Germany has become one of the most attractive destinations for international workers seeking stable employment, competitive salaries, and visa sponsorship opportunities. Among the many professions open to immigrants, security jobs in Germany have experienced a significant boom in recent years.
This surge is fueled by the country’s growing need for security professionals across industries such as corporate offices, shopping malls, airports, data centers, logistics hubs, and private security agencies.
As an employer hiring immigrants in 2025, we recognize the increasing demand for security officers, security analysts, surveillance professionals, and protective services staff.
The German security sector generates billions of euros annually, with the private security services industry alone valued at over €10 billion in 2024. The sector employs more than 270,000 people, and projections suggest a rise to nearly 300,000 by the end of 2025.
This growth creates thousands of vacancies every year for both entry-level workers and skilled professionals. Companies are looking for international talent due to labor shortages, especially in urban areas where demand for security is highest.
For international workers, this trend offers a golden opportunity. Not only do German companies provide attractive salary packages, but many also offer visa sponsorship to make relocation easier.
Security jobs in Germany offer a starting salary between €2,200 and €2,800 per month for entry-level guards, while specialized roles such as security system analysts or cybersecurity-linked security officers can earn between €3,500 and €5,000 monthly.
Some managerial security positions even exceed €6,500 per month, particularly in high-risk sectors like aviation or financial institutions.
The year 2025 will see increasing investment in security technology, including advanced surveillance systems, access control technologies, and cybersecurity integration. As a result, the role of a security professional is no longer limited to physical guarding but now extends to digital monitoring and strategic security planning.
Immigrants with multilingual abilities and cultural adaptability will have an advantage in this competitive market. Employers are willing to provide training, language courses, and assistance with the German Security Industry Regulation certification, known as Sachkundeprüfung §34a, which is mandatory for certain roles.
Visa sponsorship remains one of the most attractive aspects for foreign workers. Many companies collaborate with government programs to ensure smooth processing of work permits for non-EU citizens.
With the Skilled Immigration Act amendments in 2025, employers can now fast-track visas for qualified security workers, reducing processing time from several months to just 6–8 weeks. This development is a game-changer for international workers aiming to start their careers quickly in Germany’s thriving security industry.
Entry-level Skills and Experience Required
Security jobs in Germany vary widely depending on the employer and the nature of the assignment. While some roles require advanced technical skills or prior military or law enforcement backgrounds, many entry-level positions are open to individuals with minimal experience, provided they undergo the necessary training.
Basic Qualifications for Newcomers
For most security guard positions, international workers need at least a secondary school education or its equivalent. Employers also prefer candidates who have basic proficiency in German or English.
While fluency in German is not always mandatory at the start, learning the language significantly improves career progression and salary potential. Many security companies even offer language support classes for newly recruited international workers.
Health and fitness are equally important. Security work often involves standing for long hours, patrolling large premises, or responding quickly to emergencies. Therefore, a medical fitness certificate may be required by some employers before employment begins.
Training and Certifications
A key requirement for working in the German security sector is passing the Sachkundeprüfung §34a exam. This certification covers topics such as German law, public safety regulations, conflict resolution, and use-of-force principles.
It costs around €150–€250 and can be completed in a few weeks. Many employers reimburse this cost for new recruits, particularly when hiring from abroad.
Workers who want to specialize in areas like airport security, armored transport security, or data center protection might need additional certifications such as the IHK certificate or cybersecurity training if the job involves digital asset protection.
Work Experience Advantage
While entry-level roles exist, candidates with prior experience in military, law enforcement, or private security services have a competitive edge. Such individuals often start with salaries above €3,000 per month, compared to newcomers who typically start at €2,200–€2,400 per month.
Moreover, experienced workers are fast-tracked for supervisory roles that pay between €4,000 and €5,000 monthly. Employers increasingly value soft skills such as communication, problem-solving, and multicultural awareness.
Security officers often interact with visitors, staff, and external stakeholders, so the ability to handle situations calmly and professionally is critical.
