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What is a Germany Job Seeker Visa?
A Germany Job Seeker Visa is a work visa issued to anyone who wants to find work in Germany. If you are granted this visa, you are allowed to stay in the country for six months and find employment. Afterwards you have to apply for a work permit and remain in Germany long-term. However, if you already have found employment and have a valid contract, you do not need to apply for a job seeker visa; you can apply for a work visa directly.
Also Explore: Accommodations in Germany | A student’s guide
Some important points to consider before applying –
- Germany Job Seeker Visa Age Limit – There is no specified age limit, but being in the working-age range, up to 45 years old, can be an advantage.
- Who Should Apply – You need a job seeker visa if you are not a national of the following countries: 1. EU/EEA and Switzerland, and 2. Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, Israel, Japan, Canada, and the USA— if you are a citizen of these countries, you must obtain a residence permit before you can work in Germany.
- Germany Job Seeker Visa Processing Time – It takes 4-6 weeks to process.
- Germany Job Seeker Visa Official Website – To apply, Click here
Overview – Germany Job Seeker Visa
| Features | Definition |
| Purpose | Allows entry to find a job |
| Eligibility Criteria | Recognized degree, work experience, proof of funds, health insurance |
| Work permission | No, only for job search |
| Duration | Up to 6 months |
| Application process | Apply at German embassy / consulate, interview required |
| Financial requirements | € 947 each month |
| Extension possibility | Possible if you find a job and convert to work visa |
Further Reading : Study abroad in Germany – A complete guide
Also Read: 7 easy steps to apply for a student visa in Germany
Eligibility Criteria
To become eligible for the German Job Seeker Visa, you must meet the following criteria:
-
- Why do you need- You are a third-country national who needs a visa to enter the country.
- Experience- You have a minimum of five years of experience in the field related to your intended job search.
- Finances- You have to show sufficient financial resources/ funds (equivalent to around €6000+) to cover your living expenses for the entire 6 months period.
- Insurance- You have to be covered by valid travel and health insurance for your full 6-month stay.
- Education – Have a Master’s or Bachelor’s from a university recognized in Germany or equivalent to a diploma received in the country. You have proof of completed academic or vocational training.
- Accommodation – You must arrange temporary accommodation for your entire period in Germany.
Read More: Best part-time jobs for students in Germany and how to get them!
Benefits of Germany Job Seeker Visa
Moving to foreign countries after completing graduation has become a trend for international students. Embarking on a journey with Germany brings forth a myriad of practical and impressive advantages. Take a look at all the advantages of Germany Job Seeker Visa –
- Look for a Job – As the name suggests, after getting a legitimized Job Seeker Visa, you become eligible to search for suitable job opportunities and attend interviews in the country.
- Six months to look for a job – You have a complete six months to explore various business prospects relevant to your profile in Germany. Conducting a thorough background study on the German job market before your visa application allows you ample time to seize a suitable opportunity.
- Apply for Permanent Residence Letter – Aspiring candidates must seek the chance to crack an interview and secure a job offer. Obtaining a job offer paves the way for the next step – acquiring permanent residency. This visa scheme provides a pathway leading towards permanent residency.
- Work in the Strongest Economy – The job seeker visa opens the door for you to work in one of the strongest economies globally, presenting ample opportunities. With a robust economic growth graph, Germany offers a plethora of work opportunities in sectors such as information technology, pharmaceuticals, electronics etc.
- No language exam required – The biggest advantage is that there is no language test required as a prerequisite for the job seeker visa, unlike many other immigration visas. This is a relief for many prospective applicants due to time constraints and hectic work schedules.
Discover: German Work Permit Visa for Indian Students
Explore: Best cities to work in Germany | Check them out!
How to apply for a Germany Job Seeker VISA?
Follow the steps below to apply for German Job Seeker Visa for Indian/International Students –
| Sr No. | Steps | Description |
| 1 | Find out if you meet the eligibility criteria | Such as, if you graduated from university with a degree recognised in Germany, have taken the required steps to have your degree recognised, or have the required work experience. Check the list again on the official website. |
| 2 | Locate your application office | You must find out the location where you have to submit your visa application. You’re most likely to submit your application at an embassy or consulate. |
| 3 | Schedule an appointment | Please note that you must make the appointment first, as you cannot visit the embassy or consulate without prior approval. Keep in mind that it may take several weeks before you can get an appointment for your visa submission, depending on the workload of the embassy or consulate. |
| 4 | Prepare your documents | Prepare all the documents required (find the complete list below). You have to make sure all documents are per the embassy’s requirements, and some may require translation into German and legalization to be eligible for submission. |
| 5 | Pay the Visa fee | You must also pay the visa fee, €75 and attach the payment slip to the rest of your application.
