International companies in Germany

Unemployment in Germany is generally low. With business booming, the local workforce has become insufficient to meet the demands of the economy. International companies in Germany are therefore increasingly having to rely on skilled foreign workers to fill vacant positions. If you’re looking for businesses based in Germany that are often hiring international candidates, this page offers some useful tips and pointers. 

International companies in Germany

Want to get straight into applying for jobs? Browse our list of international companies and recruitment agencies in Germany to see what kind of positions are available for expats.  

International companies based in Germany

Although German tends to be the main language when working in Germany, there is an increasing number of international companies, especially in German cities like Berlin, Frankfurt and Hamburg, that conduct business in English.  

On top of that, an increasing number of smaller German businesses, which make up around 90% of the economy, are also turning to international markets. 

Here is an overview of some well-known international companies that are based or have major operations in Germany, sorted according to their industry. 

Automotive industry

Unsurprisingly for the country considered the home of the automobile, there are many major car manufacturers headquartered in Germany, that often have vacancies for international candidates. Some of the most famous brands are: 

• Audi
• BMW
• Continental
• Daimler Truck
• Mercedes-Benz
• Porsche
• Volkswagen

Banking, finance and insurance

Germany is home to some major international banks, insurance providers and fintech companies. Some well-known companies that hire internationals include: 

• Allianz
• Commerzbank
• Deutsche Bank
• Mastercard
• N26

Technology, manufacturing and engineering 

Germany is hot on technology, manufacturing and engineering, with its most famous companies known for their high-quality expertise. 

• AEG
• Bosch
• Dürr
• Hibob
• HUGO BOSS
• Microsoft 
• Miele
• Siemens
• Thyssenkrupp

Healthcare and pharmaceuticals

Some major pharmaceutical and medical research companies are also headquartered in Germany, including: 

• Bayer
• BioNTech
• Braun
• CureVac
• Merck
• Siemens Healthineers

Retail, fashion and beauty

Germany might not immediately spring to mind when you think of the word "fashion", but fashion companies do call the country home! Here are some major retail, fashion and beauty brands headquartered in the federal republic:

• Adidas
• Amazon
• Birkenstock
• Deichmann
• Douglas Group
• Jack Wolfskin
• Picnic
• Puma
• Zalando

What are international companies in Germany looking for?

Highly-qualified workers with experience in sectors such as computer science and engineering are always sought-after by international companies and have a good chance of finding a job in Germany.

Increasingly, however, rapidly declining unemployment is also creating demand for skilled workers with vocational qualifications or experience in manufacturing, hospitals and the care industry.

English-speaking roles tend to be fairly competitive. Learning German can significantly boost your chances of being hired, as even international companies will conduct at least some of their day-to-day business in German.

Why do international companies choose Germany?

Companies choose to set up offices in Germany largely due to the power of its economy, which is the biggest in Europe and the fourth-largest in the world. This offers international companies financial security, stability and productivity, which in turn boost innovation and research.

Alongside this, a highly-skilled workforce, financial incentives for investors and Germany’s central location within Europe all make it an attractive destination for many companies.