Legal work in Germany in the construction industry, apart from experience and willingness to work, also requires appropriate documents. German employers attach increasing importance to complete employee documentation – both in the case of direct employment and through temporary employment agencies. This is an element of the safety policy, transparency and compliance with EU regulations. In this article, we discuss what documents are necessary to start legal work on a construction site in Germany and what formalities need to be taken into account.

Also read: Welder in Germany – what qualifications are required?

Table of contents:


Why are complete documents so important?


There are many regulations in Germany regarding the employment of foreigners, both from EU and non-EU countries. Lack of appropriate documents may result in a refusal to hire, but also fines for the employer and employee.

In the construction industry – where a large part of the employees are foreigners – efficient completion of documents is a condition of legality. In addition, it is a good starting point for negotiating better financial conditions. Employees who have everything prepared often start work faster and can count on higher hourly rates.

Basic documents required for construction work in Germany


For citizens of the European Union, the formalities are much simpler than for people from outside the EU. However, similar rules apply in both cases: everything must comply with German labor law and insurance and tax regulations.

The most important documents that are usually required from a construction worker in Germany are:

  1. Identity card or passport – a valid identity document (for non-EU citizens – also a visa or residence and work permit).
  2. Tax identification number in Germany (Steuer-ID) – needed to settle taxes. It is issued after registering in Germany.
  3. European Health Insurance Card (EKUZ) or German health insurance – depending on the form of employment.
  4. Registration (Anmeldung) – required for longer stays, usually necessary to open a German bank account.
  5. Social insurance number (Sozialversicherungsnummer) – needed for registration in the German pension and health system.
  6. Professional CV (Lebenslauf) – welcomed by employers, especially in the case of specialist professions (welder, electrician, bricklayer).
  7. Documents confirming professional qualifications – e.g. certificates of completion of courses, SEP qualifications, welding certificates.
  8. Current photo for documents – often required by intermediary agencies or employers when setting up access cards on construction sites.


What about citizens from outside the EU?


In the case of employees from outside the European Union – e.g. from Ukraine, the Philippines, Uzbekistan or Georgia – the requirements are more extensive. A work permit (Arbeitsgenehmigung) or a type D visa enabling employment is required. The so-called Blue Card or employee programs for deficit industries are also increasingly used, of which construction in Germany is definitely one.

It is worth noting that the recruitment and formal process can be significantly accelerated if the candidate uses our constrAction.app tool. Thanks to it, documents are verified already at the application stage, and specialists from the team support the candidate in obtaining the necessary permits.

Summary


Employment in the construction industry in Germany is still an attractive option for many employees from Poland and other countries, but only when everything is prepared in accordance with the regulations. A complete set of documents is a formal requirement. In addition, it is a way to obtain higher rates, better working conditions and a quick start on site.

If you want to be sure that your documents are complete and up to date, and that construction job offers in Germany are legal and verified – we encourage you to cooperate with us! We will help you with everything! You can also use our tool. It is an innovative job portal connecting candidates with managers in the construction industry.