Berlin continues to have a significant demand for security workers.
The latest Federal Employment Agency listings show more than 200 security-worker vacancies in Berlin, including object protection, access control, patrols, reception security, facility security and other security services.
For foreigners interested in Germany, Berlin can be an interesting location to investigate — but applicants should understand that German language ability, security qualifications and legal work authorization are important.
Latest Berlin Update
One current Berlin vacancy from Sicherheit Nord GmbH & Co. KG was published very recently and offers full-time security work in Berlin.
Interestingly, the employer says that people without previous security experience can enter the profession, because the company provides training through its own security school.
The position involves:
– Object protection
– Access control
– Patrols and inspections
– Monitoring technical systems
– Locking and closing duties
– Reporting incidents
The employer asks for good German, reliability, teamwork and a clean police record. The advertisement also states that applications are welcome regardless of origin.
This is important for foreign applicants: you do not necessarily need years of previous security experience for every Berlin position.
What Qualifications Are Required?
German security work is regulated under §34a of the German Trade Regulation Act (GewO).
The qualification required depends on the exact security assignment.
1. §34a Instruction
For many ordinary security duties, employees need the appropriate Unterrichtung nach §34a GewO.
According to the Berlin Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK), this can cover activities such as:
– Object and factory security
– Patrol services
– Reception/security desk duties
– Certain event-security assignments
– Certain security duties at accommodation facilities
2. §34a Sachkundeprüfung
Some security positions require the more advanced Sachkundeprüfung.
This is required for certain duties, including:
– Patrols in publicly accessible areas
– Loss-prevention/security against shoplifting
– Entrance security at certain nightclubs
– Certain leadership positions in refugee accommodation
– Certain leadership positions at large access-controlled events
A number of current Berlin vacancies specifically ask for the §34a Sachkunde qualification.
For example, KÖTTER Security is currently recruiting security personnel for several locations in and around Berlin and requests §34a Sachkunde or a higher qualification. The advertised assignments include object protection, factory security, refugee accommodation and reception duties.
German Language Requirements
German is one of the biggest requirements for foreigners wanting to work as security guards in Berlin.
The required level varies according to the position.
Berlin’s 2026 employment-planning information identifies security workers with §34a Sachkunde as an occupation with demand and states that at least B1 German is required for the Sachkunde examination, while the language level needed for employment can be higher depending on the workplace.
Some current vacancies ask for good German rather than specifying a CEFR level.
There are also positions where English is useful.
For example, a current Securitas position serving an international customer in Berlin requires good German and English, with English specified at approximately B1.
Can a Foreigner Without Security Experience Apply?
Yes, for some positions.
Securitas currently advertises a Berlin-area career-entry position where applicants without previous security experience can enter the industry.
For that particular vacancy, Securitas says it will pay for the required §34a instruction, subject to successful completion and the necessary security clearance. The position covers Berlin-Mariendorf as well as nearby Ludwigsfelde and Mittenwalde.
However, this does not mean that every foreign applicant can immediately start working.
A person coming from outside the EU still needs the appropriate legal authorization to work in Germany.
Can Workers From the Philippines, Pakistan, India or Other Non-EU Countries Get a German Work Visa?
Potentially, but the job offer alone does not guarantee a visa.
For third-country nationals, Germany’s Federal Employment Agency explains that employment authorization generally depends on factors including the person’s nationality, qualification and the type of employment. In many cases, the Federal Employment Agency must approve the employment.
The official German Make it in Germany portal also explains that third-country workers generally need an appropriate visa/residence title to work in Germany.
Therefore, applicants should never pay an agent simply because someone promises a guaranteed German security-job visa.
The employer must actually have a job available, and the worker must meet the immigration and employment requirements.
Other Requirements Employers May Ask For
Depending on the position, foreign applicants may need:
Clean criminal record
Security jobs commonly require a police/criminal-record check.
German language
B1 may be relevant for certain training/examination pathways, while actual jobs may require B1, B2 or another level depending on the assignment.
