Requirements for Teaching English in Germany
The basic requirements to teach English in Germany include having a TEFL certification and being a native English speaker. It's also extremely important to understand the hiring and visa process for English teachers in Germany. You should expect to find your teaching job in-person in Germany, and you should be sure that you plan to interview during the peak hiring season in either January or September. The basic qualifications required by schools for teaching English in Germany are outlined in detail below:
To teach English in Germany, you must meet these pre-requisites:
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Citizenship from one of the following countries (required to obtain the freelance visa in-country): United States, Canada, Australia, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland and/or the Republic of Korea. Those with EU or UK citizenship do not need to apply for this visa.
Sidenote: Anyone can apply for the freelance visa, but for those with citizenship from countries not listed above will need to apply for and obtain a visa for work purposes before entering Germany (note: it is rare to obtain employment in Germany by applying for positions remotely). -
TEFL Certification: Though not technically a legal requirement, reputable private language schools in Germany will typically require that their teachers be TEFL certified. Quality schools offering quality jobs typically are not interested in hiring teachers who have not received proper training.
Throughout the interview process and when obtaining a work visa, teachers should expect to have the following documents available:
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Valid Passport
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International resume/CV and cover letter
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TEFL Certificate
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Visa Application
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Health Insurance
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Letters of Intent or confirmation of employment by employer
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Proof of funds such as a bank statement
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Passport sized photos
A couple bonus documents recommended to have available: Sample lesson plans, original university diploma, college transcripts.
Side note: Most teachers that work in Germany will enter on a passport stamp or on a tourist visa if needed, then process their actual work visa after they arrive with assistance from their school or employer. ITA also partners with Speakeasy Language Academy and Expat Launcher to assist with the entire freelance visa process and getting settled in Germany.
Want to Learn More about Teaching English Abroad & TEFL Certification?
Request a free brochure or call 773-634-9900 to speak with an expert advisor about all aspects of teaching English abroad, including TEFL certification, the hiring process, salaries, visas and more.
Related Resources:
- Teaching English in Europe - Alumni Stories
- How Quickly Can I Get TEFL Certified & Begin Teaching English Abroad?
- Europe TEFL Class Index
- Ambassador Corner - Get Inside Tips from ITA Alumni Ambassadors Around the Globe
About the Author: Danielle Lupo
Born & raised in the Chicago area, Danielle lived abroad in Italy for three years & has traveled extensively all over Europe.
