The sun rising over the skyscrapers of Dubai. The smell of fresh croissants in a Parisian office. The vastness of the Australian Outback awaiting you after a successful workday. A job abroad is a life-changing experience that broadens your horizons and opens up unexpected opportunities.
But between you and your dream job abroad, there's often an obstacle that many underestimate: bureaucracy . Unlike a holiday adventure, working abroad requires official documents that need to be translated and certified.
The good news: With the right preparation and knowledge of the necessary steps, you can confidently overcome these bureaucratic hurdles. In this guide, we'll show you which documents you need for different countries, how the authentication process works, and how to avoid typical pitfalls that cost other emigrants valuable time and energy.
Table of contents
- Preparation phase: The right documents at the right time
- Country-specific document requirements
- Case study: How Markus got his engineering degree recognized in Canada
- Document checklist and contact points for authorities by country
- Contract phase: What to consider in foreign-language employment contracts
- Relocation phase: Documents for daily life abroad
- Work phase: Ongoing document requirements abroad
- Current developments: Remote work and digital nomad visas
- Conclusion: Your path to successful work abroad
1. Preparation phase: Which documents you need for your job abroad
Before you start detailed planning, you should know which basic documents are necessary for almost every country:
- Passport (with sufficient validity, often at least 6 months beyond the visa expiry date)
- Birth certificate (often required for residence permits and work permits)
- University certificates and diplomas (for the recognition of qualifications)
- Employment references (for proof of professional experience)
- Certificate of good conduct (for security-relevant areas or certain visas)
- Marriage certificate (if applicable, essential for family reunification)
- Proof of language proficiency (e.g. TOEFL, IELTS, DELF)
When do you need to start preparing the documents?
Obtaining and authenticating documents can be surprisingly time-consuming. Here's a rough timeline:
The difference between a simple translation and a certified translation
A common mistake : Many emigrants have their documents translated, but overlook the fact that a simple translation is often insufficient. The difference is crucial:
Simple translation:
- Produced by any translator or using artificial intelligence
- It has no official status.
- Not recognized by authorities
Certified translation:
- Prepared by a state-authorized or sworn translator
- Contains an authentication formula and seal
- Confirms the accuracy and completeness of the translation.
- Is it internationally legally valid (especially with an apostille )?
A certified translation is therefore an important component in most cases if you want to work abroad. The additional investment pays off, because faulty or insufficiently certified documents can delay the entire process or even cause it to fail.
2. Country-specific document requirements
The requirements for your documents vary greatly depending on your destination country. Here are the most important details for popular emigration destinations:
USA: The land of unlimited opportunities – and bureaucracy
Document features:
- Academic degrees: Often need to be verified by special evaluation services such as WES (World Education Services).
- Apostille: Required for all official documents
- Employment reference : Must be a detailed "Letter of Employment" that precisely describes the duration, position, and responsibilities.
- Certificate of good conduct: Required for most work visas, must not be older than 6 months.
Visa specifics:
- H-1B (Skilled Worker Visa) : Requires proof of a university degree or extensive professional experience.
- L-1 (Internal transfer) : Requires proof of at least one year of employment with the sending company.
- O-1 (Exceptional Abilities) : Requires extensive evidence of special qualifications
Great Britain: Post-Brexit Special Features
Document features:
- Points-based immigration system: Proof of language skills, qualifications, and job offer must be certified.
- Healthcare Surcharge: Proof of payment of the NHS contribution
- Financial evidence: Proof of sufficient financial resources (varies depending on the visa)
Special feature since Brexit:
- EU citizens now need work visas with similar document requirements as other international applicants.
Switzerland: Precise as a Swiss watch
Document features:
- Employment contract: Must be in one of the official languages (German, French, Italian).
- Registration certificate: Must be submitted to the municipality within 14 days of arrival.
- Qualifications: For regulated professions, an equivalence certificate is often required.
For German citizens:
- EU citizens need a residence permit B for long-term stays.
- Certified diplomas and work references are particularly important for highly qualified positions.
Australia: Down Under with high standards
Document features:
- ANZSCO Occupational Classification: Evidence must meet the requirements of the Australian Occupational Classification.
