Truck Driver Jobs in Germany for Non-EU CE Drivers Already Living in the EU.

You hold a CE licence and Code 95, you already live and work in an EU country, and you are thinking about Germany. This page shows what you can expect to earn, how the move works and what you need to arrange in advance.

What CE drivers earn in Germany

Typical take-home pay for a CE driver in Germany is about €2,800 to €3,200 net per month. The exact amount depends on:

• Region: pay and living costs differ between German regions.
• Route type: domestic routes, international routes and special vehicles pay differently.
• German language skills: basic German is enough for some jobs. Domestic routes, customer contact and loading documents need more. Better German means more choice and higher pay.

These figures assume a single driver in tax class 1. Married drivers or drivers with children can have noticeably higher net pay. Our salary guide shows how pay and allowances compare across the EU.

Who this is for

• You are a non-EU citizen with a valid CE licence and a valid Code 95.
• You already live and work legally in an EU country, typically for 8 to 24 months or longer.
• Your licence was issued in an EU country. Since 10 August 2026, EU licences converted from a non-EU licence (Code 70) are recognised in Germany.

How the move to Germany works

1. A German employer makes you a job offer as a professional driver.
2. The employer applies for approval together with you, either in the standard procedure or, where the local immigration office offers it, in a fast-track procedure.
3. The Federal Employment Agency checks the working conditions of the job.
4. You book an appointment at the German embassy or consulate in the country where you live and apply for your entry visa. In the fast-track procedure, the appointment is offered within about 3 weeks. Otherwise, waiting times differ by country.
5. You move to Germany, register your address and receive your residence permit card.

Depending on the procedure and the local office, the official process takes about 2 to 4 months from a complete application. The fast-track procedure is usually at the shorter end. Allow extra time to prepare your documents and to find housing.

Housing: the step that decides your timeline

To receive your residence permit, you must register your address at the local registration office (Einwohnermeldeamt). For the registration certificate you need a rental contract and your landlord’s confirmation. Without a rental contract, the process stops.

Few German transport companies can provide housing themselves, so clarify this early:

• Ask every employer whether they offer accommodation or help with the search.
• If not, start your flat search as soon as you have a serious job offer.