Finding a job in Berlin can feel overwhelming—especially if you don’t speak German. But the good news is, Germany’s capital is one of the most international cities in Europe, with a booming startup ecosystem and hundreds of companies that operate primarily in English. From tech giants to innovative startups and global service companies, many employers in Berlin actively seek out international talent. Whether you’re an expat, a newcomer, or a digital nomad looking to settle down, there are quick and practical ways to land a job here—even without fluent German skills. In this guide, you’ll discover 10 fast, effective strategies to kick-start your job search in Berlin today.
1. Explore the Best English-Speaking Job Portals in Berlin
If you’re looking for English-speaking jobs in Berlin, your first stop should be online job portals that cater specifically to international job seekers. These platforms make it easy to filter for jobs that don’t require German and are frequently updated with opportunities in tech, marketing, customer support, and more.
- LinkedIn – One of the most powerful tools for job hunting in Berlin. Use the location filter set to “Berlin” and search terms like “English only” or “no German required” to find relevant roles. Follow Berlin-based companies and recruiters to stay updated on openings.
- Indeed Germany – Visit de.indeed.com and type in keywords like “English-speaking jobs Berlin” or specific roles such as “Customer Support English.” Use the filter to narrow down by company, salary, or remote options.
- BerlinStartupJobs.com – A go-to site for finding startup jobs in Berlin. Most listings are in English, and many roles don’t require German. This platform is perfect for tech professionals, marketers, designers, and business developers.
- Jobs in Berlin (jobsinberlin.eu) – Specifically designed for expats and English speakers, this site curates job openings from international companies hiring in Berlin.
- Honeypot.io – A great resource for developers and tech professionals. Honeypot connects candidates directly with hiring tech companies in Berlin, many of which use English as their working language.
- AngelList Talent (now Wellfound) – Ideal for finding Berlin startup jobs that are hiring globally. Most job postings are in English and many offer remote or hybrid work setups.
When using these platforms, always use search filters like “English only,” “relocation support,” or “international team” to uncover the most relevant job listings for non-German speakers.
2. Leverage Berlin’s International Startups & Tech Companies
One of the fastest ways to find a job in Berlin without speaking German is to target the city’s international startups and English-speaking tech companies. Berlin has become a top destination for global talent, thanks to its booming startup ecosystem, vibrant tech scene, and growing number of multinational companies that operate in English.
Many startups in Berlin use English as their primary working language, especially in roles like software development, product management, digital marketing, UX/UI design, and customer support. These companies value international experience and often prioritize skills over language fluency.
Some of the most well-known Berlin-based startups hiring English speakers include:
- N26 – A digital bank with a global customer base, N26 hires for tech, product, customer service, and operations roles—all in English.
- Zalando – One of Europe’s leading online fashion platforms, Zalando offers numerous opportunities in tech, marketing, and logistics, with English as a company-wide working language.
- Delivery Hero – Headquartered in Berlin, this food delivery giant hires hundreds of expats across departments like data, engineering, finance, and customer care.
- GetYourGuide, Pitch, Trade Republic, and SumUp – These startups are also known for their diverse teams and English-first work environments.
The best part? Many of these companies offer visa sponsorship, relocation packages, and remote/hybrid roles—making them ideal for expats and newcomers.
By focusing your job search on international startups in Berlin, you’ll drastically increase your chances of getting hired fast—even without German language skills.
3. Use LinkedIn Strategically to Find English-Speaking Jobs in Berlin
If you’re serious about finding a job in Berlin without speaking German, optimizing your LinkedIn profile is a must. Recruiters in Berlin—especially those hiring for English-speaking roles—actively search LinkedIn for international candidates with the right skills and experience.
Here’s how to use LinkedIn effectively to get noticed by Berlin-based employers:
- Set your location to Berlin – Even if you’re still abroad, update your profile location to “Berlin, Germany”. This ensures you appear in local recruiter searches.
