Job Seeker Visa for Germany: The Complete Process

A job seeker visa for Germany allows qualified foreign professionals to enter the country for six months and search for gainful employment.

Moreover, it enables a candidate to get a European blue card or a residence permit to live and work in Germany. 

Although, the process for applying for a job seeker visa for Germany can take up a few months. So, it’s important to get started on it as soon as possible.

This guide covers everything you need to know about a German job seeker visa and living there during the application process.

Job Seeker Visa for Germany- An overview

What is the German Jobseeker Visa?

There are many different types of visas available for those who wish to relocate to Germany. Likewise, if you have difficulties finding a job in Germany abroad, apply for a job seeker visa.

It requires candidates to meet certain eligibility criteria, and they can apply from any country in the world through the German embassy or consulate.

Technically, a temporary residence permit (Aufenthaltserlaubnis) enables qualified professionals to enter Germany to seek employment.

They issue a Jobseeker visa for up to six months, and you will need to find a German employer, get a job offer, and then apply for Germany’s residence permit.

Most importantly, during the job-seeking period, you can work in Germany temporarily for 10-hours per week. Once you get a residence permit, you can live and work (full-time) there.

It is very important to know that Job Seeker Visa for Germany is not extendable. If you cannot find employment within 6-months, return to your home country.

Eligibility & Requirements?

The job seeker visa for Germany (also known as an Aufenthaltstitel or ZAV) is reserved for foreigners coming to Germany temporarily to seek employment.

However, eligibility criteria for a job seeker visa may vary as per your country or nationality, but general requirements are:

• Be a Skilled Worker,
• Must have 4 to 5 years of work experience,
• Proof of Funds 5682 Euros (Blocked-Account),
• Vocational diploma or Academic degree,
• Get your degree/credential assessment from Germany,
• Health Insurance, and
• Proof of accommodation.

Is the German language mandatory for a job seeker visa?

Proof of German language test is not mandatory for all job seeker visa candidates. If you have vocational training, diploma, or degree, you must provide a B1 German language test result.

Similarly, suppose your bachelor’s or Master’s degree is equivalent to or corresponds to a German vocational degree. In that case, the B1 German language test result is required. Most importantly, only Goethe institute’s language result is acceptable.

Credential Assessment

A German credential assessment is required for all applicants for a German Job Seeker Visa who holds an academic or vocational degree. Two authorities offer foreign degrees comparability to German qualifications. For example;

• ZSBA
• ANERKENNUNG
• AnaBin
• ZAB

In short, they assess qualifications from all countries worldwide and all levels of education, such as academic degrees and vocational qualifications.

How to open a Blocked account for a German job seeker visa?

To apply for a Jobseeker visa for Germany, you must have enough funds to cover your expense while staying in Germany. So, open a Blocked account in a German bank, and deposit 5682€. You can open a Blocked account through;

1. Fintiba (an online company),
2. Deutsche Bank.

Above all, do not worry about your deposited amount. It is just a requirement. You can withdraw 947€ every month while you are in Germany.

When you are in Germany looking for work, it’s good to have money stashed in your blocked account. If you don’t find a job but still need to stay in Germany, at least there will be money to keep you going.

How to apply for a Jobseeker visa in German?

Once you have fulfilled all prerequisites, please apply for a Job Seeker Visa for Germany through its embassy or consulate in your country. You will need to visit their website, select the “D” type (long term/national) visa category and get the visa form/supporting documents checklist.

Next, prepare all your documents according to the checklist, book an appointment and submit your job seeker visa application. 

Supporting Documents

Applicants for job seeker visas for Germany will need to submit supporting documents with long-term D visa application, for example;

• Signed visa application form,
• 2 Photos,
• Proof of stay in Germany (e.g. hostel or hotel booking),
• Your CV (curriculum vitae),
• A Cover Letter,
• Proof of Education / vocational training,
• Valid health insurance,
• Passport copies,
• Proof of credential assessment (equivalency),
• Employment history,
• Job letter from current/past employers,
• Proof of blocked account,
• Bank statements for the last 6 months,
• Return Flight ticket (confirmed and paid),
• Signed Declaration form,
• Information Statement (signed), and
• Confirmed Appointment Email.

Remember, the required supporting documents for a German job seeker visas may vary from country to country, so you must visit the official website of the German embassy in your country of residence.

Visa Fees / Processing Time

Usually, a job seeker visa fee for Germany is 75€, and visa application processing takes 15 to 30 days. However, there may be extra costs, such as a courier fee to return your passport.

Tips for Finding Jobs in Germany

One of your first considerations when looking for a job in Germany is where you’re living. Germany is a popular destination for ex-pats and immigrants alike, and there are a few ways to go about it.

You will have more success if you focus on areas that are popular ex-pat destinations, such as Berlin, Frankfurt or Munich.

For example, if you want to live in Hamburg but work in Cologne, you might be better off relocating instead of commuting every day. Check out these tips for finding a job in Germany:

1. Think and set your goal
2. Make a simple Resume
3. Find vacancies on Job Boards or German Company Websites
4. Get In Touch With Businesses & Employers
5. Visit some Recruitment Agencies
6. be in touch with friends and the community
7. Search the German Media for Jobs – Use Google
8. Translate If Necessary.

Also Read: D7 Visa Portugal for foreigners

FAQs

Conclusion

Moving to another country has many benefits, including more job opportunities and a better lifestyle. In addition, Germany is one of the most attractive countries for ex-pats due to its strong economy, rich history and culture.

There is a high demand for talented professionals to migrate to Germany. Therefore, the German government has introduced the Job Seeker Visa to increase the workforce. As a result, a job seeker visa for Germany allows you to live and work and settle there even with family.