Germany is one of the leading countries in Europe when it comes to technology and innovation. It is a hub for various industries, and SAP is one of the most prominent players in the market. As a result, there is a high demand for SAP consultants in Germany, and many professionals are considering a move to this country.

In this article, we will explore what it is like to work as an SAP consultant in Germany, the opportunities available, and what you need to know to make the most of your experience.

Whether you are already an SAP consultant or are considering a career in this field, this article will provide you with valuable insights into the German market and how you can succeed.

Jump to a topic

• Working culture
• SAP opportunities in Germany
• How much can you earn as an SAP consultant in Germany?
• Company status, getting paid and taxes
• Visas
• Cost of living in Germany
• Transportation in Germany
• Driving in Germany
• Education System
• Language
• Local Culture
• Food and fun

 

Working culture

The working environment in Germany is usually very formal, but it can depend on the company culture. There is a clear line between work and private life, often meaning no small talk or going out for beers after work.

Germans work 1.5 hours per week less than the British, but the norm is to dedicate the working hours to work, which means productivity per capita is higher.

An early start is also popular, with some employees choosing to start work as early as 6.30 am and leave the office at 3 pm – a great idea in the summer when they head out to enjoy the sun.

Employees are expected to leave on time, as staying after working hours is not seen as hard-working but more as bad time management and planning.

In larger companies and more traditional industries, people address each other with the formal “Herr” und “Frau” (Mr. and Mrs.) or by their professional titles, whilst in younger generations and tech companies, referring to each other by first name is acceptable.

Punctuality is very important. Being on time means arriving at a meeting at least five minutes before it starts.

SAP opportunities in Germany

As the home of SAP, you will find companies of all sizes recruiting SAP consultants throughout Germany, whether small consultancies or large multinationals.

The main cities you will find work in are Munich, Cologne, Dusseldorf and Frankfurt. There are also some large English-speaking companies located in Stuttgart.

Explore our live SAP jobs in Germany.

How much can you earn as an SAP consultant in Germany?

Whilst you can expect to get paid more than you would in a similar UK position, the cost of living and the tax you will be paying (and to whom) needs to be factored in.

Hourly rates for experienced freelance consultants are usually €100-150 per hour, and for SAP Leads or Architects, it ranks around €150-200 per hour.

Experienced permanent consultants usually earn around €90,000-125,000 per year, whilst more senior SAP consultants in Germany have an annual salary of around €125.000-175.000.

There are always plenty of permanent opportunities for SAP consultants with in-depth knowledge of the latest technologies.

Company status, getting paid and taxes

You will be required to have a limited company to work as an SAP contractor in Germany. Your company will be paid for your work and liable for currency conversion costs.

If you are paid through an umbrella company, they will arrange your tax payments. There are agreements between countries to ensure you are not taxed twice (in Germany and back in the UK, for example).

You will need professional advice from an accountant as the rules on where and how much tax depends on several variables. You will also be required to complete an annual tax return regardless of whether you are in a permanent or freelance position.

Visas

Whether or not you need a visa will naturally depend on your nationality. However, if required, you can only apply for a working visa once you have received your work contract.

EU citizens are free to work and live in Germany.

Citizens of Schengen countries can apply for a Schengen visa.

Non-EU nationals can apply for an EU Blue Card.

As visas are generally linked to a company rather than a specific position, you will need to reapply for a visa if you are changing employers. However, if your visa is not company-sponsored, you can stay in the country until the visa expiration date.

Cost of living in Germany

The cost of living in Germany depends on the city. Munich, Hamburg and Frankfurt are usually the most expensive locations. Still, the cost of living in Munich is roughly 15% lower than in London.

Whilst other cities like Dusseldorf, Cologne, Stuttgart and even Berlin – the German capital – are cheaper, usually around 22% lower than London and renting is usually 10% lower too.

Transportation in Germany

Getting around Germany is easy. Towns have a very efficient and punctual bus network, and cities have trams, underground (U-Bahn), overground (S-bahn) and inexpensive taxi and Uber services.

