Seek Employment in Germany with a Job Seeker visa

A German job seeker visa is granted to non-EU nationals who want to work in Germany. Germany is one of the most sought-after countries for employment. This visa allows you to search for jobs in the country for up to 6 months. You can apply for a job seeker vis, get a job offer, and then apply for a work permit. Before applying for a Germany job seeker visa you must know about the eligibility criteria, documents, and application process. This blog covers all you need to know about the Germany job seeker visa for Indians.

Note: As of 2025, the Job Seeker Visa no longer exists. The German Job Seeker Visa has been replaced by the Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte).  The  Opportunity Card is for skilled professionals from non-EU countries wanting to find jobs. It is available for 18 months. Nevertheless, if you are interested in learning about the earlier job search visa in Germany, you can continue reading….

Germany Job Seeker Visa: An Overview 

The Germany job seeker visa is also known as the German Employment Search Visa, or the German Skilled Job Seeker Visa. It is a form of long-term visa granted by the country. The visa is given for a few months (generally 6 months) to a non-EU national to look for jobs. 

Who Needs a Germany Job Seeker Visa?

Anyone wanting a job in Germany, and who meets the eligibility criteria can apply for a job seeker visa. However, certain applicants are exempt from the visa requirements. They are:

1. Citizens of Switzerland/EU/EEA
2. Citizens of South Korea, New Zealand, Australia, Canada, Japan, and the USA 

Germany Job Seeker Visa Eligibility 

To apply for a visa, you must meet the eligibility criteria. Only those who meet these basic requirements are qualified to apply for a job search visa in Germany.  The requirements are as follows:

1. You must be a third-country national who requires a visa 
2. You have at least 5 years of work experience in a relevant field 
3. You must have sufficient funds to cover your expenses in Germany
4. Apart from that you must have proof of vocational training or academic training 
5. Moreover, your qualifications must be recognised in Germany

Requirements for a Germany Job Seeker Visa 

To apply for a Germany Job Search Visa, you must meet the requirements. The visa requirements are provided below. Ensure that you do not miss any documents for a successful visa application.

1. Visa application form 
2. A valid passport issued within the last 10 years 
3. Passport-size photographs as per the guidelines
4. Provide proof of accommodation in Germany. For example, a hotel booking. You can submit an invitation letter if you are staying with your family/ and friends.
5. Proof of funds. For example, bank statements, are proof that you have a blocked account in Germany with a minimum balance of EUR  947. 
6. Otherwise, you can submit a declaration of commitment by the person/organisation who has invited to. The declaration must state that they are willing to cover all your expenses.
7. Proof of health insurance of EUR 30,000 that is valid in all the Schengen countries 
8. Submit all your academic and professional qualifications. Ensure that your degree and academic qualifications are recognised in Germany.
9. Aside from these documents, you need to submit your resume/CV, and a cover letter stating the reasons for applying for the job.

To learn about the jobs seeker visa requirements in detail download this checklist 

Is IELTS Required for Germany Job Seeker Visa?

No. You do not need to clear the IELTS examination to get a German job seeker visa. However, you can choose to get a certificate in the German language. The reason is, that knowing English or German will increase your chances of getting a visa approval. It will also be easy for you to meet the langauge requirements set by the employers in Germany. Most businesses in Germany require you to demonstrate that you have cleared an English language proficiency test or that you are proficient in German. That is the B2 (CEFR) proficiency level.

What is the Age Limit for German Job Seeker Visa?

The age limit for a job seeker visa is not specified by the embassy. However, you need to know that you must be in the working age limit acceptable in Germany. The minimum age to work in Germany is 15 to 18, and the maximum age limit to work in Germany is 50 years or more depending on the nature of your job.

How to Apply for Job Seeker Visa Germany?

Germany job seeker visa application can be submitted at a consulate or embassy near your location. You can also apply from a visa application centre that represents Germany in India, To apply for the job seeker visa follow the steps below:

1. Ensure you meet the eligibility requirements for the visa, and gather the relevant documents 
2. Next, find the German embassy or consulate nearest to you, and schedule an appointment.
3. Ensure you have all the documents ready. Translate the documents into German or English if they are in any other language.
4. On the date of your appointment, submit the visa application, and pay the visa fees
5. You may be required to attend a visa interview. During the visa interview, you need to justify the reason for choosing to work in Germany.
6. After the visa interview, your application will be processed 
7. The embassy will inform you regarding the status of your application 
8. After the visa approval, you can visit Germany, and register your temporary residence address at a local registration office within 2 weeks.
9. Then you can get your temporary residence permit to seek jobs. You can get the same the local foreigners’ authority (Ausländerbehörde) 

To learn more about Germnay Job Seeker Visa, watch this video:

Germany Job Seeker Visa Processing Time

The Germany job seeker visa processing times are as follows. The visa processing time can take longer depending on whether you have submitted all the documents or not.

Visa	Processing Time
Germany Job Seeker Visa	4-6 weeks

Visa Fee Requirement

The visa fees have to be paid at the time of application. This is one of the Germany Job Search visa requirements. However, the fees are non-refundable. Moreover, they are subject to change.

Visa	Fee
Germany Job Seeker Visa	EUR 75

How Much Funds are Required for a Germany Job Seeker Visa?

