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Jobs in Germany for Americans & Navigating German Taxes: How to Find Employment as a Military Spouse, Veteran, Retiree, or Federal Government Employee

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It’s no surprise that one of the most common questions I get from incoming military families is whether there are jobs in Germany for Americans. It’s a valid concern, particularly for military spouses who want to keep working to support childcare costs, travel opportunities, and long term career growth.

Living and working in Germany as an American can feel overwhelming at first, especially when you’re navigating rules overseas for the first time.

Trust me, I get it.

We’ve been living in Germany with the U.S. military since 2014, and I have personally tried just about every employment option available.

USAJobs, home-based businesses, mini jobs in the local economy, volunteering, and eventually building my own private business.

The good news

There are legitimate ways to work in Germany as an American. The key is understanding which jobs provide SOFA status (Benefits under the Status of Forces Agreement), which ones do not, and how taxes and employment rules actually work overseas.

Below is a realistic breakdown of the most common and proven employment paths for Americans living in Germany with the US military.

Table of Contents

American Federal Government Jobs in Germany

Federal government jobs are one of the most stable and straightforward ways for Americans to work in Germany.

I’d even argue that federal government jobs are relatively easy to find overseas, if you’re flexible about the type of role. Building a long-term career, however, is a very different story.

These positions already understand SOFA status, overseas benefits, and the military lifestyle. Many also come with built-in protections related to taxes, residency, and healthcare.

Common federal employment categories include:

Most federal government jobs overseas are posted on USAJobs, and competition can be high. Having a federal resume that is properly formatted and tailored for overseas positions is critical.

How to use USAjobs

USAJobs is the primary platform for federal employment overseas, but it requires patience and strategy.

Tips that actually help:

  • Filter by location using “Germany” or specific garrisons
  • Set saved searches and alerts
  • Apply early and often
  • Tailor your resume for each position
  • Do not rely on one application
  • Keep copies of your written answers since job application questions are often repeated

Helpful career links:

USAJobs

Army Europe Civilian Jobs

Federal Government Jobs: NAF vs Appropriated Fund

This is one of the most misunderstood areas of overseas employment.

Appropriated Fund (APF) Jobs

These positions are funded directly by Congress and typically include GS and civil service roles. They often provide stronger benefits and higher pay, but are also more competitive.

Non-Appropriated Fund (NAF) Jobs

NAF jobs are funded by revenue-generating services like MWR, CDCs, and base facilities. These jobs are often easier to obtain and can be a great entry point for military spouses overseas.

Examples of NAF jobs include:

NAF jobs can still provide SOFA status and legal authorization to work on base.

Helpful career links:

NAF Application Information Kit

Logistical Support Jobs on Base That Provide SOFA Status

Many Americans overlook logistical support roles that exist on U.S. installations throughout Germany.

These jobs are critical to daily base operations and often come with SOFA status because they directly support the U.S. military mission.

In other words, these jobs allow you to travel, work, and stay in Germany until the duration of your employment contract.

Common examples include:

Helpful career links:

AAFES

DeCA Commissary

Military AutoSource (MAS)

Red Cross

Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States (VFW)

United Service Organizations (USO)

American Forces Network (AFN)

Contracting Job Opportunities in Germany

Contracting jobs are another major employment path for Americans overseas.

These positions are typically with U.S. companies that hold government contracts in Germany and support military operations, logistics, IT, healthcare, or construction.

Contracting roles may include:

  • IT and cybersecurity
  • Engineering
  • Medical services
  • Logistics and transportation
  • Administrative support

Many contracting jobs still provide SOFA status, but this depends on the employer and contract. Always confirm this before accepting a position.

Pro Tip: Before accepting any civilian position overseas, make sure the job includes tuition assistance for your children to attend a local DoDEA school. Without it, you could be paying out of pocket anywhere from $26,000 to over $29,000 per child for K–12 education. Learn more here.

Helpful career links:

General Dynamics Information Technology (GDIT)

French Consulting

Clearance Jobs

Gov2x

Multi National Recruitment System (MNRS)

Indeed Worldwide

LinkedIn International Jobs

Glassdoor Global

Military Spouse Jobs in Germany

Military spouses often need flexible employment options due to PCS cycles, childcare, and SOFA restrictions.

