial for integration, paperwork, and daily life.

Salary depends on the industry, experience, and work location. In principle, skilled workers in Germany receive wages according to contracts and collective bargaining agreements, which are sufficient to cover basic living costs (housing, food, insurance, transport). Savings depend on:

• The city you live in (large cities have higher costs than smaller regions);
• Your lifestyle and spending habits;
• Whether you move alone or with your family.
  With good financial preparation and a clear plan, you can still accumulate savings after expenses.

Initially, many people face difficulties with:

• Language: Listening and speaking German with locals is harder than in the classroom;
• Culture shock: Differences in direct communication, punctuality, work style, and weather;
• Paperwork: Address registration, opening bank accounts, insurance, applying for residence permits…
  Preparing in advance with a checklist and guidance from a partner unit will make this phase much less stressful.

Typically, a professional partner like PSI will support you with:

• Consulting to choose the right career path based on your profile and long-term goals;
• Guidance on document preparation, translation, notarization, and degree recognition;
• Connecting with German partners, supporting interviews, and contract signing;
• Guidance on visa applications, insurance, and housing;
• On-site support in Germany: address registration, residence permits, community networking, and resolving integration issues.