Frankfurt is widely regarded as one of the business capitals of Europe with a very low unemployment rate, so if your business is finance-related, you will find plenty of opportunities here. Big pharma also has a presence in Frankfurt, so if your background is scientific, you’ll find work there. This is all assuming you have managed to arrange a residence permit before arriving, but be aware of immigration restrictions.
Frankfurt
One advantage is that English is the primary language used in business dealings all over the world, including Frankfurt. Fluency in this language will give you an advantage over other candidates for the same position, although it is still advisable to learn German as this will be the native language of many key decision makers.
It is not just banking and commerce that provide employment opportunities in Frankfurt, with so many busy people in the city, many international workers are looking to work as nannies and au pairs. Be careful though, as live-in jobs involve non-permanent addresses and may not be successful in obtaining a residence permit. You may even be able to access Frankfurt as a freelancer, provided you have a native sponsor and can prove that your business will benefit the city as a whole.
Education in Frankfurt
The Frankfurter Schule, or Frankfurt School, is one of the most famous educational institutes in the world, thanks to its philosophical and sociological studies. However, there are more conventional educational centres in the city.
International schools
Despite the fact that workers from all over the world come to Frankfurt, there are not many international schools in the city. For example, US citizens will do best at ISF Internationale Schule Frankfurt-Rhein-Main, which offers an American curriculum for children aged 3 to 18. Alternatively, if you are happy for your children to receive the standard International Baccalaureate, check out Strothoff International School, Frankfurt International School or Metropolitan School.
Universities and colleges of Frankfurt
The Johann Wolfgang Goethe University is one of the oldest institutions in the city, and over 70% of its students are international. The university also has a Goethe Business School, making it ideal for all young people who are considering settling in Frankfurt after their education. Frankfurt University of Applied Sciences, on the other hand, would be ideal for anyone considering a career in medicine or pharmacy.
Cost of living in the city
Living in Frankfurt is comparable to the cost in Berlin, for example, a flat can cost up to around €2,000 per month in a desirable area. Of course, the average salary in Frankfurt is also higher than in Berlin, so it is “swing and roundabouts”, although you should take into account that you will most likely be working in a large and isolated corporate headquarters with its own canteen. This means that meals will either be at subsidised prices or used as a bargain to hold you over for lack of alternative options, depending on your luck! Entertainment costs are largely comparable to other major cities.
Working in Frankfurt
Thanks to the strong Euro and the fact that most jobs in Frankfurt pay very good salaries, the purchasing power in this city ranks very favourably in many index comparisons, Frankfurt is considered one of the richest cities in Europe. It may not be as exciting as Berlin and is a bit more expensive when it comes to housing and other basics, but there is still plenty to do and spend your salary, of which you should have plenty left over once you’ve taken care of the basics.
