Home / Jobs in Germany (EN) / Painter / Decorator (Maler und Lackierer)

Construction role • painting & coatings • interior/exterior

Painter / Decorator (Maler und Lackierer)

Prepare surfaces and apply paints/coatings in interior and exterior works. This page outlines typical expectations for English-speaking candidates on Germany-based projects.

Pay floor (Germany): €13.90 gross/hour (from 01 Jan 2026) Pay format: all rates shown as gross (brutto) Trade focus: prep + clean finish

CV is mandatory for review.

We do not process applications without a CV. Use the CV builder: https://mavial.pl/en/cv.html.

Need guidance on legalization and documents? https://mavial.pl/zezwolenie.html

What you will do

Scope of work (what sites expect)

Read drawings or site instructions and work to tolerance.
Use professional tools safely and keep a clean work area.
Coordinate with foreman and other trades to avoid rework.
Follow German site safety rules (PPE, access, permits).

Tools & materials (typical)

What you should be comfortable with

Masking and protection: tape, foil, edge protection, floor covers.
Preparation: fillers/spackle, sanding, dust control, primers/sealers.
Application: roller/brush technique, clean cutting-in, even coverage.
Site discipline: tidy storage, waste handling, daily cleanup and handover.

Projects differ: some are mostly interior rolling; others require exterior coatings, staircases, or occupied-space standards. Your CV should show where you performed best.

Quality focus

Finish standards & defect prevention

Surface prep: fillers and sanding are what make the finish—shortcuts show immediately.
Masking discipline: protection and clean edges reduce rework and complaints.
Even coverage: no patchiness, flashing, roller marks, or visible transitions.
Clean handover: dust control, tidy lines, documented fixes before the next trade arrives.

          Site reality: speed matters, but the “winning” painter is the one who does not create rework. German sites track defects and returns.
        

This page is informational and not legal advice. Exact requirements depend on project standards and site instructions.

Requirements

Detailed requirements for the vacancy

CV in English (PDF preferred) with dates, locations, and tasks — required.
Surface preparation: filling, sanding, priming; you understand drying/curing logic.
Clean execution: straight lines, consistent coverage, careful masking and protection.
Trade discipline: coordinate with site manager/foreman; fix defects before handover.
Safety: PPE compliance; safe ladder/scaffold behavior; no risky shortcuts.
Language: English onboarding; basic German (A1–A2) is a strong advantage for safety briefings.

Practical evidence that helps

Add these to your CV

Project types (new build / renovation / occupied interiors) and what you delivered.
Materials used (primers, emulsions, acrylics, varnishes) and typical defects you prevented.
Team size and your responsibility level (solo rooms vs. team zones).
Any specialist experience (staircases, spray work, wallpaper, facade coatings) if true.

Short portrait of a strong candidate

Who fits best on Germany sites

Has real prep discipline: fills, sands, primes—then paints.
Protects the site: masking and cleanliness are non-negotiable.
Delivers a stable finish without constant supervision.
Understands safety and does not work “fast but risky”.

What causes rejection

Common screening red flags

Vague CV with no dates, no projects, no tools/materials.
“Only painting” with no surface preparation experience.
Repeated rework behavior: messy edges, poor coverage, poor cleanup.
Safety issues or inability to follow site instructions.

Working conditions

Working in Germany via a Polish employer (practical model)

Many projects are staffed operationally by a Polish company that assigns employees to a German site. The practical success factors are transparent payroll, consistent timesheets, and site discipline that prevents rework.

Gross pay communication: all rates are described in gross (brutto). Germany’s statutory minimum wage from 01 Jan 2026 is €13.90 gross/hour.
Timesheets & settlement: recorded per shift; accuracy protects pay and compliance.
Site rules: PPE, access procedures, and “clean handover” discipline are enforced.
Workwear & tools: PPE requirements are site-specific; bring only what is approved.
Accommodation model: some projects offer options; conditions vary by location and availability.

          Trade note: Painting is judged at the end, not during the process. Sites keep painters who deliver clean edges, even coverage, and zero surprises at handover.
        

This page is informational and not legal advice. Exact conditions depend on project scope, documents, and site rules.

Work authorization (non-EU)

Reality check: eligibility is decisive

Language helps onboarding, but legal work authorization is the key gate. If you are unsure, start with a structured legalization plan before applying broadly.

Eligibility first: nationality, documents, and authority decisions define feasibility.
Trade screening: proven experience and clear CV evidence improves site acceptance.
Minimum inputs: CV + passport + location + availability timeline.

Work permit / legalization support: https://mavial.pl/zezwolenie.html

Final eligibility depends on your documents, employer requirements, and decisions by the authorities.

Documents

Prepare these before applying

CV in English (PDF) + contact details
Passport scan + current location (country/city)
Certificates/licenses (if applicable)
Short project list: locations, dates, tasks, tools

Strong documentation reduces verification time and improves response rates.

How to apply

Fast, structured application

Create/Upload your CV: mavial.pl/en/cv.html
Send your profile via the contact page: mavial.pl/kontakt.html
We review fit, verify documents, and contact you if the profile matches active demand.

No CV — no review. This rule keeps processing fair and efficient.

A realistic day on site

Why prep decides the outcome

A painter’s “real work” starts before the paint: protecting surfaces, fixing imperfections, sanding, and priming. On Germany sites, the finish is evaluated under strong light and at close distance—small errors become big rework.

The best operators are predictable: clean edges, even coverage, and disciplined cleanup. If a room is handed over perfectly, you move forward; if it fails inspection, you repeat the process. That is why accuracy is worth more than rushing.

Masking discipline Even coverage Clean edges Zero rework mindset

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FAQ

Questions painters ask before applying

Do I need to do surface preparation, or only painting?

Preparation is essential. Most sites expect filling, sanding, priming/sealing, and disciplined masking before painting. “Only rolling” profiles are screened more strictly.

Is this an English-speaking role?

On selected projects, onboarding and daily coordination can be done in English. Basic German is still an advantage for safety procedures and signage.

What is the legal minimum pay level in Germany from 01 Jan 2026?

The statutory minimum wage is €13.90 gross per hour from 01 Jan 2026. Actual project rates may be higher depending on experience, scope and location.

What should I show in my CV to pass screening faster?

List project types, tasks (prep + finish), materials used, and how you avoided defects. Add dates, locations, and the exact scope you delivered (rooms/zones/facades).

Why is a CV mandatory?

Construction screening is time-sensitive. A clear CV reduces verification time and avoids back-and-forth questions before site matching.

Where do I start if I’m unsure about legalization?

Use the internal Work permit / legalization page to structure your document plan before applying broadly.

Note: exact requirements vary by site and project. This page is informational and not legal advice.