In recent years, exporting labor to Germany has become a popular trend for Vietnamese workers, especially young people looking for opportunities to improve their income and gain experience in an international environment. However, this process also poses many challenges for workers, from meeting requirements on age, health, education level to language skills. For a more comprehensive view of German labor export, let's SHD Academy Learn more about the conditions, costs and registration process in the article below!

>> Reference:

• Detailed review of life studying vocational training in Germany
• How much is personal income tax in Germany?
• Is the income of Vietnamese people in Germany high?

Overview of German labor export 

What is German labor export?

Exporting labor to Germany is the process of Vietnamese workers going to Germany to work under a fixed-term labor contract signed with a business or organization in Germany. The contract usually lasts from 1 to 5 years, and after the end, the worker can choose to extend or return to their home country.

Benefits of exporting labor to Germany

Germany is not only one of the countries with the most developed economies in the world, but is also famous for its comprehensive social welfare system. Foreign workers working in Germany will enjoy the same welfare regimes as local workers such as health insurance, social insurance, paid leave and paid holidays. 

Popular occupations and current salaries

Germany is currently in great demand for foreign workers in many fields, especially in engineering and healthcare – occupations suitable for Vietnamese workers under the labor export program. Below are some popular industries:

• Nursing industry: This is one of the top priority occupations in the labor cooperation program between Vietnam and Germany. Workers will be trained in expertise and German before going to work in hospitals, nursing homes or health care facilities. The average salary for nurses and caregivers in Germany is quite high, about 2,500 - 3,200 Euro/month (equivalent to 74 - 95 million VND), depending on qualifications and workplace.
• Engineering, mechanics, industrial electricity: Technical workers are a highly recruited group thanks to the good vocational training foundation in Vietnam. Popular positions include mechanical technicians, welders, electricians, etc. These are jobs with stable income and high demand in Germany with an average salary of about 2,500 - 4,000 Euro/month (equivalent to 74 - 119 million VND).
• Construction and manufacturing industry: Germany is currently promoting the recruitment of foreign workers for jobs in the fields of construction, assembly, machinery manufacturing or food processing. These are positions suitable for skilled workers, do not require high education but still bring stable income with an average salary of 2,000 - 3,000 Euro/month (equivalent to 59 - 89 million VND).

>> Reference: 

• Studying in nursing in Germany: costs, work and opportunities
• Summarize information about German vocational training in construction 2025

Conditions for labor export in Germany

To go to Germany to work, workers need to meet the following conditions:

• Age from 18 to 45
• Good health, no infectious diseases, tuberculosis, liver disease, cardiovascular disease and other chronic diseases or no disabilities
• Candidates need at least 2 years of experience in the field related to the job they will undertake in Germany.
• Minimum German language proficiency level B1 or a German language certificate equivalent to B1.
• No violations of the law, no criminal record
• Have a labor contract with a German employer
• Have a Visa and financial guarantee to be able to take care of yourself while working in Germany.

>> Reference: What are the conditions for vocational study in Germany?

Cost of exporting labor to Germany 

The total cost of exporting labor to Germany can vary depending on the profile and conditions of each worker. Specifically, factors such as contract term or salary received can affect this cost. The cost of exporting labor to Germany includes many different items such as:

• Cost of preparing documents for exporting labor to Germany
• Fee for submitting labor export application
• Cost of studying and taking German language certificate exam
• Visa application fees and other administrative procedures such as translation and notarization fees
• Airfare costs
• Health check-up costs
• Costs for companies supporting labor export.

The average cost to participate in the labor export program to Germany usually ranges from 9,000 - 10,000 Euro (equivalent to about 268 - 298 million VND). Compared to some other labor markets, this cost is considered relatively high. However, with clear career development opportunities, attractive income, modern working environment and comprehensive social welfare, Germany is still a destination worth considering for workers to invest in for the long-term future.

>> Reference: 

• Total cost of vocational study in Germany latest 2025
• How much is the cost of living in Germany for international students?