Below are some of the most realistic paths I see working overseas.

Home-Based Businesses on Base

Home-Based Businesses (HBBs) allow military spouses, service members, and DoD civilians in Germany to legally operate certain businesses out of their on-post housing with proper approval.

Common examples include:

To operate an HBB legally, you must obtain approval through your local Army Community Service or Family & MWR office, with final authorization from the garrison commander. The approval process has been streamlined in recent years and is often completed within about 60 days.

It typically requires submitting an application, complying with installation and host-nation rules, and securing any required licenses or documentation. Operating a business on base without official HBB approval can violate policy and lead to penalties.

Helpful career links:

HBB Grafenwoehr/Vilseck

Kaiserslautern Military Community

*For all other locations, google “HBB (location or base/post)”

Mini Jobs in the German Economy

Mini jobs are part-time jobs within the German system and are commonly used by military spouses off base.

Important to know:

  • Maximum earnings of €603 per month
  • Maximum €7,236 per year
  • Flexible schedules with limited hours and income
  • Only one mini job allowed alongside a full-time job
  • Exempt from most taxes and social contributions
  • Exceeding limits triggers German tax and social security obligations
  • Legal under SOFA status

Mini jobs are common in restaurants, shops, and local businesses near U.S. installations.

I’ve done this myself.

I worked a mini-job at a local restaurant (pic above) and later as a part-time content creator with EuroTrip Adventures.

My advice if you’re here temporarily, find an English-speaking local business where you can provide value.

Use the income to:

  • Travel with family
  • Explore Germany
  • Learn the local language
  • Enjoy the experience without financial stress

Helpful career links:

Mini Job guide

Full Time Jobs in the German Economy

Working in Germany on the local economy as a military spouse can feel intimidating at first. Many spouses assume it is either impossible or not worth the effort because of the language barrier, unfamiliar hiring practices, and cultural differences in the workplace.

And to be honest, it is tougher than finding a job on base or with the U.S. government. But it is absolutely possible.

Every year, military spouses successfully find local employment here, even without fluent German. The key is understanding where your strengths fit and being realistic about the types of roles available.

Pro Tip: Before applying for any local job in Germany, make sure you understand how SOFA status impacts your taxes, benefits, and labor protections, since these rules apply to most military spouses working on the German economy and can directly affect what jobs you can accept and how you are paid.

Most military spouses who work on the local economy start in English speaking roles.

Germany has a strong demand for English services, especially in areas like education, childcare, hospitality, tourism, customer support, administration, marketing, and international companies that operate in English. If you do speak German, even at a basic or conversational level, your opportunities increase significantly.

But a lack of German does not automatically disqualify you. Many employers value native English speakers and are used to working with internationals, especially in communities near U.S. bases.

One of the biggest advantages of working locally is the quality of life benefits that come with the German system.

Employees often receive far more paid time off than what is typical in the U.S., along with generous sick leave protections. Military spouses with legal residence and local employment may also qualify for Kindergeld, Germany’s monthly child benefit, which can make a meaningful difference for families.

While the process takes patience and flexibility, working on the local economy can provide not just income, but stability, professional growth, and a deeper connection to life in Germany beyond the base gates.

Helpful career links:

Ausblick-Therapie

DAV Force

Remote Telework and Working for U.S. Employers

Telework has opened many doors, but it also introduces tax complexity.

If you’re physically present in Germany for more than 183 days and perform telework in Germany, you may be subject to German income taxation, even if your employer is American.

An important exception exists for U.S. government employees. You’ll find more on taxes below.

Helpful career links:

Federal Government Telework

Military OneSource Telework Opportunities

Requesting Telework

German telework tax explanation

Pro Tip: If you leave a U.S. job due to a PCS, it may be possible to claim unemployment while living overseas.
This depends on the state you are leaving, so always check directly with that state’s unemployment office.

German Taxes: What Americans Living in Germany Need to Understand

Taxes are one of the biggest sources of pain confusion for Americans working in Germany, especially for military families. The good news is that most people drastically overestimate their tax exposure.

Let’s break this down clearly.

U.S. Military and Federal Government Income Is Not Taxed by Germany

Under the NATO Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA), Germany cannot tax U.S. military pay.

