Preparing for your first trip to Germany – a guide – Deciding to work abroad is never easy, but preparing for the journey can make it less stressful! Say goodbye to worrying about forgetting something. Check out our guide and use our checklist to get ready for your first work trip to Germany.

Choosing the right employment agency for your first trip to Germany

The first and most important step is securing a job in Germany. It’s best to do this while still in Romania, using a trustworthy employment agency that specializes in matching caregivers with positions abroad. Be sure to choose an agency registered with the National Registry of Employment Agencies and holding relevant certifications. It’s also wise to check for positive reviews about the agency.

For finding reliable recruitment agencies, you can use the jobsto.work platform. Here, job listings and agencies are carefully verified.

What sets a good employment agency apart? Above all, it will provide support at every stage of your journey (including document translation, transportation, and answering any questions) and offer legal employment based on a work contract. It’s also worth checking if the agency provides health insurance and assistance in case of problems during your stay in Germany.

Transportation to Germany

Another critical aspect is choosing the right means of transport. Direct transport to your workplace is particularly convenient for a first trip, so check if the employment agency provides transportation services.

Reliable transport companies offer door-to-door service, reducing the stress of reaching your destination. Make sure to verify the carrier’s fleet—are the vehicles modern, safe, and regularly serviced? Do the drivers have the proper licenses and training?

Plan ahead by checking out GTV Bus for a safe journey to Germany.

Essential documents

Prepare all necessary documents before your departure. These include:

• A valid passport or ID card,
• A driver’s license (if applicable),
• A European Health Insurance Card,
• Proof of employment from your agency (contract),
• Certificates or diplomas proving your qualifications in older people or patient care,
• A valid criminal record check,
• Your bank account details and SWIFT/BIC code,
• Marriage certificate (if applicable) – needed for determining your tax class,
• Child’s birth certificate (if applicable) – also necessary for tax class determination.

What to pack?

Packing for work abroad requires careful planning. Besides personal items and clothing, consider bringing:

• Medications, especially if you have chronic conditions, enough for several days,
• A Romanian-German dictionary or a translation app to facilitate communication,
• A notebook with important information and emergency contacts, such as the address of the Romanian consulate in Germany or the Migrant Workers Association,
• Cash for the first few days of your stay.

Preparing for your first trip to Germany – a guide – What’s worth knowing?

While advanced German skills may not always be required, basic German phrases can make communication much easier. Consider investing in a few lessons before your trip and familiarize yourself with German culture and customs to adapt more easily to the new environment.

It’s also important to know your rights as an employee in Germany, including regulations regarding working hours, holidays, and wages.

When you decide to work abroad, feeling safe and comfortable is essential. This is why planning and preparing thoroughly for this challenge is so important. Germany offers numerous opportunities for caregivers, and proper preparation is the first step towards success in this field.

Once everything is ready, equip yourself with plenty of positive energy and view this journey as an opportunity to gain new experiences and learn.

Article written in collaboration with GTV BUS Romania.

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