You need to have a minimum bank balance to stay in Germany. This ensures that you can support yourself financially for the duration of your stay. The minimum amount needed is as follows:

Duration of Stay	Minimum Bank Balance
1 Month	EUR 947
6 Months	EUR 5682

Duration of Stay

The Germany Job Seeker visa validity period is as follows. During the visa validity period you can get a job, and later on apply for a work permit. It is important to note that a job search visa in Germany is not extendable.

Visa	Fee
Germany Job Seeker Visa	6 months

Can a German Job Seeker Visa Be Extended?

A German job seeker visa cannot be extended. After the visa expiry, you are required to return to your home country. You are also required to stay in your home country for the duration of your stay in Germany. Thereafter you can apply for a job seeker visa again, and come to Germany to look for work.

Also Read: Digital Nomad Visa for Indians 2025: Countries, Requirements & How to Apply

How to Get a Job Offer from Germany?

Is there a Germany job seeker visa for indians? Yes. There is. If you get a job offer from a recongised employer, you can get this visa.. You can get a job offer in Germany by following the necessary steps:

1. Ensure that you are eligible, and apply for a German Employment Search Visa.
2. Create a German-style resume and cover letter 
3. Search for job opportunities in popular online portals like Indeed Germany, LinkedIn, StepStone, and Make It in Germany. Apply for the jobs you are qualified for.
4. You can target Blue Card-eligible roles in healthcare, engineering, and more 
5. Moreover, you can apply for companies via recruiting agencies 
6. Besides, it is beneficial if you learn the basic German language (A2/B1). It can significantly increase your chances.

What is the Cost of Living in Germany?

Is there a Germany job seeker visa for indians? Yes.  You can get a job seeker visa. However, you need to know about the cost of living. As a job seeker, you will have to pay for your living expenses. The cost of living in Germany is significantly different from the cost of living in India. The cost of living in Germany is as follows:

Expense Category	Estimated Cost (EUR)
Rent	EUR 600 – EUR 1,200
Food & Groceries	EUR 200 – EUR 350
Transport	EUR 49 – EUR 100
Health Insurance	EUR 100 – EUR 200 (students)
	EUR 400+ (employees)
Total (approx.)	EUR 1,000 – EUR 1,800/month

Can I Bring Family On a Job Seeker Visa in Germany?

No. A Job seeker visa does not permit you to bring your family. However, you can get a job in Germany on a job seeker visa, apply for a work permit, and get the same. Later, on you can bring your dependents (immediate families like children or spouses) on a work visa to Germany.

What is the Germany Job Seeker Visa Success Rate?

The Germany job seeker visa for Indians rejection rate is only 1%. It means 99% of the visa applications are approved, provided they meet the visa requirements. It is estimated that 70% of the job seekers in Germany will get a job within 6 months. However, a job seeker visa is not a guarantee that you will get the job.

Can I Work in Germany With a Job Seeker Visa?

No. You cannot work in Germany with a job seeker visa. However, in exceptional cases, you can work in Germany for 10 hours a week. The job will be given on a trial basis. Therefore, you need to ask the German embassy or consulate to know whether you will be permitted to work or not. 

How to Convert a Job Seeker Visa to a Work Visa?

The Germany job seeker visa will permit you to look for work. After getting a job, and a proper job contract you can apply for a residence permit for workers. You can also choose to apply for an EU blue card if you are eligible The application for the same can be submitted to a Foreigners’ Authority (Ausländerbehörde or Ausländeramt) in your region.

Is Germany Accepting Job Seeker Visas Now?

No. Germany is no longer accepting applications for the Job Seeker Visa. The Job Seeker Visa. This visa was only available to students who have studied, trained, or conducted research in Germany and want to extend their stay. However, it has been replaced by the Opportunity Card. The permit allows any skilled non-EU/EEA to actively search for jobs in Germany.

Also Read: Why Would a Work Visa Be Denied to Indians?

What is the Opportunity Card in Germany?

The Opportunity Card in Germany is a new type of residence permit. You can be a skilled worker from a non-EU-EEA country and apply for this. The card gives you one year to look for employment in Germany. During this time, if you can secure employment, you can apply for a work permit. The Opportunity Card has been introduced to make it easy for skilled professionals to look for work in Germany without a job offer. The key features of the OC are as follows:

1. You are given 1 year to look for a job in Germany
2. You are permitted to work for 20 hours a week, or even take up trial jobs for up to 2 weeks at a time.
3. You can look for employment without a job offer.
4. Once you get a job, you can apply for a long-term work or residence permit in Germany.

Eligibility Requirements for the Opportunity Card in Germany

You can apply for an opportunity card in Germany only if you meet the requirements. The following are the basic requirements to apply for the Opportunity Card.

1. You must have a university degree or a vocational qualification in a relevant course. Your qualifications must be recongised in Germany.
2. Certain professionals need a minimum amount of work experience
3. Additionally, you must have the required German langauge skills. You can clear exams like DELF to show proof of the same. English proficiency is enough for international roles
4. You must be financially stable and be able to take care of yourself during the time abroad
5. Provide a clear statement of purpose showing your intention to work in Germany

Those who meet the eligibility criteria can gather the necessary documents and apply for the permit. You can visit your nearest visa application centre to know about the same. 

FAQs

We hope you now understand what are the German work visa requirements. Want to apply for a Visa for your study abroad journey? Drop us a comment in the section below, or you can connect with a visa expert at Leverage Edu, and we will guide you on your dream journey!

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