For recruiters

Becoming a recruiter – requirements and start

Want to go self-employed as a recruiter? What you need to start, which rules apply and how to land your first search mandates.

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What you should bring

Industry knowledge

Knowing the tasks, salaries and people of an industry helps you find the right ones faster.

Network

Contacts to professionals and decision-makers are your most important asset.

Conversation skills

You understand what a company really needs and what makes candidates move.

Stamina

The first placement often takes months – the fee only comes with success.

How to start

  1. 1

    Choose a specialisation

    Pick an industry, function or region – it makes you tangible for companies and candidates.

  2. 2

    Register a business

    Since 2002, private job placement in Germany only needs a business registration; no permit is required.

  3. 3

    Contracts and data protection

    A placement contract with fee and replacement, and candidate consent under the GDPR.

  4. 4

    Prepare candidate profiles

    An anonymous template that shows what a candidate can do – without name and contact details.

  5. 5

    First mandates

    Approach your network, become visible as a specialist and use platforms with search mandates.

Placement or temporary staffing?

Placement only needs the business registration. Leasing employees requires a permit from the Federal Employment Agency under § 1 AÜG. Placement vouchers from the employment agency require AZAV accreditation.

Differences in the cost calculator

Checklist for the start

So you appear professional from the first mandate.

  • Business registered

    At your local trade office, and inform the tax office.

  • Contract template

    Fee as a % of annual gross salary, due date, replacement and duplicate introductions settled.

  • Data protection

    Obtain and document candidate consent, keep data only as long as necessary.

  • Anonymous profile template

    A consistent candidate profile without name, photo and contact details.

  • Client channels

    Network, visibility and at least one platform with real search mandates.

See search mandates from day one

On SilentHire you see anonymous positions from companies that are specifically looking for recruiters. You introduce candidates anonymously, set your own fee and receive the contact details once the company accepts. The candidate profile template is free on top.

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No payment details. This overview is not legal or tax advice.

Frequently asked questions: becoming a recruiter

Do I need a permit as a recruiter?

Not for private job placement – since 2002 a business registration is enough in Germany. You only need a permit under § 1 AÜG if you want to lease employees.

What training does a recruiter need?

No specific training is required. Experience in HR or in the industry you recruit for helps.

How does a recruiter earn money?

Usually through a success fee from the company, typically 20 to 35% of the placed person's first annual gross salary.

What is the difference to temporary staffing?

With placement, the person is employed by the company. With temporary staffing, they stay employed by the staffing agency and only work at the company – which requires the permit under § 1 AÜG.

How do I get my first mandates?

Through your network, visibility as a specialist and platforms like SilentHire, where companies post their positions specifically for recruiters.

Sources

Last reviewed: 7 November 2026