- Use English job-related keywords – Include phrases like “seeking English-speaking roles in Berlin”, “open to relocation to Berlin”, and relevant job titles such as “frontend developer,” “marketing specialist,” “product manager”, etc.
- Write a compelling headline and summary – Your headline should clearly state your role and interest in the Berlin job market. Example: “Customer Support Specialist | Open to English-speaking roles in Berlin tech companies.”
- Follow Berlin-based companies hiring international talent – Examples include N26, Zalando, Delivery Hero, SumUp, and GetYourGuide. This increases your visibility in their network and keeps you informed of new job postings.
- Engage with Berlin tech and expat communities – Comment on posts, join relevant LinkedIn groups (e.g., Berlin Startups, English Jobs in Berlin), and connect with professionals already working in Berlin.
- Turn on the “Open to Work” feature – Make sure to specify that you’re open to roles in Berlin, and choose the option to be visible to recruiters.
Using LinkedIn for job hunting in Berlin is especially powerful for expats and non-German speakers. With the right keywords, connections, and engagement strategy, you can attract offers directly in your inbox—often faster than through traditional job boards.
4. Apply to Recruitment Agencies Specialized in Expats in Berlin
If you want to find a job in Berlin fast—especially as a non-German speaker—partnering with the right recruitment agencies can give you a major advantage. Several Berlin recruitment firms specialize in placing expats, international professionals, and English-speaking candidates into jobs across tech, sales, marketing, customer service, and more.
These agencies often have direct access to hidden job markets, fast-track hiring processes, and companies actively seeking international talent.
Here are some top recruitment agencies in Berlin for expats:
- Aristo Search – Focuses on placing international professionals in tech, engineering, and life sciences roles. Known for English-friendly job opportunities.
- Ventura TRAVEL Careers / i-Potentials – These Berlin-based agencies often support fast-growing startups and scale-ups looking for English-speaking candidates.
- Urban Jobs Berlin – A popular choice among expats in Berlin, especially for creative and customer-facing roles. They cater specifically to English speakers and newcomers.
- Approach People Recruitment – A European agency with a strong Berlin presence, helping place international candidates in roles in tech, sales, and business development.
- ExpatJobseeker.de – While more of a job platform, they also partner with recruiters who focus on hiring foreigners in Berlin.
Most of these agencies work by matching your skills and preferences with companies actively hiring. You typically submit your CV, attend a quick screening call, and get introduced to multiple employers—often with no German language requirement.
Working with expat-focused recruiters in Berlin can significantly shorten your job search timeline, open doors to non-advertised jobs, and connect you with employers who value international talent.
5. Search Co-working Spaces & Job Boards in Berlin
One often-overlooked way to find a job in Berlin without speaking German is by tapping into the city’s vibrant network of coworking spaces. These hubs are not just workspaces—they’re hotspots for networking, job leads, and English-speaking opportunities in Berlin’s startup and tech scene.
Many coworking spaces in Berlin host regular community events, startup meetups, and job boards where companies post open roles, often looking for international professionals.
Here are some of the most popular coworking spaces in Berlin to check out:
- Factory Berlin – A tech-focused community that regularly hosts events with startups and investors. Their internal job board and member platform are great for discovering English-speaking jobs in Berlin.
- betahaus – One of the oldest coworking spaces in Berlin, known for its creative and entrepreneurial environment. Check their community wall, newsletter, and Slack groups for freelance gigs, part-time roles, and startup jobs.
- WeWork Berlin – With multiple locations in the city, WeWork offers a professional setting and frequent networking events where companies often pitch job openings—many of which are open to non-German speakers.
- Mindspace, Ahoy! Berlin, and St. Oberholz – These coworking spaces also attract international entrepreneurs and remote teams, making them ideal places to connect with companies that operate in English.
Pro Tip: Many coworking spaces offer free trial days or open events—perfect for networking and getting direct access to Berlin-based hiring managers and founders who are open to hiring English-speaking talent.
Engaging with coworking communities in Berlin gives you a direct line to hidden job opportunities, often before they’re posted online—and lets you network your way into the startup ecosystem, no German required.
