Packing and Sorting Jobs in Germany with Visa: Packing and sorting jobs are common entry-level positions in Germany’s logistics, e-commerce, and manufacturing sectors. However, for non-EU citizens, obtaining a work visa specifically for these roles is highly challenging due to Germany’s immigration laws, which are designed to attract skilled professionals. This guide explains the visa realities and pathways for securing such employment.
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Table of Contents
Understanding Packing and Sorting Work in Germany
These roles typically fall under job titles like Packmitarbeiter (packing assistant), Kommissionierer (order picker), or Sortierer (sorter). They involve preparing goods for shipment in warehouses, distribution centers (Versandzentren), or production facilities. The work is physically active, often shift-based, and requires reliability and attention to detail.
The Critical Visa Situation
Germany does not have a general work visa for low-skilled or unskilled labor from non-EU countries. Packing and sorting jobs are generally classified as helfer (helper) or angelernt (semi-skilled) positions, which do not meet the standard criteria for the Skilled Worker Visa on their own.
Realistic Visa Pathways for Non-EU Applicants:
As a Skilled Worker (with a Formal Qualification):
This is the primary work visa. To qualify, you need a recognized vocational qualification (Berufsausbildung) of at least two years that is relevant to logistics or production (e.g., Fachkraft für Lagerlogistik – specialist in warehouse logistics).
You must have a concrete job offer from a German employer matching that qualification.
A basic packing job offer alone, without the formal qualification, will not suffice for this visa.
Via the Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte):
This is a new points-based visa (from June 2024) that allows you to come to Germany for up to one year to search for a job.
You earn points for qualifications, professional experience (at least 2 years), language skills (German/English), age, and connection to Germany.
This is the most relevant new pathway. If you have several years of professional experience in warehousing/logistics and can score enough points (strong English or German skills are crucial), you can use the Opportunity Card to enter Germany, improve your language skills, and look for an employer.
If you find a job during this period, you can then apply to switch to a standard Skilled Worker residence permit. The job must be at a skilled level, but the Opportunity Card provides a legal bridge to find one.
As a Student or Dependent:
Student Visa: Allows part-time work (120 full days or 240 half days per year).
Family Reunion Visa: If your spouse has a valid German work visa, you typically have full work access.
As an EU/EEA/Swiss Citizen:
You have complete freedom to work without a visa.
Essential Requirements for the Job (If You Have the Right to Work)
Basic German: While some large international logistics hubs (e.g., Amazon) may operate with some English, A1-A2 level German is a practical necessity for understanding safety instructions, work processes, and team communication. B1 level dramatically widens your options.
Reliability & Physical Fitness: The most valued traits for these roles.
Tax Identification Number (Steueridentifikationsnummer): Mandatory once you start working.
Health & Safety Training: Employers provide mandatory on-site safety inductions.
How to Find Packing & Sorting Jobs
If you have secured a valid work visa or right to work (e.g., via Opportunity Card, as a student):
Temporary Work Agencies (Zeitarbeitsfirmen): This is the most common entry point. Agencies like DIS AG, Randstad, Adecco, Orizon, or PersonalConcept have contracts with large logistics companies and can place you quickly, often in temp-to-perm roles. Search for “Produktionshelfer” or “Lagerhelfer” on their websites.
Company Career Pages: Apply directly to large logistics and e-commerce operators: Amazon, DHL, DB Schenker, Rhenus Logistics, Zalando, Hermes.
Job Portals: Use Indeed.de, StepStone.de, and the Federal Employment Agency’s site Arbeitsagentur.de (search for “Kommissionierer,” “Packmitarbeiter,” “Lagerhelfer“).
Salary, Conditions & Important Warnings
Wages: Governed by collective agreements. The general minimum wage is €12.41 per hour (2024). In logistics, pay typically ranges from €12.50 to €15.50 per hour, plus supplements for night, weekend, or holiday shifts (Schichtzulagen).
Working Conditions: Shift work is standard, including early mornings, nights (Nachtschicht), and weekends. The work is repetitive and physically demanding.
Critical Warnings:
Visa Scams: Be extremely cautious of any job offer that promises a “work visa” for a simple packing job in exchange for money. This is almost always fraudulent.
Schwarzarbeit (Illegal Work): Working without a proper contract and tax registration is illegal, offers no protections, and risks deportation.
Always get a written contract detailing your hourly wage, hours, and job duties.
Final Summary
Packing and Sorting Jobs in Germany with Visa: For non-EU citizens, securing a packing and sorting job in Germany requires first solving the visa puzzle. The traditional Skilled Worker Visa is not designed for these roles unless you have a formal German vocational qualification.
The most viable pathway for 2024/2025 is the new Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte), provided you have relevant professional experience and can meet the points requirement (where language skills are key).
Your action plan should be:
Assess your points for the Opportunity Card. Focus on boosting your score through German/English language certificates.
If eligible, apply for the Opportunity Card to legally enter Germany for a job search.
Once in Germany, register with temporary work agencies (Zeitarbeitsfirmen)—this is the fastest way to get your first job in a warehouse.
Use that foothold to improve your German and seek more stable or skilled positions.
Begin your research on the official Make it in Germany and Chancenkarte websites for the most current and accurate information. Patience and proper legal preparation are essential for success.
Disclaimer
This job information is shared for educational and informational purposes only.
Any discussion of visa categories is based on general immigration laws and publicly available information.