- Skills Assessment: Mandatory assessment of professional qualifications by the relevant Australian authorities
- English language proficiency certificate: IELTS or equivalent.
Visa options:
- Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189): Point-based system without employer support
- Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186): Requires employer support and evidence of required qualifications.
- Working Holiday Visa: Limited work opportunities for young people up to 30 years old. You can find the exact requirements and conditions in our blog about the Working Holiday Visa.
Is the country selection not suitable for you? In the guide article on the Remote Work Permit you will find further requirements for the countries Portugal, Estonia, Croatia, ARE and Spain.
Case study 3: How Markus got his engineering degree recognized in Canada
Markus, 34, a mechanical engineer from Dresden, received an attractive job offer from a company in Toronto. But before he could pack his bags, he faced the challenge of having his German engineering degree recognized in Canada.
The challenge
" I had no idea how complex this process would be ," Markus recalls. " My diploma is recognized in Germany, but that doesn't automatically count in Canada ."
The solution step by step
1. Researching the requirements: Markus researched that his profession is regulated in Canada and must be recognized by "Professional Engineers Ontario" (PEO) .
2. Document preparation He needed:
- Original diploma, certificate and testimonials
- Certified English translations of all documents
- Detailed course descriptions of his studies
- Employment references with precise job descriptions
3. Certification process "The critical point was the certified translation. I didn't just need a translation, but one that was done by a sworn translator with an apostille."
4. Qualification Assessment Markus submitted his documents to WES (World Education Services), who carried out a comparative assessment of his education.
5. PEO Registration With the WES rating, he was able to apply for professional recognition, but still had to pass an exam on Canadian engineering law and ethics.
The result
After four months, Markus received provisional recognition as an "Engineer in Training" and was able to start his job. After a year of professional experience in Canada, he received full recognition as a "Professional Engineer".
"Without the correctly certified documents, I would probably have had to repeat the process, which would have cost me months. The investment in professional certified translations has definitely paid off."
Are you considering working abroad for a while, like Markus, but unsure where to start? Platforms like Auslandsjob can help you find suitable positions in your desired country.
4. Document checklist and contact point for authorities by country
To make things easier for you, we've compiled a detailed checklist by country. This way, you can see at a glance which documents are particularly important for your desired country and what form of authentication they require.
USA
| document | Special features |
|---|---|
| university degree | WES evaluation recommended |
| Employment references | Formatted as a "Letter of Employment" |
| Certificate of good conduct | Max. 6 months old |
| passport | Valid for at least 6 months beyond the visa's expiry date. |
| Birth certificate | Essential for a Green Card |
| Financial documents | Bank statements for at least 3 months |
US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
- Responsibilities: Work permits, visas, immigration
- Website: www.uscis.gov
- Special feature: Responsible for the H-1B and other work visas
World Education Services (WES)
- Responsibility: Evaluation of foreign educational qualifications
- Website: www.wes.org
- Special feature: Recognized by most US employers
Department of State
- Responsibilities: Consular affairs, visa interviews
- Website: travel.state.gov
Great Britain
| document | Special features |
|---|---|
| university degree | Qualification assessment required |
| Employment references | Detailed job description |
| Language certificate | IELTS/TOEFL, at least B1/B2 |
| passport | Biometric passport preferred |
| Proof of financial evidence | Different amounts depending on the visa. |
| Employment contract | From the British employer |
UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI)
- Responsibility: All visa matters
- Website: www.gov.uk/uk-visas-immigration
UK ENIC (formerly UK NARIC)
- Responsibility: Recognition of international qualifications
- Website: www.enic.org.uk
Office for Students
- Responsibility: Registration for academic professions
- Website: www.officeforstudents.org.uk
Switzerland
| document | Special features |
|---|---|
| university degree | For regulated professions: equivalence assessment |
| Employment references | Complete documentation recommended |
| Employment contract | Must meet Swiss standards |
| Passport / Identity card | For EU citizens, a national identity card is sufficient. |
| Registration certificate | Bring from Germany |
| Proof of health insurance | Alternative: Swiss insurance |
State Secretariat for Migration (SEM)
- Responsibility: Residence permits, work permits
- Website: www.sem.admin.ch
State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI)
- Responsibility: Recognition of educational qualifications
- Website: www.sbfi.admin.ch
Cantonal migration offices
- Responsibility: Regional implementation of immigration laws
- Special feature: Responsibilities vary depending on the canton.