6. Join Berlin Expat & Job-Seeker Facebook Groups
One of the quickest ways to discover English-speaking jobs in Berlin is by joining active Facebook groups and Reddit communities where expats and job seekers regularly share job leads, referrals, and hiring tips. These online spaces are full of real-time job postings, many from startups or small businesses that don’t advertise on traditional job boards.
Here are some of the most active Facebook groups for jobs in Berlin:
- English Jobs in Berlin – A popular group with thousands of members posting daily job openings for non-German speakers across tech, hospitality, customer support, and more.
- Jobs for English Speakers in Berlin – Focuses on full-time, part-time, and freelance roles that require little to no German.
- Berlin Startups Jobs – Ideal for those looking to break into the Berlin startup ecosystem. Many posts come directly from founders or hiring managers.
- Expats in Berlin – While not strictly a job group, it’s great for networking, getting referrals, and learning from others who found English-speaking jobs in Berlin.
Over on Reddit, check out:
- r/berlin – Frequently features threads on job hunting in Berlin, visa questions, and English-friendly employers.
- r/IWantOut or r/expats – For broader expat job advice and relocation tips.
How to engage effectively:
- Write a clear, polite introduction post outlining your skills, job target, and availability.
Example: “Hi everyone! I’m a digital marketer with 5+ years of experience, new to Berlin and looking for English-speaking roles in tech or e-commerce. Any leads or advice would be appreciated!” - Be proactive—comment on posts, DM posters with job leads, and share your profile or CV when appropriate.
- Set notifications to “All Posts” so you don’t miss daily job updates or referral opportunities.
Joining and engaging in these expat Facebook groups in Berlin gives you access to off-market jobs, direct referrals, and community support—all incredibly valuable when you’re job hunting without German skills.
7. Freelance While Job-Hunting in Berlin (English-Friendly Options)
If you’re still searching for the right full-time job in Berlin or waiting on visa paperwork, starting with freelance work is a smart move. Many English-speaking expats in Berlin choose to freelance in fields like writing, graphic design, web development, IT support, and virtual assistance to earn income while applying for long-term roles.
The best part? These freelance jobs require no German and are 100% remote-friendly—making them ideal for newcomers in Berlin.
Here are some popular freelancing platforms for English speakers:
- Upwork – One of the largest global freelance marketplaces. Search for gigs in content writing, SEO, frontend development, customer support, and more. Filter by category, hourly rate, or client region.
- Fiverr – Great for selling freelance services like design, copywriting, voiceover work, and WordPress setup. Set up your gig and get discovered by international clients.
- Malt – A European freelancing platform that connects professionals with companies across the EU, including Berlin startups hiring freelancers. It’s ideal for tech, marketing, and UX professionals.
- Toptal, Freelancer.com, and PeoplePerHour – These platforms also list remote-friendly freelance jobs that pay in EUR or USD and often don’t require German.
Popular English-friendly freelance jobs in Berlin include:
- Copywriting / SEO content writing
- Graphic design / UX/UI design
- Web development / IT consulting
- Virtual assistant / customer support
- Translation (EN to other languages)
Pro Tip: While freelancing, you can build your Berlin network, collect client testimonials, and even convert freelance gigs into full-time employment with Berlin-based companies once you’re ready.
Starting with freelance work in Berlin is not only income-generating—it also shows initiative, keeps your skills sharp, and opens doors to English-speaking job offers.
8. Tap Into Internships, Volunteering, or Trial Jobs in Berlin
If you’re new to the city or switching industries, internships, volunteer roles, and trial jobs are some of the fastest ways to land a full-time English-speaking job in Berlin—even without fluent German.
Many Berlin startups and tech companies prefer to hire based on real work performance, which makes short-term trials a common hiring path. These roles not only help you gain local work experience but also build your professional network in Berlin.
Here’s why this works:
- Startups in Berlin often move fast and are open to hiring interns or freelance trial workers before offering permanent contracts.
- Roles in marketing, customer support, operations, community management, and junior tech positions are especially common entry points.