Regions with the Highest Payment Structures
Security job salaries in Germany differ significantly depending on the region. While the federal minimum wage sets a base standard, economic factors and demand levels create variations across states and cities.
Top-paying Cities for Security Workers
Cities like Munich, Frankfurt, Hamburg, and Stuttgart offer some of the highest salaries for security jobs in Germany. In Munich, for instance, security guards in corporate sectors earn around €2,800 monthly, while security supervisors can make up to €4,500 per month.
Frankfurt, being Germany’s financial hub, offers even higher salaries for roles in banking security or airport security, with packages ranging from €3,200 to €5,500 per month for skilled positions.
Hamburg, known for its busy ports and logistics hubs, pays between €2,700 and €4,800 monthly, depending on the role and experience level. Stuttgart, with its automotive and manufacturing industries, also offers lucrative salaries for industrial security professionals, averaging €3,000 to €4,200 monthly.
Eastern vs. Western Germany Salary Gap
Western Germany generally offers higher salaries compared to Eastern regions due to greater economic activity. For example, a security guard in Leipzig might earn around €2,200 monthly, while the same role in Düsseldorf could pay over €2,700. However, Eastern cities have a lower cost of living, which balances out the difference for many workers.
Specialized Security Roles
Certain sectors pay significantly above the national average. For instance, airport security professionals earn between €3,500 and €5,000 monthly due to the complexity and risk associated with aviation security.
Cybersecurity-linked physical security roles can exceed €6,000 per month, especially in data centers protecting critical infrastructure.
Salary Expectations for International Workers
Understanding salary structures helps international workers make informed decisions before relocating. Salaries vary based on qualifications, experience, location, and the nature of the job.
Average Salary Ranges
For 2025, entry-level security guards in Germany typically earn between €2,200 and €2,600 per month, translating to around €26,000–€31,000 annually.
Those with specialized certifications or several years of experience can expect €3,200 to €4,500 per month, or €38,000–€54,000 annually. Supervisory roles and high-risk security positions can pay €5,000 to €6,500 monthly, exceeding €70,000 per year in some cases.
Additional Benefits
Many companies provide free uniforms, accommodation allowances, health insurance, and paid annual leave ranging from 24 to 30 days. Some even offer transportation allowances or company-provided vehicles for mobile security roles.
Overtime and Night Shifts
Security jobs often involve rotating shifts, with night and weekend work paid at premium rates. Night shifts can add an extra 20–25% on top of the base hourly rate, significantly boosting monthly earnings for those willing to work outside standard hours.
Companies Hiring International Workers in Germany
Germany has thousands of security companies and organizations seeking international workers in 2025. The demand for qualified security professionals has led to competitive hiring practices, with many companies offering visa sponsorship to attract skilled and unskilled workers from around the world.
Leading Security Firms in Germany
One of the top employers in the security sector is Securitas Deutschland, part of the global Securitas group. The company employs over 21,000 staff across Germany and regularly hires international workers for roles ranging from security guards to risk management specialists.
Starting salaries here range between €2,400 and €3,200 monthly for entry-level workers, with supervisors earning up to €5,000 per month.
Another major player is Kötter Security, headquartered in Essen. It is one of Germany’s largest family-owned security companies, employing over 16,000 workers.
They provide services in aviation security, facility protection, and event security. International workers here benefit from structured training programs and opportunities for long-term contracts.
G4S Security Solutions also has a strong presence in Germany, offering job opportunities in corporate security, data center protection, and logistics security. Salaries typically start at €2,600 monthly and can reach €4,800 for specialized roles.
Industry Sectors with High Demand
Airport security agencies, such as Fraport AG at Frankfurt Airport, hire hundreds of security professionals annually due to strict international aviation regulations. Workers here can earn between €3,500 and €5,000 per month, especially in passenger and cargo screening roles.
