One app for all your study abroad needs
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 job seeker visa.
This Blog Includes:
- Germany Job Seeker Visa: An Overview
- Who Needs a Germany Job Seeker Visa?
- Germany Job Seeker Visa Eligibility
- Requirements for a Germany Job Seeker Visa
- Is IELTS Required for Germany Job Seeker Visa?
- What is the Age Limit for German Job Seeker Visa?
- How to Apply for Job Seeker Visa Germany?
- Germany Job Seeker Visa Processing Time
- Germany Job Seeker Visa Fee
- How Much Funds are Required for a Germany Job Seeker Visa?
- Duration of Stay
- Germany Job Seeker Visa Extension
- Can I Bring Family On a Job Seeker Visa in Germany?
- What is the Germany Job Seeker Visa Success Rate?
- Can I Work in Germany With a Job Seeker Visa?
- How to Convert a Job Seeker Visa to a Work Visa?
- Alternative to Germany Job Seeker Visa: The Opportunity Card
- FAQs
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:
- Citizens of Switzerland/EU/EEA
- Citizens of South Korea, New Zealand, Australia, Canada, Japan, and the USA
Germany Job Seeker Visa Eligibility
The eligibility requirements for a Germany Job Seeker visa are as follows:
- You must be a third-country national who requires a visa
- You have at least 5 years of work experience in a relevant field
- You must have sufficient funds to cover your expenses in Germany
- Apart from that you must have proof of vocational training or academic training
- Moreover, your qualifications must be recognised in Germany
Requirements for a Germany Job Seeker Visa
The German job seeker visa requirements are as follows:
- Visa application form
- A valid passport issued within the last 10 years
- Passport-size photographs as per the guidelines
- 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.
- Proof of funds. For example, bank statements, are proof that you have a blocked account in Germany with a minimum balance of EUR 947.
- 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.
- Proof of health insurance of EUR 30,000 that is valid in all the Schengen countries
- Submit all your academic and professional qualifications. Ensure that your degree and academic qualifications are recognised in Germany.
- 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:
- Ensure you meet the eligibility requirements for the visa, and gather the relevant documents
- Next, find the German embassy or consulate nearest to you, and schedule an appointment.
- Ensure you have all the documents ready. Translate the documents into German or English if they are in any other language.
- On the date of your appointment, submit the visa application, and pay the visa fees
- 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.
- After the visa interview, your application will be processed
- The embassy will inform you regarding the status of your application
- After the visa approval, you can visit Germany, and register your temporary residence address at a local registration office within 2 weeks.
- 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 |
Germany Job Seeker Visa Fee
The Germany job seeker visa fees are as follows:
| 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.
| Visa | Fee |
| Germany Job Seeker Visa | 6 months |
Germany Job Seeker Visa Extension
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.
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.
Learn about the German Visa Interview Questions & How to Answer it
What is the Germany Job Seeker Visa Success Rate?
The German job seeker visa 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.
Germany vs UK: Which is the Better Study Abroad Destination?
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.
Alternative to Germany Job Seeker Visa: The Opportunity Card
You can apply for an opportunity card (launched in 2023) to seek jobs in Germany. The opportunity card is valid for 1 year. During this period you can look for jobs. The key difference between an opportunity card and a Germany work visa is that an opportunity card allows you to work part-time (20 hours a week). On the other hand, you are not permitted to work with a Job seeker visa.
FAQs
Yes. German job seeker visas are available to citizens of all nationalities. However, an applicant must meet the eligibility criteria. For example, A level university degree that is acceptable in Germany, and proof of funds.
Yes. A job seeker visa is a good option if you want to seek jobs in Germany. Just ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria, and have sufficient funds to support yourself.Generally, 70% of the job seekers secure a job within 6 months in Germany.
Canada, Germany, Singapore, and Australia grant job seeker visa to applicants. These countries are an excellent option for a third-country national to seek jobs.
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!
Relevant Reads:
45,000+ students realised their study abroad dream with us. Take the first step today.
