GermanyAugust 10, 2022by Prominent Overseas CareerVisa Requirements for Working in Germany: A Comprehensive Checklist

Germany has Europe’s largest national economy. In Germany, experienced individuals are in great demand in the automobile industry (valued 436 billion euros in 2019), the healthcare business (372 billion euros in 2019), and the electrical engineering industrial sector (191 billion euros in 2019). This offers up a plethora of job prospects, and the Germany Job Seeker visa is the initial step in that direction.

In Germany, employment opportunities have increased in the IT and chemical and pharmaceutical sectors in recent years. In this article, you will learn all you need to know about the criteria for a Germany Job Seeker visa, which permits you to hunt for work and attend interviews.

 

What is a Job Seeker Visa in Germany?

The German Job Seeker visa is a long-term resident visa that permits qualified foreign individuals to work in Germany.

A job seeker visa in Germany is valid for six months.

If you find work in Germany during your six-month stay, you will not be able to work. You have the option of converting it to an employment residence permit or applying for an EU Blue Card.

Please keep in mind that this visa does not allow for extensions. If you are unable to find work in Germany within six months, you may be forced to return home.

 

Germany Job Seeker Visa Eligibility Requirements

The main requirements for a German Job Seeker visa are divided into two categories:

 

1. Basic qualifying requirements

As a foreign national, you must meet the following requirements to be eligible for this visa:

Age: You must be at least 18 years old.

Educational requirements: You must have a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree from a German institution or a recognised university in another country.

Work experience: You must have at least 5 years of similar work experience.

Financial situation: You must demonstrate that you have sufficient finances to meet all expenditures during your stay in Germany.

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2. Documents required

All claims made in your work visa application must be supported by legal documentation.

The following papers are required for this visa application:

  • Valid passport
  • Identity proof
  • Two duly-filled and printed application forms with your signature
  • Visa application fee receipt
  • Three passport-sized photographs
  • CV (Curriculum Vitae)
  • Educational credentials
  • Work experience proof for at least 5 years in the same line of work
  • Purpose of visit letter (mandatory) with reason to choose Germany for a job, stay duration of your stay, your plans to find a Germany job and alternate plans if you do not find a Germany job
  • Health insurance that is valid throughout your stay in Germany
  • Proof of funds of upto 6 lakh
  • Accommodation proof for your 6 month stay in Germany
  • Proof of personal status (birth certificate, marriage certificates, death certificate if widowed, etc)

Please note that documentation could be a complicated task. Talk to our experts at Prominent Overseas Careers and get the best guidance for your German Job Seeker visa application.

 

How to apply for a German Job Seeker Visa?

If you are applying for a German Job Seeker visa then you need to follow this procedure:

  • Check eligibility
  • Keep documents ready
  • Submit your visa application
  • Take visa appointment at a German Embassy
  • Attend an interview at the Embassy
  • Pay visa fee

Permanent Residency in Germany with a Job Seeker visa

The Germany Job Seeker visa does not provide you permanent residency in Germany.

You must first possess a temporary residence permit in order to be eligible for a permanent residence permit. Only after you find work with a Germany visa will you be granted a temporary residence permit.

After 5 years of employment in Germany, you can apply for a German permanent residence permit.

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How Much Does a German Job Seeker Visa Cost?

The application price for the Germany Job Seeker visa is €75. (approx. INR 6665). Please keep in mind that the visa application cost is not refundable.

Find out more about the cost breakdown of the Germany Job Seeker visa.

 

What are the financial requirements for living in Germany?

Each month you live in Germany, €853 (about. INR 75,809) must be banned from your blocked account. So, in order to stay in Germany for 6 months with this visa, you must have €5118 (about. INR 454852) blocked before travelling.

Visa for Job Seekers in Germany Processing period A Germany Job Seeker visa typically takes four to six weeks to process.

 

Other Important Frequently Asked Questions

Is an IELTS exam necessary for a German Work Visa?

No. A Germany Job Seeker visa does not require IELTS.