This was reinforced by a German finance court ruling in Rheinland-Pfalz, released on November 23, 2022, which confirmed that U.S. service members covered under SOFA cannot have their military income taxed by German authorities.

This protection also generally applies to U.S. federal government employees working overseas in an official capacity, which is why government telework is treated differently than private-sector remote work.

Bottom line:
If your income comes from U.S. military service or qualifying federal employment, Germany does not tax that income.

Hobby vs Business Under German Tax Law

Where things get tricky is side income, home-based businesses, and online work.

Germany does not decide tax liability based on how much you earn. They decide it based on intent.

Hobby (Liebhaberei)

A hobby means you are doing something for personal enjoyment, not to make consistent profit.

Examples include:

  • Selling something once or twice
  • Occasional photography or crafts
  • One-off referrals without a system

If classified as a hobby:

  • No income tax
  • No VAT
  • No business registration
  • You cannot deduct expenses or losses

Business or Self-Employed Activity

An activity is considered a business if it is:

  • Independent
  • Ongoing or recurring
  • Intended to generate profit

Even if the income is small, profit intent makes it a business.

If classified as a business, you may need to:

  • Register with the Finanzamt or Gewerbeamt
  • File a German tax return
  • Potentially deal with VAT

There is no official minimum income where business income can simply be ignored. If the activity is a business, it is technically taxable from the first euro. That said, several thresholds significantly reduce or eliminate what you actually pay.

Key German Small-Business Thresholds

VAT Small Business Rule (Kleinunternehmerregelung)

  • €22,000 turnover in the previous year
  • €50,000 expected in the current year
    Below this, you can opt not to charge VAT. You still declare income, but no VAT collection or filings.

Trade Tax (Gewerbesteuer)

  • €24,500 annual profit
    Below this, no trade tax is paid.

Income Tax Personal Allowance (Grundfreibetrag)

  • €11,604 total annual income
    Below this, no income tax is due, but filing may still be required if you are registered as self-employed.

Occasional Side Income (Nebeneinkünfte)

  • Up to €410 per year
    If truly occasional and not recurring, this may be ignored.

Pro Tip: Thinking about living in Germany? Learn how to get your German Residency Permit

Practical Examples of Business in Germany

Example 1: True Hobby
You sell one photo online for €50 as a one-off.
No ongoing sales. No system.
→ Hobby. No tax reporting required.

Example 2: Small Online Business
You earn €100 per month in affiliate commissions.
Recurring income with profit intent.
→ Business activity.
You must register and file, even if no tax is ultimately owed.

Example 3: Business Under €22,000
You earn €8,000 per year from a side business.
→ Still a business.
→ No VAT under the small-business rule.
→ Likely no income tax due, but filing required.

How the German Tax Office Decides

The Finanzamt looks at:

  • Profit intent over time
  • Repeated or structured activity
  • Advertising, websites, invoices
  • Regular customers or payments

If it looks like a business, they treat it as a business.

If it is classified as a Hobby (Liebhaberei):

  • No taxes owed
  • No deductions allowed

Important Reality for Most Military Spouses

Here’s what often gets missed.

Most military spouses, especially those running Home-Based Businesses, do not meaningfully fall into the German business system because:

  • They are in Germany temporarily
  • They earn small amounts
  • They do not sell to the German economy
  • They operate under U.S. military rules on base

That does not mean “ignore taxes,” but it does mean the risk and exposure are often far lower than people fear.

Pro Tip: Download our FREE Benefits Guide to learn about military benefits and discounts overseas!

German Small Business Rule (Kleinunternehmerregelung)

Although this does not apply to many military spouses or U.S. government employees living in Germany, it is still helpful to understand in case you ever decide to start a small business inside the German system.

The Kleinunternehmerregelung is a special rule in German tax law (§ 19 UStG) designed for very small businesses and freelancers.

If you qualify under this rule:

  • You do not charge German VAT (normally 19%) on your invoices
  • You do not file regular VAT returns
  • Every invoice must include this line:
    “Gemäß § 19 UStG wird keine Umsatzsteuer berechnet.”

This rule exists to reduce bureaucracy for very small businesses.

Revenue Thresholds That Matter

Eligibility is based on gross revenue (Umsatz), not profit.