- Most of these opportunities are English-speaking, and some even offer a stipend or hourly pay.
Real-world example:
“I started as a part-time content intern at a Berlin travel startup and was offered a full-time content manager role after just 6 weeks,” says Priya, an Indian expat who moved to Berlin in 2023. “They valued my writing skills and international perspective more than my German level.”
Where to find these opportunities:
- Check BerlinStartupJobs, LinkedIn, and company career pages for terms like “intern,” “working student,” “freelancer,” or “trial period.”
- Reach out directly to companies you admire with a short pitch and CV. Many founders are open to creating a role if the fit is right.
Don’t overlook volunteering at local events, conferences, or NGOs in Berlin—it’s another excellent way to meet hiring managers and demonstrate your commitment, especially in sectors like sustainability, tech for good, or creative industries.
By saying “yes” to a trial job or internship in Berlin, you gain insider access to hiring teams, prove your skills on the ground, and often bypass traditional application processes—making this a smart shortcut to a full-time English-speaking role.
9. Stay Legally Ready: Visa & Paperwork Tips for Working in Berlin
To get hired quickly in Berlin, especially as an international job seeker, it’s essential to have your legal documents and visa paperwork in order. Many companies prefer candidates who are already eligible to work in Germany or can move through the process without delays.
Here are the key documents you need to work in Berlin:
- Anmeldung (registration certificate) – This is your official residence registration in Berlin and is required for almost everything, from opening a bank account to signing a job contract.
- Residence Permit or Job Seeker Visa – If you’re already in Germany, you may apply for a residence permit for employment. If you’re still abroad, consider the Job Seeker Visa, which allows you to stay in Germany for up to 6 months while searching for a job.
- EU Blue Card – Ideal for highly skilled professionals in fields like IT, engineering, and science. It allows faster processing, easier family reunification, and simplified work rights across the EU.
- Valid CV, Cover Letter, and Proof of Qualifications – Many employers ask for degree certificates, portfolio links, and reference letters, so keep these ready in both English and German (if possible).
Pro Tip: Upload your documents to a shared drive (like Google Drive or Dropbox) with English file names like “CV_Berlin_2025”, “Anmeldung_Scanned”, etc., so you can send them to recruiters instantly.
Preparing your Berlin work visa and paperwork in advance shows you’re serious, reliable, and ready to be hired quickly—which gives you a major edge in a competitive job market.
Summary: Finding a Job In Berlin
| Method | Description | Tools & Platforms |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Use English Job Portals | Search job boards that list roles in Berlin for non-German speakers. | LinkedIn, BerlinStartupJobs, Indeed, Jobs in Berlin, Honeypot |
| 2. Target International Startups | Apply to Berlin startups that hire globally and work in English. | N26, Zalando, Delivery Hero, GetYourGuide |
| 3. Optimize LinkedIn for Berlin | Update your profile, set Berlin as your location, and follow local companies. | LinkedIn, Berlin Tech Slack, local recruiter pages |
| 4. Register with Expat Recruiters | Work with recruitment agencies that specialize in international talent. | BlueCard Jobs, ExpatJobSeeker, Approach People, EU Jobs |
| 5. Join Coworking Communities | Connect with locals and find job boards at coworking hubs. | Factory Berlin, Betahaus, Mindspace, MotionLab |
| 6. Freelance While You Search | Start freelancing in English to earn income and network. | Upwork, Fiverr, Malt, Freelancer |
| 7. Engage in Facebook & Reddit Groups | Get real-time job leads and referrals from other expats. | Facebook: “English Jobs in Berlin”, Reddit: r/berlin |
| 8. Try Internships or Trials | Short-term roles often lead to full-time offers, especially in startups. | BerlinStartupJobs, direct outreach, company career pages |
| 9. Prepare Legal Paperwork Early | Have your visa, Anmeldung, and Blue Card ready for faster hiring. | Ausländerbehörde Berlin, Make it in Germany, EU Blue Card portal |
Good luck!