It is possible that you will need to be fluent in German. However, you are not need to take an exam for this as well.

 

What are the Proof of Funds Requirements for a German Job Seeker Visa?

You may use the following to demonstrate your financial situation:

  • Bank statement Statement of commitment “Verbindlichkeitserklärungen” (VE):
  • This certificate confirms that you have a sponsor who will pay for all of your expenditures in Germany.
  • Your sponsor must be a legal resident of Germany.
  • This certificate is valid for 6 months.
  • Bank statement obstructed

 

Do I need a Job Seeker visa if I apply from the United States?

No. If you are a US citizen, you do not need to apply for a German Job Seeker visa.

However, you must instead apply for a temporary residency permit.

 

With the German Job Seeker Visa, may I bring my spouse and children?

No. With a Germany Job Seeker visa, you cannot bring your family members.

 

Can I extend my Worker Visa in Germany?

No. A Germany Job Seeker visa cannot be extended.

If you are unable to find work within a reasonable time frame, you will be required to return to your home country.

 

Who is eligible for a Job Seeker Visa in Germany?

To go to Germany to look for work, most foreign nationals require a Job Seeker visa.

 

Citizens of the following countries, however, do not require a Job Seeker visa:
  • EU (European Union) countries
  • EEA (European Economic Area) countries
  • Switzerland

Citizens of the following countries do not need a Job Seeker visa, but, they must get a temporary residence permit before arriving in Germany:

  • United States of America
  • Canada
  • Israel
  • Australia
  • New Zealand
  • Japan

Citizens of all other countries that are not mentioned in the above lists need a German Job Seeker visa.

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Can I get a job without speaking German?

Yes. You can get employment in Germany without having to speak German.

Even though being able to speak German is a must in many parts of Germany, there are employment options that demand English-speaking as well.

You can apply for these jobs that require English-speaking.

Here are some Germany jobs that do not require the spoken German language:

  • Software developer
  • Customer Service
  • Systems Administrator
  • Digital Marketing
  • Social Media Manager
  • Management Consultancy
  • Engineer
  • Scientist
  • Content Writing

Even if you find a non-German speaking employment, you will need it outside of the office because the majority of people in Germany speak German.

As an eligibility requirement, most businesses will require a German language vocational training certificate. According to the CEFR, you must obtain at least a B1 (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages)

 

Can I change my Student Visa to a Work Visa in Germany?

No. In Germany, you cannot change your student visa to a job seeker visa. Please keep in mind that the qualifying conditions for a Job Seeker visa are different.

 

What are the COVID-19 travel limitations for Germany?

If you spent more than 10 days in a high-risk region before entering Germany, you must:
  • Before going to Germany, have an RT-PCR test.
  • On entry, complete a Digital Registration Form.
  • If website registration is not feasible, use the Substitute Registration form.
  • Bring proof of registration with you to Germany.
  • Regardless of your test findings, you must undergo a 10-day quarantine.
  • After entering Germany, proceed immediately to your quarantine residence.
  • Before travelling to Germany, make plans for this quarantine.

If you do not have any plans, the Immigration Department asks that you not fly to Germany.

We hope this article has helped you understand the criteria for a German Job Seeker Visa. In

 

conclusion
  • The Germany Job Seeker visa is valid for six months and allows you to hunt for work in Germany.
  • To be deemed a’skilled professional’ for this visa, you must have at least 5 years of experience.
  • You must have sufficient cash, housing arrangements, and health insurance to cover your 6-month stay in Germany.
  • You must have adequate papers to show your educational credentials and your identification.
  • The application fee is €75 (approx. INR 6665), and the visa processing time is four to six weeks.

If you are applying for the first time, hiring a visa adviser who is familiar with the Germany Job Seeker Visa might be advantageous. We can assist you in completing your application correctly, gathering all required papers, and assisting you with your job hunt in Germany.

To get started with your job hunt in Germany, contact our visa specialists by contacting with us.

Topics :  work and Germany.

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