Banks and financial institutions are another sector with growing demand for high-level security. Companies like Deutsche Bank and Commerzbank work with private security contractors to safeguard assets and data, offering salaries that often exceed €4,500 per month for experienced workers.
Event security companies also recruit heavily during Germany’s busy event seasons, such as Messe Berlin and Messe München for trade fairs and concerts. Temporary contracts during events can pay premium rates, sometimes reaching €20–€25 per hour.
Visa Types and Options for International Workers
Visa sponsorship is one of the most critical aspects for international workers seeking security jobs in Germany. The German government has streamlined processes to attract foreign talent, especially in sectors experiencing labor shortages.
Work Visa Options
The EU Blue Card is one of the most popular visas for skilled professionals. While traditionally used for fields like IT and engineering, some high-paying security roles involving cybersecurity or management-level responsibilities also qualify for this visa. Salaries exceeding €45,300 annually often meet EU Blue Card requirements.
For entry-level roles, the German Work Visa or Employment Visa is more common. It allows non-EU workers to enter Germany for employment contracts arranged by sponsoring companies. With 2025 reforms, visa processing times have been reduced to less than two months in many cases.
Shortage Occupations Pathway
Germany’s Skilled Immigration Act has designated certain roles as shortage occupations. Security roles requiring advanced certifications, particularly in aviation and data center security, fall into this category.
This means employers can sponsor visas without proving that no local candidates are available, making it faster for international workers to get approval.
Temporary and Seasonal Work Visas
Some security jobs, especially in event security or seasonal industries, operate on temporary visa programs.
These are ideal for international workers who want to gain experience in Germany before committing to a long-term stay. Salaries under these programs can reach €3,000–€3,500 monthly for full-time contracts, plus overtime benefits.
Where to Find Security Jobs Opportunities
International workers have access to multiple platforms and resources to find security jobs in Germany. Employers often list openings on specialized job portals, government websites, and recruitment agencies dedicated to international hires.
Top Online Job Portals
Websites like Make It in Germany (the official government portal) regularly publish security job openings with visa sponsorship details. Another leading site is Indeed Germany, where thousands of private security roles are listed monthly, many offering salaries above €2,500 per month for entry-level workers.
StepStone and Xing Jobs are also popular among employers in Germany. Many companies post aviation security, corporate security, and logistics security jobs here, providing direct application links and salary estimates.
Recruitment Agencies and Direct Applications
Recruitment agencies such as Germany Job Agency and Randstad Deutschland assist international workers in finding security jobs with visa sponsorship. They often handle documentation processes and help applicants prepare for interviews with German employers.
Many companies, especially large security firms like Securitas and Kötter Security, accept direct applications via their websites. Applying directly increases the chance of securing long-term contracts and higher salary offers.
How to Apply for Security Jobs as an Immigrant in Germany
The application process for security jobs in Germany involves several key steps. International workers need to prepare professional documents, apply to suitable employers, and meet visa requirements before relocating.
Preparing Application Documents
Applicants must have a well-written CV formatted according to German standards, including details of education, work experience, certifications, and language skills. A motivation letter explaining why they are interested in the role and willing to relocate greatly improves acceptance chances.
Academic certificates, training records such as the Sachkundeprüfung §34a certificate, and proof of language skills should be attached where required. Employers also ask for police clearance certificates to verify criminal records, especially for roles involving sensitive locations like airports or banks.
Application Submission and Interviews
Once documents are ready, candidates apply via online portals, recruitment agencies, or directly through company websites. Interviews are typically conducted via video calls for international applicants, focusing on security knowledge, problem-solving abilities, and communication skills.
Upon selection, the employer issues a job contract, which is essential for the visa application process. Most companies guide successful candidates through visa procedures, making the relocation smoother.
Arrival and Onboarding
After visa approval, workers travel to Germany, where employers often assist with accommodation arrangements, orientation programs, and training sessions. Some companies also offer German language courses to help international workers integrate quickly and access higher-paying supervisory roles.