What Documents Do You Need for a Job Application in the DACH Region?

If you're applying for jobs in Germany, Austria, or Switzerland for the first time, you might be surprised by how different the process is from what you're used to. In many countries, a CV and maybe a brief cover letter are enough. In the DACH region (Germany, Austria, Switzerland), employers expect a much more comprehensive application package — including documents you may have never heard of, like Arbeitszeugnisse.

This guide walks you through every document you need, explains the differences between the three countries, and offers practical solutions for when you don't have everything ready yet.

The Lebenslauf (CV): Your Most Important Document

The Lebenslauf is the centerpiece of every job application in the DACH region. Recruiters typically look at it first, and sometimes it's the only document that gets a thorough read.

What to include:

• Personal details: Name, address, email, phone. Date of birth and nationality are optional but commonly included in Germany and Austria.
• Work experience: In reverse chronological order. Focus on achievements and results, not just responsibilities.
• Education: Degrees, vocational training, certifications — also in reverse chronological order.
• Skills: Languages (with proficiency level!), IT skills, relevant certifications.
• Hobbies/interests: Optional, but more common in DACH than in many other regions.

Format and length: One to two pages is standard. In technical or academic roles, three pages are acceptable. Use a clean, professional layout — no tables, no flashy colors (unless you're in a creative field).

For a comprehensive guide on writing your CV, check out our cornerstone article on CV writing.

Country differences:

• Germany: The tabular CV (tabellarischer Lebenslauf) is standard. A photo is expected but not legally required.
• Austria: Very similar to Germany. Photos are also common.
• Switzerland: More internationally influenced. International companies may not expect a photo. References are particularly important here.

The Anschreiben (Cover Letter): Your Personal Pitch

The Anschreiben is traditionally a core part of applications in the DACH region. It's where you explain why you're interested in the specific role and what you bring to the table.

When do you need one?

• When the job posting asks for "vollständige Bewerbungsunterlagen" (complete application documents) — it's expected.
• For unsolicited applications (Initiativbewerbung), it's mandatory.
• Some modern companies (especially startups and tech firms) skip it. If it's not mentioned, you can ask.

Structure:

1. Opening: Why are you interested in this role? Avoid generic openings.
2. Main body: What do you bring? Connect your experience to the job requirements.
3. Closing: Confident conclusion with a reference to an interview.

One page maximum. For detailed tips, see our guide on writing cover letters.

Tip for non-native speakers: You don't have to write the cover letter on your own. With Bewerbungsgenius, you can have a professional cover letter generated automatically — tailored to the position and matched to your language level. This saves time and helps you avoid common mistakes.

Arbeitszeugnisse (Work References): Unique to the DACH Region

This is where things get interesting — because Arbeitszeugnisse are something that exists almost exclusively in the German-speaking world.

What is an Arbeitszeugnis? At the end of any employment relationship in Germany, every employee has the legal right to receive a written reference from their employer. It describes what you did, how well you did it, and how you conducted yourself.

Why do they matter so much?

• In Germany, they're legally mandated and expected by recruiters.
• They use a coded language: "stets zu unserer vollsten Zufriedenheit" (always to our fullest satisfaction) is the top grade. "Er hat sich bemüht..." (he tried...) is a red flag.
• Missing references can raise suspicion.

What if you don't have any? If you're coming from abroad, you almost certainly won't have German-style Arbeitszeugnisse. That's completely normal:

• Explain in your application that your home country doesn't issue work references in this format.
• Ask former employers for a brief letter of recommendation in English.
• Offer contact details for references who can be reached directly.

Learn more about work references in our detailed article on Arbeitszeugnisse.

Country differences:

• Germany: Legally required and almost always expected.
• Austria: Similar system — called Dienstzeugnisse here.
• Switzerland: Work references exist, but personal references (people who can be called) are often equally or even more important.

Certificates and Diplomas: Proving Your Qualifications

Formal qualifications are taken seriously in the DACH region. Employers want to see proof.

What's expected?

• Copies of your university degrees or vocational training certificates
• Relevant certifications (language certificates, IT certifications, industry-specific qualifications)
• For regulated professions: proof of credential recognition

Translations and recognition: If your certificates aren't in German or English, you'll need certified translations. For the recognition of foreign qualifications, there's the anabin database where you can check how your degree is classified in Germany.

The recognition process can take several months. Start as early as possible — you can still apply in the meantime and note in your CV: "Recognition process in progress."

The Bewerbungsfoto (Application Photo): Cultural Norm, Not a Legal Requirement

The application photo is something that surprises many newcomers to the DACH region.

The facts:

• Since the AGG (General Equal Treatment Act), a photo is no longer legally required.
• In practice, many employers in Germany and Austria still expect a professional photo.
• In Switzerland, it's less common at international companies.

Tips for a good photo:

• Have it taken professionally (costs around 30-50 EUR)
• Wear business attire
• Look friendly but professional
• Use a recent photo (no older than 1-2 years)

For everything about application photos, read our comprehensive article on the topic.

References: Especially Important in Switzerland

In Germany and Austria, Arbeitszeugnisse largely replace the reference system. But Switzerland works differently.

Germany/Austria:

• References are a nice bonus but usually not required.
• If you offer them, list 2-3 people with contact details (ask them first!).

Switzerland:

• References are extremely important. Employers often actively call your former supervisors.
• Prepare 2-3 reference contacts and let them know they might be contacted.
• Reference calls usually happen after the interview.

Putting It All Together: Format and File Naming

Now that you have all your documents — how do you send them?

Format:

• Everything as PDF. No Word documents, no image files.
• Ideally combined into a single PDF file. Alternatively, separate files with clear naming.

File naming: Use a clear naming convention:

• Application_John_Smith_Company.pdf (combined document)
• CV_John_Smith.pdf
• CoverLetter_John_Smith_JobTitle.pdf
• References_John_Smith.pdf

Order in the combined document:

1. Cover letter
2. CV
3. Work references (most recent first)
4. Educational certificates

What to Do When Documents Are Missing

It's completely normal not to have everything ready right away. Here are some practical solutions:

No work references from abroad? Ask for letters of recommendation or offer reference contacts. Briefly explain in your cover letter that your home country doesn't have a reference system like Germany's.

Degree not yet recognized? Write "Recognition process via anabin in progress (submitted on [date])" in your CV. Most employers understand this takes time.

No professional application photo? Apply without one first. You can add it later. Some job centers and integration counseling services offer free photo stations.

Language certificate still pending? State your language level honestly in your CV (e.g., "German B1 — certificate in preparation"). Honesty is appreciated.

Your Checklist: Application Documents for the DACH Region

Here's everything at a glance:

• CV (Lebenslauf) — tabular format, 1-2 pages, reverse chronological
• Cover letter (Anschreiben) — one page, tailored to the position
• Work references (Arbeitszeugnisse) — or letters of recommendation as alternatives
• Educational certificates — with certified translation if needed
• Application photo — professional, but optional
• References — especially important for Switzerland
• Language certificates — if available
• Additional certifications — IT, industry, continuing education
• Everything as PDF — clearly named, in the right order

You Don't Have to Do This Alone

The application process in the DACH region has its own rules — and yes, it can feel overwhelming at first. But you don't need to have everything perfect right away. Start with your CV and build the rest step by step.

If you need help creating your CV or cover letter, try Bewerbungsgenius. The tool helps you create professional application documents — at your own pace and in multiple languages.