Australia
| document | Special features |
|---|---|
| university degree | Skills assessment by Australian agency |
| Employment references | Formulated in accordance with ANZSCO |
| IELTS/ Language Proficiency Test | Usually band 7-8 for Skilled Visa |
| Criminal record certificate | From all countries with a stay of >12 months |
| Health certificate | From a licensed physician |
| Proof of identity | Passport + other ID documents |
Department of Home Affairs
- Responsibility: Visas, immigration, work permits
- Website: www.homeaffairs.gov.au
- Special feature: ImmiAccount for online visa applications
Vocational Education and Training (VET)
- Responsibility: Assessment of professional qualifications
- Website: www.vetassess.com.au
Engineers Australia
- Responsibility: Recognition of engineering degrees
- Website: www.engineersaustralia.org.au
UAE/Dubai
| document | Special features |
|---|---|
| university degree | Recognition by the UAE Ministry of Education |
| Employment references | Detailed job description |
| Birth certificate | For Residence Visa |
| Certificate of good conduct | Original, max. 3 months old |
| Marriage certificate | Essential for family reunification |
General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA)
- Responsibilities: Residence permits, visa matters
- Website: gdrfad.gov.ae (Dubai)
Ministry of Human Resources & Emiratization (MOHRE)
- Responsibilities: Work permits, employment contracts
- Website: www.mohre.gov.ae
UAE Embassy in Germany
- Responsibility: Consular authentications
- Website: www.mofa.gov.ae
The world map shows you at a glance how strict the authentication rules are in different regions.
5. Contract phase: What to consider with foreign language employment contracts
An employment contract abroad often differs significantly from what you are used to in Germany. Understanding these differences correctly can be crucial for your professional future.
Typical pitfalls in international employment contracts
Protection against dismissal and probationary period:
- Germany: Strict protection against dismissal, usually a 6-month probationary period
- USA: "At-will employment" – mutual termination without cause possible
- UAE: Often indefinite contracts with easy termination rights
- UK: Mostly "statutory notice period" based on length of service.
Working hours and overtime:
- Germany: Strict working time laws, overtime compensation
- Asia (Japan, Singapore): Unlimited overtime often expected
- USA: Overtime pay varies depending on position ("exempt" vs. "non-exempt")
- Australia: "Award rates" for overtime depending on the industry
Vacation entitlement:
- Germany: Minimum 20 working days by law (usually 25-30)
- USA: No legal entitlement, often only 10-15 days
- UAE: 30 calendar days after one year (including weekends)
- Australia: 20 working days + "long service leave"
Tax and social security aspects
Double taxation agreements: Germany has agreements with many countries to avoid double taxation. Your employment contract should clearly state in which country you are liable for tax.
Social security issues:
- Within the EU: Social security regulations via A1 certificate
- Outside the EU: Check whether a bilateral social security agreement exists.
- Do not lose your entitlements to German pension insurance (voluntary continued insurance is possible)
6. Moving phase: Documents for apartment search, bank accounts, insurance
The practical aspects of daily life in the new country also require specific documents. Here are the most important areas and the necessary documents for each:
Documents for your successful apartment search abroad :
| country | Standard documents | Special features |
|---|---|---|
| USA | Credit report, proof of income, SSN | The previous tenancy history must be documented. |
| UK | 3 months' salary, credit report | "Right to Rent" certificate |
| Switzerland | Debt enforcement register extract, earnings certificate | "Apartment handover protocol" |
| Australia | 100-point ID check, proof of income | "Rental ledger" is a kind of account statement for rental agreements |
| UAE | Employment contract, salary statement | Marriage certificate for couples |
Open a bank account
To open a bank account abroad, you'll need various documents, which can vary depending on the country. For more comprehensive account packages, you'll usually need an employment contract and proof of income . Also note that the required tax identification number differs by country – in the USA you'll need a Social Security Number, in Australia a Tax File Number .
