A job seeker visa may be an option for you if you have the skills and qualifications to work in Germany. This visa lets you stay in Germany for six months and search for a suitable job.Finding a matching job within the six months allows you to apply for a work permit or a residence permit to stay and work in Germany.
Germany is one of the most attractive destinations for skilled workers who want to pursue a career in Europe. The country offers a high standard of living, a strong economy, a diverse culture and a rich history. If you are a qualified professional who wants to work in Germany, you may be eligible for a job seeker visa.
A job seeker visa is a type of long-term visa that allows you to stay in Germany for up to six months and look for a job that matches your qualifications. You cannot work during this period, but you can attend interviews and network with potential employers. If you find a suitable job within the six months, you can apply for a work permit or a residence permit to stay and work in Germany.
In this article, we will explain:
What are the requirements for a job seeker visa
What are the documents you need to prepare
How to apply for a job seeker visa
How to find a job in Germany
How to convert your German Job seeker visa and Apply for a Work Permit or a Residence Permit
In our experience, IT and related areas don't tend to emphasize having German certification. However, if your area of interest requires you to know German such as marketing, medicine, consulting, etc. or work with German regulations you might need to have a language certification before you can apply.
Requirements for a Job Seeker Visa
According to the German residency act, section 20, to apply for a job seeker visa, you need to meet certain requirements, such as:
Having a recognized university degree or equivalent qualification in your field of expertise
Having sufficient funds to cover your living expenses during your stay in Germany
Having health insurance that covers your medical needs in Germany
Having a clear criminal record and no security threats
Having basic knowledge of German language (optional but recommended)
Documents for a Job Seeker Visa
You also need to prepare some documents to support your application, such as:
A valid passport and two recent passport-sized photos
A completed and signed application form
A cover letter explaining your motivation and goals for seeking employment in Germany
A detailed curriculum vitae (CV) highlighting your skills and qualifications
Copies of your academic certificates and transcripts
Proof of your work experience, such as reference letters, contracts or payslips
Proof of your financial means, such as bank statements, sponsorship letters or blocked account confirmation
Proof of your health insurance, such as policy documents or certificates
Proof of your language proficiency, such as test results or certificates (if applicable)
How to Apply for a Job Seeker Visa
You need to submit your application and documents at the German embassy or consulate in your home country. You may also need to pay a visa fee and attend an interview. The processing time may vary depending on the workload and availability of the visa officers. You should apply at least three months before your intended date of departure.
If your application is approved, you will receive a job seeker visa sticker on your passport. You can then travel to Germany and start looking for a job.
How to Find a Job in Germany
You should register your address at the local registration office (Einwohnermeldeamt) within two weeks of arrival. You should also contact the Federal Employment Agency (Bundesagentur für Arbeit) to get advice and assistance on finding a job.
You can use various sources and methods to search for jobs in Germany, such as:
Online job portals and websites, such as Make it in Germany, Indeed, Monster, LinkedIn, and Tech-Careers.de etc.
Newspapers and magazines, such as Die Zeit, Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, Süddeutsche Zeitung, etc.
Professional associations and networks, such as VDI, VDE, BDI, etc.
Career fairs and events, such as Jobmesse Deutschland, Expolingua Berlin, Jobvector Career Day, etc.
Personal contacts and referrals, such as friends, relatives, colleagues, former employers, etc.
You should prepare a professional and customised application for each job you apply for, consisting of:
A cover letter that introduces yourself and explains why you are suitable for the job
A CV that showcases your skills, qualifications and achievements
Copies of your relevant certificates and references
A portfolio or work samples (if applicable)
You should also be ready to attend interviews and tests, either in person, by phone or online. You should dress appropriately, be punctual, be polite and confident, and answer the questions honestly and clearly.
Can I work in Germany with a job seeker visa?
When applying for a job-seeker visa in Germany, it's important to understand that the visa does not allow immediate employment. The primary purpose of the job-seeker visa is to provide individuals with the opportunity to actively search for suitable job opportunities in Germany.
However, it does not grant the right to work during this initial period. Once an individual has successfully found adequate employment, their visa can be modified to a residence permit for employment in Germany. This means that they can transition from being a job seeker to being granted permission to work in the country. Adhering to this requirement ensures compliance with German immigration regulations, which prioritise having a valid employment offer before granting the authorisation to work.
How to convert your German Job seeker visa and Apply for a Work Permit or a Residence Permit
If you find a job that matches your qualifications within the six months, you need to apply for a work permit or a residence permit at the local immigration office (Ausländerbehörde). You may need to provide some additional documents, such as:
A copy of your employment contract or offer letter
A confirmation from the Federal Employment Agency that your job does not require priority check (Vorrangprüfung) or that you have passed it
A proof of your salary and social security contributions
A proof of your accommodation in Germany
If your application is approved, you will receive a work permit or a residence permit card that allows you to stay and work in Germany. Depending on the type and duration of your permit, you may need to renew it periodically.
Conclusion
A job seeker visa is a great opportunity for skilled workers who want to explore the German labor market and find their dream job. However, it is not a guarantee that you will find employment in Germany. You should do thorough research on the job prospects and requirements in your field before applying for this visa. You should also be prepared to face some challenges and competition in finding a suitable job. If you are determined and qualified, you may be able to achieve your career goals in Germany.
