Unskilled visa sponsorship jobs in Berlin, Germany
Berlin is hiring across logistics, hospitality, cleaning, construction support, and light manufacturing. For non-EU applicants without a degree, several entry routes exist—most notably the Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte), employer-led employment visas, seasonal permits, and vocational training (Ausbildung). This guide focuses on practical eligibility, real pay bands, where to apply, and the exact steps to move from search to signed contract.
Snapshot: who this suits
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Work-ready applicants (18+) with basic English or beginner German
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Reliable attendance, ability to follow instructions, physical stamina (10–20 kg lifts, standing shifts)
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Clean ID/background, willingness to learn basic German on the job
Typical pay and roles in Berlin (guide)
| Sector / role | Hourly rate (€) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cleaning / housekeeping | 12.50–15.00 | Higher in hospitals, airports, premium hotels |
| Kitchen assistant / dishwasher | ~13.00 | Holiday periods uplift demand |
| Warehouse picker/packer / sorter | 13.00–15.50 | Night/weekend premiums common |
| Delivery assistant / rider (contracted) | 13.00–16.00 | Equipment/PPE policies vary |
| Construction laborer / site helper | 14.00–18.00 | Overtime and project bonuses possible |
Full-time ranges are commonly €1,800–€2,500/month before tax, with overtime and allowances improving take-home.
Areas with stronger pay or demand (Berlin-Brandenburg)
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Central/commercial districts: Mitte, Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg, Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf
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Logistics corridors: Tempelhof-Schöneberg, Lichtenberg, outskirts toward Brandenburg (e.g., Potsdam)
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Seasonal spillover: hospitality and events peaks spring–summer; higher premiums for nights/weekends
Visa pathways that work for entry-level roles
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Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte): points-based residence to job-hunt in Germany for up to 1 year; shows legal stay while seeking work.
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Employment visa (with job offer): employer provides contract; authorities confirm market need and fair wage.
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Seasonal work visa: short-term roles (e.g., hospitality/agri); can build German references.
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Ausbildung (vocational training): paid on-the-job training in logistics, cleaning/facilities, catering; leads to longer-term residence paths.
Always confirm health insurance, accommodation proof, wage level, and contract terms before filing.
Documents to prepare (single PDF/folder)
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Passport, biometric photo, basic CV (Lebenslauf), short motivation note
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Proof of language (if any), police certificate, health insurance readiness
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References (supervisor contact), any safety/food-hygiene certificates
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Proof of funds or housing (if the visa route requires it)
How to apply: step-by-step
Step 1 define target role and shift window
Decide two roles you can start now (e.g., warehouse/cleaning) and accept nights/weekends if needed.
Step 2 create a Berlin-ready CV
One page, short bullets on reliability, speed/accuracy, safety, and physical readiness. Add earliest start date, language level, relocation status.
Step 3 search on the right platforms
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Indeed.de (search: “Hilfsarbeiter Berlin”, “Lagerhelfer”, “Visa Sponsorship”)
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StepStone.de (entry-level filters in logistics/hospitality/cleaning)
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Make-it-in-Germany.com (government portal, employer info + visa guidance)
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Jobbörse (Bundesagentur für Arbeit): broad coverage, English mode available
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Company pages for DHL, Amazon, WISAG, Piepenbrock, Gegenbauer, major hotel chains
Step 4 apply in focused batches
Send 10–15 tailored applications per week. In your message, state shift flexibility, start date, and that you have a visa plan (Opportunity Card/employment visa) and documents ready.
Step 5 interview and offer checks
Prepare short examples on punctuality, handling repetitive tasks, following SOPs, and safe lifting. Request written terms: wage, shift pattern, overtime/bonus rules, probation length, sponsorship steps.
Step 6 file the visa and arrange arrival
Submit visa application with contract, insurance, housing proof, and supporting documents. Keep copies of all contracts, payslips, and schedules after arrival.
Companies that frequently hire entry-level staff (examples)
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Logistics: DHL, Amazon (fulfilment/sortation), regional 3PLs
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Facilities/cleaning: WISAG, Piepenbrock, Gegenbauer
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Hospitality/food service: Marriott, Accor, NH, McDonald’s, Burger King, Domino’s
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Construction support: STRABAG, BAM Deutschland (via subcontractors for laborer roles)
Hiring criteria center on reliability, availability, and completing onboarding steps quickly.
Overcoming common hurdles
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Limited German: learn workplace basics (tools, safety, time/roster terms); add A1 course in parallel.
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No German references: include supervisor contacts from your home country and any prior manual work.
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Housing: consider shared rooms/hostels near logistics hubs; ask employers about transport subsidies.
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Scam avoidance: no fee to “buy” a job or sponsorship; insist on company email, registered address, written contract.
Example short messages
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First contact: “Available from [date], flexible for nights/weekends, experience in warehouse/cleaning, documents ready for employment visa/Opportunity Card. May I share my CV?”
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Offer clarification: “Could you confirm hourly rate, shift pattern, overtime/allowances, probation, and whether the contract supports visa sponsorship paperwork?”
Practical timeline (typical)
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Week 1: CV + documents pack, 10–15 applications
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Week 2: Phone/video interviews, conditional offer
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Weeks 3–6: Visa filing and processing (varies by route), housing planning
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Weeks 6–8: Onboarding, induction, first scheduled shifts
Key reminders
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German minimum wage (2025) applies; sponsored roles must meet fair-wage rules.
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Keep attendance and safety records clean; internal transfers and pay rises often depend on reliability.
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Track residence registration (Anmeldung), tax ID, bank account, and health insurance setup after arrival.