Registration process for exporting labor to Germany 

Below is an overview of the registration process for labor export to Germany, to help you prepare best:

• Step 1 – Find out information about the German labor export program: You can look up information on official websites of organizations, authorities or reputable labor recruitment websites.
• Step 2 – Register for service: Contact directly with companies or organizations providing German labor export services to register for the service.
• Step 3 – Submit application: First, you need to prepare all the necessary documents including passport, ID card, diploma, German language certificate and other related documents. Then submit the application to the company or organization providing German labor export services for processing.
• Step 4 – Interview: Once your application is approved, you will participate in a face-to-face or video interview with a German employer. 
• Step 5 – Participate in training: If accepted, you will attend training courses in German language, necessary skills and labor regulations in Germany.
• Step 6 – Visa and work permit processing: The company supports the procedures for applying for Visa and work permit, then submits the application at the German Embassy or Consulate and waits for approval.
• Step 7 – Departure: After being granted a Visa, you will leave for Germany, settle down and start working according to the contract.

>> Reference: 

• Instructions for preparing your own application for a German vocational study visa
• Summary of information about self-funded vocational study in Germany

Compare the difference between vocational study in Germany and labor export to Germany 

Vocational training in Germany is a dual vocational training program that combines theoretical study at vocational schools and practical training at enterprises in Germany. This program not only helps improve professional knowledge but also helps students better understand the job and apply theory to practice. 

Although this is a study program, interns at the enterprise still receive a basic salary and enjoy tax benefits in Germany. After graduation, students will receive an internationally recognized vocational degree and can continue working at the internship facility or find another job with a higher salary.

Meanwhile, labor export is a form of direct work in Germany, receiving salary and social security system like local workers. However, to be able to export labor to Germany, you need to meet many strict conditions from this country.

>> Reference:

• Information on German vocational study abroad program 2025 from AZ
• Which vocational training major in Germany should you choose for high salary in 2025?

Advantages and disadvantages of exporting labor to Germany 

Favorable

Exporting labor to Germany not only opens up stable job opportunities, high salaries and many attractive benefits, but also brings many advantages to Vietnamese workers. Specifically:

• Professional and modern working environment: Workers can access advanced technology and working methods, learn valuable knowledge and experience. Thereby improving the quality of work and developing themselves.
• Permanent settlement in Germany: For long-term workers (from 3 to 5 years), if they work well and pay full social benefits in Germany, workers can apply for a visa extension and continue to stay in Germany, even settle in Germany long term 
• Multicultural travel, experience and discovery: Just by getting a visa to Germany, you can completely visit all countries in the Schengen area, having the opportunity to explore the unique culture of the magnificent European countries.

Hard

Besides the advantages, the journey of exporting labor to Germany also has difficulties that you need to face:

• Away from home: Workers have to live and work away from their families for long periods of time, which can cause loneliness and psychological problems. To overcome this difficulty, you need to learn to be independent and adapt to life away from home, while seeking support from the community and building a new social network.
• Difficulty in adapting to new living environment: Differences in language, culture, customs and lifestyle can make you feel lonely and confused at first. Therefore, you need to be mentally prepared and actively seek support from colleagues and the Vietnamese community to overcome these difficulties. 

>> Reference: Is learning German difficult? How long does it take to achieve a certificate B1

Some frequently asked questions about exporting labor to Germany 

What is the job of exporting labor to Germany?

Vietnamese workers in Germany can work in many different industries such as nursing, nursing, mechanics, construction, electricity, restaurants - hotels, automotive technology, etc. Among them, fields such as medicine and engineering are the industries with the highest recruitment demand.

What is the salary for exporting labor to Germany?

The salary for labor export to Germany ranges from 2,500 - 3,000 Euro/month (about 74 - 89 million VND), depending on the industry, capacity and job position. In addition to the basic salary, workers can receive bonuses, overtime pay and other allowances. 

The choice to go German labor export is an important decision, related to many factors such as career opportunities, income, living conditions and working environment, etc. Therefore, you need to carefully consider the advantages and disadvantages as well as the cost of exporting labor to Germany to make the right decision for the future. If you want to update more information about vocational study in Germany, settling in Germany, exporting labor to Germany, please visit the section News belong to SHD Academy to update the latest and useful information!