English
Some international-client positions require English in addition to German.
Physical and mental reliability
Security personnel must be able to work responsibly, follow procedures and react appropriately to incidents.
Shift availability
Many Berlin positions operate around the clock, including nights, weekends and public holidays.
Driving licence
Some mobile patrol and alarm-response positions require a German-recognized Class B driving licence.
§34a qualification
This depends on the exact job.
Current Legit Employers and Recruitment Channels to Check
Foreign applicants should prioritize direct applications through established companies or Germany’s Federal Employment Agency, rather than paying an unknown intermediary.
Securitas Germany
“Securitas Germany careers” (https://reference-url-citation.invalid/11)
Securitas currently has multiple Berlin security vacancies.
Its current Berlin positions include object security, reception/security duties, patrol work, healthcare security, data-center security and other assignments.
Securitas also has a Berlin/Brandenburg recruiting center and states that career changers can enter security work in appropriate circumstances.
KÖTTER Security
“KÖTTER Security careers” (https://reference-url-citation.invalid/14)
KÖTTER currently advertises multiple security positions around Berlin, including object protection, factory security, reception and refugee-accommodation security. Its current Berlin recruitment specifically requests §34a Sachkunde or a higher qualification.
Sicherheit Nord
“Sicherheit Nord” (https://reference-url-citation.invalid/16)
Sicherheit Nord currently has a Berlin vacancy where applicants can enter security work without previous experience because the company provides training through its own security school.
Federal Employment Agency
“German Federal Employment Agency – Job Search” (https://reference-url-citation.invalid/18)
This should be one of the first places foreign applicants check.
The Federal Employment Agency currently lists hundreds of security-related vacancies in Berlin, including positions from different employers.
Important Warning About Recruitment Agencies
A recruitment agency can help connect a worker with an employer, but do not assume that a recruitment agency is offering visa sponsorship simply because it advertises German security jobs.
Before paying any recruitment fee, ask for:
1. The exact employer’s name
2. The workplace address
3. A written employment contract or genuine job offer
4. Salary and working hours
5. Required §34a qualification
6. German-language requirement
7. Who handles the work-visa process
8. Whether the employer has actually recruited workers from outside the EU
9. All recruitment and placement fees in writing
Never send money for a supposed “guaranteed German visa.”
How Much Can a Security Guard Earn in Berlin?
Pay depends on the position, qualification, collective agreement and shift allowances.
One current Berlin security vacancy advertised through a private recruitment listing gives examples from approximately €15.15 gross per hour for one tariff category to €17.65 gross per hour for a higher qualification category, effective under the applicable Berlin security-industry tariff arrangements from January 2026.
Another current Securitas Berlin position advertises €17.45–€18.90 per hour, depending on the role, with §34a Sachkunde required.
These figures should not be treated as a guaranteed salary for every security worker. Night, Sunday and holiday supplements can also affect total earnings.
Best Preparation for Foreign Applicants
If you are outside Germany and planning to apply, a practical preparation route is:
Step 1: Learn German and work toward at least B1.
Step 2: Obtain your police/criminal-record documentation.
Step 3: Collect your security-work certificates and employment references.
Step 4: Check whether your existing security qualification can be recognized or whether you need German §34a training/examination.
Step 5: Prepare a German-style CV.
Step 6: Search directly through the Federal Employment Agency and established security companies.
Step 7: Apply for genuine vacancies.
Step 8: If an employer offers employment, determine which residence/visa route applies to your specific situation.
The Important Reality for Foreign Security Guards
Berlin does have a real demand for security workers, and current vacancies show opportunities for both qualified security personnel and some career changers.
But there is a major difference between:
“Foreigners are allowed to apply”
and
“This employer will recruit a worker directly from overseas and support the immigration process.”
Applicants from outside the EU should verify that point directly with the employer before paying any agent or making travel arrangements.
For foreigners, the strongest preparation is usually German language + the appropriate §34a qualification + a clean record + a genuine German job offer + the correct work authorization.