  • Previous year: Up to €22,000
  • Current year (expected): Up to €50,000

Important distinction:

  • Gross revenue = all money clients pay you
  • Net income = what remains after expenses

Germany looks at the gross number, not what you keep.

Simple Example

  • You invoice €18,000 in 2024
    → Under €22,000, so you qualify for 2025
  • You invoice €30,000 in 2025
    → Under €50,000, so you can stay in the rule for that year
  • Because €30,000 exceeds €22,000
    → In 2026, you must begin charging 19% VAT

Even if your actual profit was only €5,000, the Finanzamt still counts the €30,000.

Important Things to Know

  • You cannot reclaim VAT on business expenses like software, ads, or equipment
  • If you exceed the thresholds, you must switch to the normal VAT system the following year
  • Many sales to U.S. or non-EU clients are already outside German VAT rules

The difference is:

  • Kleinunternehmerregelung = no VAT and no VAT reporting
  • Normal VAT system = VAT-exempt invoices still require reporting

Why This Often Doesn’t Apply to Military Families

Most military spouses and government-connected individuals:

  • Are in Germany temporarily
  • Earn modest side income
  • Operate under SOFA or on-base rules
  • Do not sell to the German economy

That’s why many never enter the German VAT system at all (And I 100% support this).

Bottom line: To avoid charging 19% VAT in Germany:

  • Your gross turnover must stay under €22,000 in the previous year
  • And under €50,000 in the current year

This rule exists for small, local German businesses, but knowing it helps you avoid surprises if your situation ever changes.

Pro Tip: Check out the “Auslander App” for expat jobs in Germany and content creator “Symoné B” for Gov Tech IT roles.

Self-Employment Tax Waiver for Americans in Germany (Berlin Form)

This section will not apply to most military spouses or government employees, but if you run a legitimate business or freelance while living in Germany, this is important to understand.

Normally, Americans who are self-employed must pay U.S. self-employment tax, even if they live overseas.

That tax is 15.3% of your net profit, which funds:

  • Social Security (12.4%)
  • Medicare (2.9%)

However, because Germany and the U.S. have a social security totalization agreement, Americans who are self-employed in Germany can apply for a self-employment tax waiver, often referred to as the Berlin Form (download below).

Get your Self Employment Tax Wavier (Berlin Form) here

What the Self Employment Waiver Does

If approved:

  • You do not pay U.S. self-employment tax (Social Security and Medicare)
  • This prevents you from being taxed into two retirement systems at the same time

This waiver has nothing to do with:

  • The Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE)
  • The Foreign Tax Credit (FTC)

Those are separate U.S. tax tools.

Who does the Berlin Form Apply To?

This is relevant if:

  • You live outside the U.S. (Germany)
  • You are self-employed or freelancing
  • Your business is operated while physically in Germany
  • You earn recurring income with profit intent

Your clients can be anywhere in the world, including the U.S.

Important Rules to Know

  • You must apply for the waiver yourself through German authorities
  • Tax preparers and software do not automatically do this for you
  • You should obtain the waiver before filing your U.S. tax return
  • Your U.S. tax return is filed electronically, but the waiver is mailed separately to the IRS

Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE), Foreign Tax Credit (FTC) & Self Employment Tax Wavier

For Americans living in Germany with the military, tax rules often sound more complicated than they actually are. The Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE), the Foreign Tax Credit (FTC), and the Self-Employment Tax Waiver exist to prevent double taxation, but they apply to different taxes and income types.

Self-Employment Tax Waiver

  • Covers Social Security and Medicare (15.3%)
  • Prevents double contributions
  • Applies to self-employed Americans in Germany

Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE)

  • Covers U.S. income tax
  • Allows exclusion of foreign income (up to an annual limit)
  • Does not cover Social Security or Medicare
  • Online tax websites like Turbo Tax have user friendly instructions on how to file with it

Foreign Tax Credit (FTC)

  • Credits U.S. taxes for income taxes already paid to Germany
  • Prevents double income taxation

You may use all three, depending on your situation. Check with your tax official to understand which one applies to you.

Why This Rarely Applies to Military Families

Most military spouses:

  • Earn small or occasional income
  • Operate under SOFA or on-base rules
  • Do not enter the German social system
  • Do not register German businesses

In those cases, this waiver usually does not apply.