Note – Your application won’t be considered without paying the visa fee. |
| 6 | Submit your application | On the day of your visa appointment; you can submit your application at the embassy or consulate. You may also be asked to sit down for an interview related to your application. The embassy or consulate staff will most likely ask you why you have applied for a job seeker visa, what you plan on working in Germany, how long you are planning to stay, etc. |
| 7 | Retrieve your Visa | If your visa application is positive, you can retrieve your visa and enter Germany and stay for the duration of your visa, 6 months period. During that time, you’re required to actively look for employment if you want to continue your stay. If your visa is denied, you will receive a notification from the embassy or consulate with the reason for your denial and what you can do next. |
| 8 | Enter the country and start looking for the Job | After you obtain your visa, you can enter the country and start looking for a job so that by the end of your visa validity period, you can apply for a German work visa. Please keep in mind that as soon as you enter the country, you must register your temporary address in Germany at your local registration office (you’re required to do this two weeks after entering the country).
Additionally, you must also obtain your temporary residence permit for a job seeker person which you can obtain from your local foreigners’ authority in Germany. Note – You’re also required to obtain valid health insurance after your arrival in Germany as travel insurance is for only emergencies. |
Explore: Steps to get best jobs in Germany
Read More: Cost of Living in Germany for international Students in 2024
Documents Required
Job seekers, before applying for the German Job Seeker Visa, look below all the necessary documents beforehand for a smooth transition.
- Job Seeker Visa application form – You must submit a filled-out and signed application form for your job seeker visa.
- Valid passport and a copy– Make sure you provide a valid passport issued during the last ten years with two blank pages and a minimum of three months validity (180 days) after leaving Germany (some embassies may ask for even a longer validity period depending on your nationality) and a photocopy of the same.
- Identity pictures – Provide three passport-sized biometric photographs according to the visa photo guidelines of the German embassy or consulate.
- Proof of accommodation – You must include proof of temporary accommodation for your job-seeking period in Germany.
- Proof of finances – You must also include proof that you have sufficient means to support yourself during your 6 months stay in Germany— you can do so by submitting one of the following:
- Proof of blocked account in your name showing a minimum of €947 that can cover your expenses per month.
- A declaration of commitment written by your inviter stating that they will cover all of your expenses.
- Evidence of valid Health Insurance– You must also submit proof of valid travel health insurance meeting the insurance requirements with a minimum of €30,000 for medical coverage.
- Proof of Academic Qualifications- You must submit proof of academic and professional qualifications, including your university degree, transcripts, vocational training certificates, etc.
- Proof of Degree Recognition– Remember that for a job seeker visa, your degrees and other academic qualifications must be fully recognised in Germany.
- Your resume– Submit a copy of your detailed CV in German language and German format with your personal information, including your academic and professional qualifications.
- Cover/Motivation letter – Provide a cover letter or motivational letter outlining your intentions for employment and reasons for them, including your plan if you fail to find a relevant job opportunity.
- Evidence of your personal status – Birth certificate, Marriage Certificate etc., in your home country.
Where to apply, Cost of applying, Validity of German Job Seeker Visa
Where? – You have to apply for a job seeker visa at your nearest German embassy, consulate, or another visa application center in your country representing Germany.
Note – If Germany does not have an official representative in your country of residence, you may be required to submit your application to a neighboring country.
Cost– Following is the German Job Seeker Visa cost –
- Visa Fees – €75
- Living Expenses – €6000+ for 6 months period (approx.)
- Health Insurance – Varies depending on provider and coverage.
Validity– Your German Job Seeker Visa is a national D visa valid for six months. Please take note of your visa validity period and make sure you won’t stay for more than you’re allowed to; otherwise, you may face penalties.
Summary
Choosing Germany as your education center as well as job provider can be fruitful for you. Check out the blog for the whole process to obtain a German Job Seeker Visa including the documents, costs, benefits and how to apply.
FAQs
Ques 1. What documents are required for the Germany Job Seeker Visa ?
Answer 1. Following documents are required for the Germany Job Seeker Visa-
- Valid passport with 18+ months validity.
- Visa application form duly filled.
- 3 passport-sized biometric photos.
- Degree certificates and transcripts.
- Detailed CV in German format.
- Proof of 5 years work experience.
- Proof of financial resources.
- Proof of accommodation in Germany.
- Travel and Health insurance documents.
Ques 2. What is the German Job Seeker Visa processing time?
Answer 2. The processing time for the German Job Seeker Visa application form typically takes 4-6 weeks but can vary depending on factors like workload and individual circumstances.
Ques 3. What is the German Job Seeker Visa application process?
Answer 3. Follow the steps mentioned below –
- Gather documents proving eligibility.
- Fill out and submit the visa application form.
- Pay the €75 visa application fee.
- Schedule an appointment at the German Embassy/Consulate in your home country.
- Expect a processing time of around 4-6 weeks.
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