Unemployment

Unemployment

Unemployment Insurance
Unemployment insurance contributions are paid in the country of employment. In Germany, the percentage of gross wages to be paid in 2025 will be 1.3% for both employees and employers.

 

(This is an automatic translation by DeepL Translator.)

You should start looking for a job as early as possible so that you can find a new position in time and, ideally, avoid becoming unemployed. It is important to note that the Employment Agency must receive your notification that you are looking for work no later than 3 months before your current employment ends. If you are notified at short notice that your employment is ending, you must register as a job seeker within 3 days.
Anyone who registers as a job seeker too late must expect financial penalties regarding unemployment benefits.
Registering as a job seeker does not replace registering as unemployed.
You can register as a job seeker in three ways: online, by phone using the toll-free service number (0800 4 555500), or in person at your local Employment Agency. It is recommended to schedule an appointment online in advance. You may only register using one of these three methods.
The Employment Agency provides support in the job search, and you can use the agency’s job board. Those looking for work across borders should take advantage of the free assistance offered by a EURES advisor at the Employment Agency (eures.europa.eu). Further information for foreign workers is available here: https://www.make-it-in-germany.com/de/.
Even those who are registered as unemployed in the Czech Republic and receive unemployment benefits there have the option to enter Germany and continue receiving those benefits there for a certain period of time. To do so, you must:
- have been registered as unemployed with the employment agency for at least 4 weeks
- submit an application using Form PD U2 to the relevant Employment Agency
- register with the local Federal Employment Agency (BAA) in Saxony no later than 7 days after arrival and submit Form PD U2. You must also remain available to the BAA for job placement.

If the requirements are met, the employment agency in your home country will pay unemployment benefits for 3 months starting from your departure date (to your bank account in your home country). In certain cases, the payment period may be extended to 6 months. You will continue to be covered by health insurance in your home country for the duration of the payments.
Another option is to use the services of private employment agencies. These agencies are primarily focused on placing people in jobs.
With a placement certificate from the Employment Agency, these services are even free of charge. Only individuals registered as unemployed are eligible for a placement certificate. Unemployed individuals who commute across borders or those who are not unemployed are not eligible for the placement certificate.

(This is an automatic translation by DeepL Translator.)