A vast network of comfortable regional and high-speed trains enables daily commutes and leisure travel. Train connections to other European countries are usually inexpensive and easy to organise from Germany. Additionally, there is a number of German airports that can help you travel around.

Cycling is very popular in Germany. Children get a “cycling license” after learning to cycle and to respect traffic rules, and most cities have cycle paths. Cyclists of all ages and in business or evening attire are common things.

Driving in Germany

A car is usually not necessary in big cities. However, if you decide to drive, there are a few things you will need to be aware of:

If you’re a citizen from an EU or EEA country, you can drive in Germany using your national driving licence. For example, a UK driving license is currently valid in Germany. However, there is a possibility that British citizens will be required to follow the regulations for non-EU citizens following Brexit.

Non-EU or EEA citizens are required to get an International Driving Permit (IDP) to be able to drive in Germany and other EU/EEA countries during stays of up to six months, and they must get a German driving license and potentially carry out a driving test after the six months.

When driving in Germany, you are also required to be able to show proof of insurance (third party or above), proof of ID (e.g. passport) and proof of vehicle ownership (V5C Certificate). Drivers are also required to have the following items when driving:

• A warning triangle
• Headlamp beam deflectors
• First aid kit (compulsory for 4×4 vehicles).

We recommend familiarising yourself with traffic signs and regulations before driving in Germany, especially regarding speed limits on the motorways – which exist in some stretches – and right of way at traffic lights and pedestrian crossings to avoid accidents or hefty fines. Abusive language or making derogatory signs whilst driving is fined on the spot.

Education system

If you are planning to move to Germany with your family for a permanent SAP position, this could also be an opportunity for your children to access an excellent standard of education.

Schools in Germany are free, and this includes some bilingual schools.

Compulsory education starts from the age of seven when children attend primary school. Classes run in the mornings only, and kids return to school in the afternoon for extra-curricular activities.

When kids reach secondary school, they can choose from five different school modalities depending on their skills or the career path they would like to pursue.

After secondary school, pupils can choose to go to university for a small fee or to do an apprenticeship.

Language

The official language is German, with 95% of the population speaking either standard German or one of their multiple dialects, such as Bavarian or Saxon dialects. New generations also tend to speak English and have an understanding of either French or Spanish.

German companies typically prefer to hire native Germans, especially if the company is German-speaking. However, there are lots of international companies and English-speaking teams. Therefore you still have a high possibility of being hired if you speak English.

Germans appreciate when foreigners try to learn their language; therefore, going on an introductory course before starting a contract or enrolling in one of the many language schools in Germany is a good idea. Locals like helping new arrivals improve their language skills.

Local culture

Germany is a very traditional country but simultaneously very cosmopolitan, with a high number of immigrants, mainly from Turkey, Russia, Poland, Italy and Syria, whose languages are also widely spoken.

Germans value order, privacy and punctuality, and they adhere to rules strictly. They are assertive, and it is part of their etiquette and social duties to keep each other in line, bringing to others’ attention if they break a social norm, such as parking incorrectly. They care about cleanliness and the environment and have one of the most organised systems for recycling, which all citizens thoroughly follow.

Food and fun

Weather seasons in Germany tend to be very pronounced, with lots of sun in the summer and snow in the winter, when the beautiful green landscapes, hills and lakes transform from hiking and picnic locations into beautiful and photogenic skiing and ice-skating leisure areas. There are local celebrations held across Germany throughout the different seasons: A carnival called Fasching at the beginning of the year, Frühlingsfest in spring, open-air concerts and festivals in the summer, Oktoberfest in autumn and Christmas markets in winter.

Although football is the national sport in Germany, Germans enjoy a selection of sports such as hiking, cycling, boating, skiing and skating.  Other hobbies include music and art, such as playing instruments or painting. Travelling is also very popular.

Traditional German food is very meat-based. However, Germany is also one of the countries with the highest number of veganism, vegetarianism and organic food trends and has, therefore, various food options in restaurants and supermarkets. International food is also popular with lots of Italian, Turkish, Greek and Chinese restaurants, to mention a few.