General information
If you are a skilled professional returning to Germany after a longer stay abroad, your prospects of getting a foot back on the ladder are excellent. If you have been seconded to a post abroad, your company will probably refer you to a relocation agency that will give you all the information you need and take care of the most important work. However, if you are planning your return by yourself, there are a few points to consider. Our "Jobs" section has answers to many important questions around issues such as applying for a new job in Germany, social security and the German tax system. For information on family reunification, schools, kindergarten or flat hunting, please consult our "Living in Germany" section and our "Study & vocational training" section. You can obtain advice on open questions or placement support in the run-up to your return and an individual returnee information package from the Federal Employment Agency (BA) here.
Social security
If your job in Germany is subject to social security contributions, your employer is required to register you with the statutory social security providers (unemployment, pension, health, disability care and accident insurance). Your employer's HR department should do this automatically as soon as you start your job – provided that you and your family have registered with a German health insurance company. Click here for additional information on the social security systems in the EU, the EEA and Switzerland.