Working in Germany for couples - opportunities, conditions and tips

Working in Germany is becoming more and more attractive for couples, especially those who want not only higher salaries but also the chance to start a new life together. Couples who go abroad to work can save up for their common goals faster and experience life abroad together. 

It is worth reviewing regularly when planning your departure job advertisements and see what jobs are available at the time. This makes it easier to compare salaries, accommodation, working hours and choose an option that is acceptable to both partners for the longer term.

According to the Lithuanian Migration Department, In 2024 alone, 9486 Lithuanian citizens will leave Lithuania to live abroad, which shows that migration is still relevant, and for some people it is also linked to the search for a better job.

Practical steps for couples before moving to Germany 

Couples should have a clear budget before deciding to work in Germany: 

• The cost of the trip;
• First month's costs; 
• Insurance; 
• Initial purchases.

It's handy if at least one partner has a driving licence, so it's easier to get to your workplace and plan your leisure time. 

When choosing an employer or recruitment agency, it is important to check their reputation and references, to make sure the job is legal and the terms and conditions are clearly described - timetable, salary, accommodation. 

When all these things are clear before departure, working in Germany becomes not a risk for couples, but a planned step towards a more stable and financially stronger life. 

Accommodation and living conditions - working in Germany for couples with Retiva„ 

One of the most common fears for couples is where and how to live. Working through Retiva, candidates are given a briefing on the accommodation before they leave: 

• What type of housing is waiting; 
• How many people will live together; 
• Distance to your workplace; 
• What are the estimated monthly costs. 

This gives you an idea of what living conditions in Germany will be like and how much you can realistically save. 

Couples are usually accommodated in neat, well-furnished rooms or apartments with all the necessary furniture and appliances. Kitchens are equipped with cookers, fridges, microwaves and cupboards, so you can cook at home and keep costs under control. 

It is common for a couple to live in a double room, have their own space and feel as cosy as possible, even in a foreign country. 

What is the most popular job for couples in Germany? 

The most common jobs offered to couples in Germany are: 

• In warehouses; 
• In factories; 
• Logistics centres. 

This includes packing, labelling, order picking and quality checking. Also popular in hotels and cafés: 

• Room cleaning; 
• Help in the kitchen; 
• Dishwashing; 
• Breakfast preparation. 

Some people are interested in working in Germany without a language. This is followed by positions with a lot of repetitive tasks and no need for constant communication with clients. However, having at least basic German or a minimum knowledge of English makes everyday life much easier and opens the door to better-paid positions. 

The most common pairs available at errors planning work In Germany 

Couples often make several recurring mistakes when planning a departure. The most common are: 

• Over-optimistic about costs and under-budgeting: fuel, food, insurance, initial rent or deposit are not considered.
• Expectations are not discussed in advance: one partner expects to move up the career ladder quickly, the other just wants to earn a quiet living, which creates tension later.
• Too little interest in the specific conditions of work and accommodation: no insight into the contract, the work schedule, the distance to the workplace.