Simple Guide To Obtaining A Germany Job Seeker Visa

Germany’s shortage of skilled workers in engineering, manufacturing, IT, and health care has prompted the Federal Government to seek alternative labor solutions.

The August 2012 Germany Job Seeker Visa is a long-term German national visa. The goal is to attract more qualified foreign experts to Germany for interviews and job searches. This visa does not allow job seekers to work in Germany.

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

If you are a national of one of the countries below, you do not need to apply for a Job Seeker Visa:

• EU/EEA countries.
• Australia*
• Canada*
• Israel*
• Japan*
• Korea*
• New Zealand*

*Must apply for a temporary residence permit upon their arrival in Berlin, directly at the Immigration Office.

Nationals of other countries need to first obtain a Job Seeker Visa in order to be able to enter Germany and search for employment.

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

The applicant must also fulfill several criteria in order to be eligible to apply for the Germany job seeker visa, as follows:

• The possession of a Bachelor or Master’s Degree from a German university or an equivalent foreign degree.
• Have a relevant (a minimum of 5 years) of experience in your related field of interest/study.
• Show proof of travel or medical insurance for your entire stay in Germany or until you get your Work Permit.
• Show proof that you have sufficient funds to cover your whole stay in Germany.
• In addition, it is highly recommended that you have German Language ability. Though English proficiency is sufficient to qualify for the visa, it would be better for you if you at least knew basic German.

Germany Job Seeker Visa Requirements

First of all, get a list of all the required documents. The documents for the Germany Job seeker visa are as follows:

• A duly completed German long-stay visa application form.
• Your passport with at least six months validation.
• Three passport-style photos. The photos must be identical and be of high quality.
• Proof of accommodation in Germany during your job-seeking period.
• Proof of purchased health insurance policy for foreign workers in Germany.
• A cover letter. Explain the objective of your visit, how you plan to find employment, and your alternative career plans if you cannot find a job.
• Proof of academic qualification. Diploma of your degree or any other proof of academic qualification from a German or non-
• German university. Attach any certificates of previous work experiences as well.
• Curriculum Vitae (CV).
• Proof of financial resources. This could be one of the following:
• bank statement,
• a letter of sponsorship by another person, a combination of both,
• or a blocked bank account.

Documents must be in German or English or translated into German by an embassy-approved translator. All official documents must be translated, attested, and legalized. Your country’s embassy or consulate may request additional documents. If you don’t meet German visa requirements, your application may be denied!

Your country of residence may require more or fewer documents. Copy all required documents twice. The documents must be presented at your interview at the appointment center in your home country (embassy or consulate).

Germany Job Seeker Visa Application Steps

The application procedure for a German Job Seeker visa is very similar to the application procedures for other types of German visas. To apply for a Germany Job Seeker visa, you need to follow these steps:

• Complete the German Job seeker visa application form.
• Make an appointment.
• Collect the required documents.
• Attend the interview.
• Pay the fees.
• Complete the German Job seeker visa application form
• Complete the application form online carefully and correctly, print it twice and sign it at the end.

Make an appointment

• Appoint an interview through the website of the German mission in your home country. The appointment might take up to three months, therefore, take care to make the appointment as soon as possible in order to avoid any possible delay.

Collect the required documents

• Make sure to collect all the required documents, or the application may be denied.

On the day of the appointment

• Show up at the appointment center on time (embassy or consulate). Remember that if you are late even for a few minutes, then they will probably cancel your appointment. Make sure you have all the necessary documentation with you.

Pay the fees

• After you pay the Germany Job Seeker visa fee, you will be issued a receipt which will need to collect your processed application.

After Arriving in Germany With a Job Seeker Visa

The Germany Job seeker visa holders can stay in Germany for up to six months in search of a job in their field. Once they find the job they must convert it into an employment residence permit. Once you get a job you have two possibilities:

• you can either apply for an EU Blue Card, or
• you can apply for an employment residence permit

Applying for an EU Blue Card

To obtain the EU Blue card, you must have an employment offer of at least 44,800 euros in annual gross salary. If you specialize in mathematics, IT, the life sciences, or engineering, your annual gross salary must be at least 34,944 euros.

After only 33 months with an EU Blue Card, you can obtain a permanent residence permit in Germany. If you demonstrate B1 German language proficiency, you will be eligible for a permanent residence permit after 21 months.

Getting a Germany Employment Visa

According to the German Employment Visa, in most cases, the employer will sponsor it, but if not, you must do so on your own. After five years in Germany on an employment visa, you can apply for a permanent residence permit.

With this visa, you can bring your family with you using the Family Reunion Visa. To do so, you and your family must meet the requirements for this type of visa.

After You Arrive in Germany With a Job Seeker Visa

With a Germany job-seeking visa in your hands, you can immediately travel to the country. Yet, once here, you should complete another two tasks, which are:

• Register your address at the registration office – It makes no difference whether you will be staying in a hotel, a rental property, or with relatives or friends. In Germany, your address must be registered at all times. So, within two weeks of your arrival in Germany, you should register your address. Find the nearest registration office and bring your passport, visa, and any documents related to the address where you are staying.
• Get your Germany Temporary Residence Permit – After registering your address, you can apply for a residence permit as a job seeker. To apply, schedule an appointment with the Immigration Authorities near your location. On the day of the appointment, you will attend an interview and submit some documents related to your application.