But for Americans running real, registered businesses in Germany, this waiver can save thousands of dollars per year.

Bottom line: If you are self-employed in Germany:

  • Without the waiver, the U.S. may charge an extra 15.3% on top of German taxes
  • With the waiver, you generally pay only German social contributions
  • FEIE and FTC handle income tax
  • The waiver handles Social Security and Medicare

Understanding the difference can prevent expensive mistakes.

Tax Takeaway for your Job in Germany

  • U.S. military pay is not taxed by Germany
  • Federal government employment is treated differently than private telework
  • Hobby vs business is determined by intent, not income
  • Small business thresholds eliminate much of the actual tax burden
  • Filing requirements are more common than tax payments

Understanding these distinctions is the difference between feeling stuck and confidently moving forward overseas.

Education, Certifications, and Volunteering

Sometimes the smartest move overseas is to invest in yourself.

For a lot of military spouses, being overseas is one of the few chapters in life where you finally have the time to focus on personal growth, go back to school, earn certifications, volunteer, and position yourself for what’s next.

Options include:

  • Earning a degree or certification from the Education Center on base/post
  • Volunteering to build experience and networks in the local community
  • Participating in spouse employment programs

Helpful career links:

Army Spouse Employment Program

Hiring Our Heroes

Hiring Our Heroes Fellowship Program

Volunteer Management Information System

Learn the Language Like It’s Your Job

Learning German will expand your employment options and daily quality of life more than almost anything else.

Even basic survival German makes a massive difference off base.

The goal, especially for Americans living in Germany with the military, is functional German, not perfection.

Here’s what worked for me…

Step 1: Learn the Basics First

Start with the fundamentals, memorizing:

  • Numbers
  • Colors
  • Days of the week and months
  • Common phrases
  • Food and everyday items

One of the simplest tools that helped me early on was a visual picture book, which made it easier to connect words with objects instead of translations.

Because I’m a visual learner, I also wrote German words on sticky notes and placed them all over the house. Kitchen items, bathroom objects, bedroom furniture. Everywhere.

It forces your brain to read German constantly, even when you’re not actively studying.

To this day, I will never forget the word “die Waage” (the scale). I saw it every single time I walked into the bathroom. Even though I’ve never used that word in conversation, it stuck permanently.

Step 2: Use TV, Movies, and Subtitles to Your Advantage

We all watch TV anyway, so you might as well turn it into a learning tool.

I still watch TV with German subtitles, even when the show is in English. It keeps your brain engaged without requiring extra effort.

I also recommend:

  • Watching familiar movies (Disney is great) in German with English subtitles
  • Then flipping it and watching in English with German subtitles

Because you already know the story, your brain starts connecting words naturally.

For bonus points, try joining a Stammtisch, which is a regular meet-up at a bar or restaurant where people gather weekly or monthly. Making German friends and practicing in a low-pressure environment makes a huge difference (especially after a few beers).

Don’t be shy. Most people are happy to help.

Step 3: Take a Class (This Is the Game Changer)

Taking a structured class, whether online, private, or in a group, is hands down the fastest way to learn.

You may be able to find free classes on base through:

  • ACS
  • USO
  • Airman Family and Readiness Center

You can also use free tools like Mango, which is available through many MWR libraries and works similarly to Duolingo.

That said, if you want real progress, I recommend a course.

I personally took Survival German with Nadja, and I also recommend Home of Cultures for the kiddos.

This will help tremendously with:

  • Pronunciation
  • Vocabulary
  • Listening comprehension
  • Brain training exercises
  • An all-in-one crash course for daily life in Germany

You need to lock in the fundamentals before you can confidently form sentences.

Use coupon code “MilitaryDTV” for 10% off.

Final Thoughts on Jobs in Germany for Americans

There is no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to jobs in Germany for Americans.

Your best option depends on your status, goals, family situation, and how long you plan to stay overseas. I have personally navigated nearly every path listed above, and while none are perfect, many do work when you understand the rules.

If you want a deeper breakdown of SOFA status, taxes, and employment options overseas, make sure you check out my free resources and videos links here.

Living overseas comes with challenges, but with the right information and a commitment to personal growth, it can become one of the most rewarding chapters of your life.

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