The answer to the question of whether refugees are allowed to work in Germany is yes - in many cases. However, the “whether” and “how” depends heavily on the legal status. It is therefore important for companies that want to hire international talent to know the differences.

Here we provide a compact overview of who is allowed to work and under what conditions.

Asylum Seekers: Limited Access - But Possible

People who have applied for asylum and are still waiting for a decision are generally not allowed to work for the first three months. The following also applies thereafter: anyone who has to continue living in an initial reception center (usually for up to 6 months, or longer in the case of certain countries of origin) is also not allowed to work.

As soon as this phase is over, employment can be taken up - with the permission of the foreigners authority and usually with the approval of the Federal Employment Agency (Bundesagentur für Arbeit). Self-employment is not permitted for asylum seekers.

Important to know: If the person comes from a so-called safe country of origin (e.g. Albania, Ghana, Kosovo, Serbia), employment during the asylum procedure is excluded.

Recognized Refugees and Persons Entitled to Asylum: Unrestricted Access

Persons recognized as refugees (under the Geneva Refugee Convention) or granted asylum under the German Basic Law have unrestricted access to the labour market - just like German nationals. For companies, this means that no additional permits are required.

Subsidiary Protection and National Ban on Deportation

Individuals who are not recognized as refugees or entitled to asylum but cannot be deported – for example, due to the threat of torture, the death penalty, or serious illness – are often granted subsidiary protection or a national ban on deportation.

In these cases, employment is generally possible. The residence permit usually includes the right to work. If not, permission can be requested from the local Foreigners’ Authority (Ausländerbehörde).

Temporary Protection – e.g. for Refugees from Ukraine

Individuals with temporary protection status, such as many people who fled Ukraine, are allowed to work without restriction. No additional approval is needed. Their access to the labor market is the same as for German citizens.

Stateless Persons

Stateless persons with a valid residence permit are also allowed to work, unless otherwise stated in the permit. In case of doubt, a work permit can be requested from the local Foreigners’ Authority.

The Form Every Employer Should Know

In some cases, hiring a refugee or asylum seeker requires approval from the Federal Employment Agency (Bundesagentur für Arbeit). To obtain this, employers must fill out a form called the "Declaration of Employment" (Erklärung zum Beschäftigungsverhältnis). It includes basic information about the position – such as working hours, salary, and responsibilities – and is submitted via the local Foreigners’ Authority.

You can download the form here: Declaration of Employment

What’s it Actually About?

Mainly, it ensures that fair working conditions are in place – no exploitative wages, no underpayment, and that the job matches industry standards in terms of scope and salary.

How Long Does it Take?

Once all documents are complete, approval is usually granted within two weeks. The more complete the paperwork, the faster the process.

And in most other cases, hiring is just a few steps away. If you understand the process – or know someone who does – there’s nothing to worry about. Workeer supports your company during every step of the journey.

In our blog posts, we do not use gender-inclusive language to make them easier to read for non-native German speaking readers. Of course, all genders are included, as diversity and inclusion are important to us.