Germany Job Seeker Visa

Germany is one of the most sought-after countries for foreigners to find employment as it offers plenty of opportunities for talented and skilled individuals. The job seeker visa in Germany is one of many immigration pathways which allows third-country nationals to enter the country and look for employment within a specific time frame. At the end of the time frame, if you’ve managed to find employment, you can simply apply for a work visa and a residence permit.

However, it is crucial to understand whether you meet the qualifications for a job seeker visa and the requirements for the application process.

What Is a German Job Seeker Visa?

A German 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 several months— usually six— and find employment and afterwards apply for a work permit and remain in Germany long-term.

Please note that 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.

Do I Need to Apply for a German Job Seeker Visa?

You need a job seeker visa if you are not a national of the following countries:

  • EU/EEA and Switzerland.
  • 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.

Documentation

What Are the Eligibility Criteria for a German Job Seeker Visa?

To qualify for the job seeker visa, you need to meet the following requirements:

  • You are a third-country national who needs a visa to enter the country.
  • You have a minimum of five years of experience in your related profession.
  • You have enough financial resources to support your stay in Germany.
  • You have proof of completed academic or vocational training.
  • Your qualifications are recognised in Germany or are equivalent to a diploma received in the country.

What Are the Requirements for a German Job Seeker Visa?

You need to prepare several documents for your job seeker visa in Germany, including:

  • Job seeker visa application form. You must submit a filled-out and signed application form for your job seeker visa.
  • Valid passport+ a copy. Please make sure you provide a valid passport issued during the last ten years with two blank pages and a minimum of three months validity after leaving Germany (some embassies may ask for even a longer validity period depending on your nationality).
  • Identity pictures. Provide passport-sized photographs according to the requirements of the visa photo guidelines according to the German embassy or consulate.
  • Proof of accommodation. You must include proof of accommodation during your stay in Germany, such as hotel reservations, rental agreements, or an invitation letter in case you are staying with a friend or family member.
  • Proof of financial means. You must also include proof that you have sufficient means to support yourself during your stay in Germany— you can do so by submitting one of the following:
    • Proof of blocked account (Sperrkonto) in your name showing a minimum of €947 that can cover your expenses per month.
    • A declaration of commitment (Verpflichtungserklärung) 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. You can check with the Anabin database here if your degree is accepted or submit a declaration of comparability requested from the Central Office for Foreign Education (Zentralstelle für ausländisches Bildungswesen- ZAB). You can find full details regarding the recognition of degrees in Germany for a job seeker visa here.
  • Your resume. Submit a copy of your detailed CV with your personal information, including your academic and professional qualifications.
  • Cover letter. Provide a cover letter or motivational letter stating your reasons for applying for a job seeker visa in Germany and what you plan to do if your visa is granted.

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