The regional characteristics should not be underestimated:
- USA: Building a credit score takes time; initially, you should expect high security requirements.
- UK: Without a local credit history, you will usually only get access to a basic bank account.
- Asia: Many countries have minimum opening amounts or minimum balance requirements.
- Switzerland: The requirements vary considerably depending on the canton.
Plan enough time for opening an account abroad and find out in advance about the specific requirements of the respective bank.
Insurance abroad
When working abroad, adequate insurance coverage is essential. International health insurance requires your medical records and existing policies – keep in mind that pre-existing conditions can lead to higher costs. For your mobility, you will need:
- Health insurance: Previous medical records, existing policies
- Car insurance: International driving license, no-claims discount
- Home contents insurance: Proof of value for high-value items
- Professional liability insurance: Qualification certificates, previous professional experience
German insurance histories are often not fully recognized internationally. Before leaving the country, have your German insurers issue you international insurance certificates in English to facilitate recognition.
Phase 7: Ongoing document requirements for your work abroad
Starting work in a new country doesn't mean the documentation requirements end. You should keep the following in mind regularly during your time working abroad:
Regular document requirements
Visa and residence permit:
- Extensions: Keep a close eye on deadlines (often 1-3 months before expiry)
- Status changes: e.g., from temporary to permanent residence
- Required documents: Current employment contracts, pay slips, proof of residence
Tax obligations:
- Annual tax returns: Both in the host country and, if applicable, in Germany.
- Tax residency certificates: For the tax office in Germany
- Proof of foreign income: Monthly payslips
Documents required when changing jobs abroad
If you change employers within the host country, you will face additional document requirements:
Regulatory requirements:
- Job change approval: In most countries outside the EU, you need to submit an official application before you can change jobs. In Singapore and Japan, this can take up to 4 weeks, and in the UAE, even up to 2 months.
- Amendment of residence permit: Your new employer must be entered in your residence documents.
- No Objection Certificate (NOC): Especially in Middle Eastern countries (UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar), you need a written declaration of consent from your previous employer. Without an NOC, you may face a waiting period of up to six months in some countries, during which you are not allowed to work for another company.
Document authentication requirements: When changing jobs, you will often need to resubmit all relevant work references and performance records from Germany – make sure you have certified translations of all documents. Also, check whether you need a work permit – and what additional documents are required in your destination country.
8. Current developments: The post-COVID working world and digital nomad visas
The world of work is changing; here you will find the most important current developments:
The new normal: Remote work and hybrid models
Documentary challenges in the home office era:
- Work permit: Legally required even for remote work
- Tax residency: Determined by actual place of residence
- Social security: Depends on the place of work, not the company headquarters.
Read our guide to remote working to make sure you meet all the requirements.
Conclusion: Your path to a successful job abroad
The path to a job abroad may initially seem like a bureaucratic obstacle course. But with the right preparation and the correct documents, you can fully concentrate on the adventure and the opportunities that lie ahead.
Key takeaways summarized
- Start early: Begin preparing your documents at least 6 months before your planned departure.
- Research country-specific requirements: Each country has its own requirements – what is sufficient in one country may be inadequate in another.
- Focus on quality: Don't skimp on translations and certifications – they are the foundation of your adventure abroad.
- Digital and physical: Keep all important documents both in paper and digital form.
- Use expert help: Specialized service providers like Beglaubigung24 are familiar with international requirements and can save you a lot of time and hassle.
Your investment in documents will pay off.
The costs for professional translations and certifications may seem high at first, but they are an investment in your international career:
- Time savings: No repeated visits to government offices due to incorrect documents
- Stress reduction: assurance that your documents meet the requirements
- Career opportunities: Seamless transition to the new job without document-related delays.
- Long-term value: Correctly certified documents can be reused for future applications or upon returning to Germany.
With this preparation, nothing stands in the way of your successful start to your adventure abroad. The world is your oyster – and with the right documents, you'll conquer it!
