Germany needs workers in logistics very much. Logistics means moving goods by trucks, ships, and planes. Big ports like Hamburg and big airports like Frankfurt need people every day. Many companies in the Rhine-Ruhr area also look for workers. Right now, Germany has a big labour shortage in this sector. That is good news for people from outside the EU. There are many Logistics Assistant Jobs in Germany for foreigners. From 2025, the new rules of the Skilled Immigration Act make it easier to come and work in jobs like Junior Logistics Coordinator or Warehouse Clerk (Lagerist).
This simple guide explains everything in easy words: what you need, how much money you can earn, and how to get the visa step by step.
The Visa Pathway: The Skilled Immigration Act
To work in Germany as a Logistics Assistant, you first need a German National Visa for work. When you arrive in Germany, this visa changes into a Residence Permit for Employment.
Non-EU people can come through two main ways in 2025.
Visa for Qualified Professionals (Section 18a/b)
This is the most common way for Logistics Assistant Jobs.
You need a qualification that Germany accepts.
- You have a university degree that is recognized in Germany (you can check on the anabin website), OR
- You have a vocational training certificate (at least 2 years long) that is equal to a German certificate. Sometimes you must do the recognition process (Anerkennung in Deutschland).
Visa for Professionally Experienced Workers (The New Pathway 2025)
If you do not have a recognized certificate, you can still come if:
- You have a real job offer from a German company.
- You have at least 2 years of logistics work experience in the last 5 years.
- Your salary will be at least €43,470 gross per year (2025 number) OR the job pays according to the Collective Bargaining Agreement (Tarifvertrag).
Good news: Many logistics companies in Germany follow a Tarifvertrag. If your company has this agreement, the salary from the agreement is enough – even if it is a little lower than €43,470.
Salary and Job Market Realities in Logistics
Your salary is very important for the visa. The government checks that you earn normal money for the job and the city.
Logistics Salary Germany (Average Pay)
Here are real average salaries (gross = before tax):
- New Logistics Assistant (first job): €37,400 – €40,000 per year
- Normal Logistics Assistant (with some experience): €47,500 – €49,200 per year
- In expensive cities like Munich, Hamburg, or Frankfurt: up to €51,628 or more
Tip: Look for jobs in big cities – Munich, Hamburg, Frankfurt, Düsseldorf, or Cologne. These places have more jobs and higher pay. Many companies there give visa sponsorship.
The Importance of German Language (Deutschkenntnisse)
The law does not always ask for German for the visa, but almost every logistics employer wants it.
Why? Because you speak every day with drivers, warehouse workers, and customs officers. Most companies ask for B1 or B2 level German.
If you speak good German, the Federal Employment Agency (BA) will also say “yes” faster.
The German National Visa Step-by-Step
Here is the simple process:
- Find and get a job offer You must sign a real employment contract. The salary and working conditions must follow German law.
- BA Pre-approval (optional but very helpful) Your employer can pay €410 and ask the Federal Employment Agency for fast pre-approval. This makes the visa process much quicker.
- Apply for the National Visa at the German Embassy in your country Book an appointment and bring:
- Filled visa application form
- Your signed work contract
- BA pre-approval letter (if you have it)
- Proof of your qualification or experience
- Police certificate (no criminal record)
- Health insurance that works in Germany
- Passport photos and passport
- Enter Germany When the visa is ready, fly to Germany.
- Register your address Within 2 weeks, go to the local registration office (Einwohnermeldeamt) and get your address registration paper.
- Get the Residence Permit Go to the Foreigners’ Office (Ausländerbehörde) in your city and change the national visa into a long residence permit (usually 1–4 years).
FAQ: Key Legal and Financial Details
What is the German minimum wage?
In 2025 it is around €12.82 per hour, but logistics jobs pay much more because of the Tarifvertrag.
What comes out of my salary?
Germany takes money for health insurance, pension, unemployment insurance, and income tax. From a gross salary of €45,000 you keep about €28,000–€31,000 net per year (it depends on your tax class).
Can my family come with me?
Yes! Your husband/wife and children under 18 can get residence permits too. Your spouse can work in Germany immediately.
Conclusion: Your German Logistics Career Starts Now
2025 is the best year to start. Germany really needs logistics workers. Companies are ready to sponsor visas. If you have experience, learn B1 or B2 German, and look for jobs that follow the Tarifvertrag, you have a very good chance.
Start today:
- Look for jobs on the official “Make it in Germany” website
- Check the job portal of the Federal Employment Agency (arbeitsagentur.de)
- Contact companies in Hamburg, Munich, Frankfurt, and the Ruhr area
Your new life and good salary in Germany can begin very soon!
Dynamic Disclaimer
This article is only for information. Rules, salaries, and visa requirements can change. Always check the newest information on official websites: German Embassy in your country, Federal Foreign Office (auswaertiges-amt.de), Make it in Germany portal, and Federal Employment Agency (arbeitsagentur.de) before you apply. Good luck!