Numerous job opportunities and promising growth prospects entice skilled workers. Professionals are in high demand in the German labour market, particularly IT professionals, scientists and engineers, healthcare workers, researchers, and others.
In order to attract global talent, the German government introduced the Germany Job Seeker Visa in 2012. You can easily realize your dream with the Germany Job Seeker Visa. It allows you to look for work and then apply for permanent residency.
Continue reading to learn more about the Germany Job Seeker Visa Fees and how to apply for one.
Who is eligible for the Germany Job Seeker Visa?
The Job Seeker Visa for Germany is a long-term visa. You can stay in Germany for up to six months. The best feature of this visa is that it allows you to look for work while you are in the country.
To obtain the visa, you must meet certain criteria. (See note below.)
How do I find work in Germany?
You can look for work in Germany by doing one or more of the following:
- Governmental agencies that post job openings include: Federal Employment Agency, Federal Government of Germany
- EURES and Monster are two online job-search channels in Germany.
- Local job portals in Germany
- Make contact with job-search organizations.
Note: If you find a job in Germany with a Job Seeker Visa, you cannot start working right away. You can only search for jobs.
The Cost of an Indian Job Seeker Visa in Germany
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Germany Job Seeker Visa Fees:
| Germany Job Seeker Visa Cost (Approximate Figures) | ||
| Cost Type | Fee in EURO (per applicant) |
Fee in INR (per applicant) |
| Visa Fee (Subject to change) | ||
| Adults | 75 | 6,700 |
| Minors 0-17 | 37.50 | 3,400 |
| Funds Requirement
(to be shown in the applicant Bank Account) |
4,500 | 4,50,000 |
| Travel Health Insurance
(one time premium for 6 months) |
150 | 15,000 |
| ZAB Qualification Assessment fee (if foreign education is not equivalent to Germany) | ||
| If you apply for a Statement of Comparability for the first time | 200 | 20,000 |
| If it is not your first Statement of Comparability | 100 | 10,000 |
| Other Expenses | ||
| Flight Tickets from India to Germany (per person) | 600 | 60,000 |
| Other Expenses (like documents attestation, VFS charges etc.) | 50 | 5,000 |
| Document verification (approx. minimum amount) | 130 | 13,000 |
| Total Cost for a Germany Job Seeker Visa | 1 Lakh INR approx. (This excludes the Proof of funds requirement) | |
| Document verification charges | ||
| New Delhi | ||
| For two Union states of Punjab and Haryana or exclusively in the greater Delhi area | 400 | 40,000 |
| For other Union states or in the Union states Punjab, Haryana and greater Delhi | 500 | 50,000 |
| For remote areas* | 650 | 65,000 |
| Bangalore | ||
| Documents that were issued exclusively in the greater Bangalore area | 270 | 27,000 |
| Certificates exclusively from the rest of Karnataka | 340 | 34,000 |
| Documents from Kerala | 400 | 40,000 |
| Other areas (Kerala & Karnataka) | 470 | 47,000 |
| Kolkata | ||
| Kolkata, District: 24-Parganas (South & North), and District Howrah and Hooghly | 130 | 13,000 |
| Other Districts in West Bengal | 160 | 16,000 |
| Darjeeling and Kalimpong Districts | 175 | 17,500 |
| Odisha, Jharkhand and Bihar | 190 | 19,000 |
| Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Tripura, Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Nagaland | 220 | 22,000 |
| Areas outside aforesaid Jurisdiction | 315 | 31,500 |
| Chennai (All districts of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu & Puducherry ) | 470 | 47,000 |
| Mumbai (All districts of Maharashtra, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Goa and the Union Territories of Daman and Diu) | 700 | 70,000 |
Note:
- The visa fee is subject to change at any time. Keep in mind that this is a non-refundable payment. Furthermore, the amount in INR can change depending on the exchange rate.
- The Embassy or Consulate General performs the verification. The verification process takes between 8 and 12 weeks.
- The cost of verification can range between INR 2,000 and INR 40,000, depending on the origin and complexity of the documents.
Criteria for Eligibility
There are several eligibility requirements that you must meet. They are as follows:
- You must be at least 18 years old.
- Educational requirements include a bachelor’s or master’s degree. A degree from a German university is acceptable. Alternatively, it must meet equivalent German standards.
- Work Experience: You must have at least five years of work experience.
- Proof of Funds: You must have enough money to cover your stay. It covers monthly expenses as well as health insurance. You must have a monthly income of at least 720 EUR (62,436.33 INR).
You can choose from the following types of health insurance:
- Expat medical insurance
- Private medical insurance
- Insurance for the general public
Note:
Language Skill: Knowledge of German is not required for a Germany Job Seeker Visa. A good German language test result, on the other hand, can significantly increase your chances of getting a visa.
Documents Required for a Job Seeker Visa in Germany
The Germany Job Seeker Visa requires a number of documents. To learn more, refer to the list provided below.
- Two fully completed visa application forms
- Passport must be valid.
- one copy of the passport’s data page
- Three recent passport-sized photographs (It must be as per the biometric specifications)
- Proof of educational attainment
- Evidence of work experience
- Funding proof via
- Account statement
- Bank account has been blocked
- Verpflichtungserklärung: This is a formal obligation letter from your German sponsor.
- Accommodation documentation
- Evidence of health insurance
- Cover letter outlining your purpose, plan of action, and length of stay. You should also think about your future plans if you get the job.
- Personal CV with education and previous employment information
- Personal identification (if applicable)
- Certificate of Birth
- Certificate of Marriage
- For document verification, use cash or a demand draught.
- Payment of visa fees confirmed
- Certificates of police and medical clearance
Note: If necessary, the German consulate may request additional documents. You must also prepare three visa application sets with the above-mentioned documents.
How do I apply for a Job Seeker Visa in Germany?
After gathering all of the necessary documents, the final step is to complete the visa application form.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to applying for the visa.
- Fill out the German Job Seeker Visa application form completely.
- Schedule a visa interview appointment.
- Gather all of the necessary visa documents.
- Attend the interview at your local embassy or consulate.
- Pay the German Job Seeker Visa application fees.
The interview at the German embassy will determine whether or not you will be granted a German Job Seeker Visa.
Prepare a good CV and an impressive application letter in order to find work in Germany after receiving your visa. Begin making contacts and networking opportunities with potential employers as well.
Remember that the job seeker visa does not allow you to work in Germany. However, if you find work in Germany, you can apply for a residence visa or a German work permit.
Do you require assistance with your visa application?
Germany Job Seeker Visa Processing Time
The processing time for the Germany Job Seeker Visa is estimated to be four to six weeks. However, the time frame can vary depending on a number of factors.
Can the Job Seeker Visa in Germany be extended?
No, you cannot apply for a Germany Job Seeker Visa extension. You must return to your home country. You can, however, reapply for the visa.
Can you work in Germany while on a Job Seeker Visa?
The Germany Job Seeker Visa does not allow you to work. If you get a job, you can apply for an EU Blue Card or an Employment Residence Permit.
The Employment Residence Permit: Once you’ve found a job, you’ll need to apply for a German Employment Visa. In the vast majority of cases, the applicant is sponsored by the employer. However, if this is not the case, you will be forced to support yourself.
You can work and live in Germany if you have an Employment residence permit or a temporary residence permit. You can apply for a permanent residence permit after five years with an employment visa. You can also apply for the Family Reunion Long Term Visa.
The EU Blue Card: You must have a job offer to obtain the EU Blue Card. The salary must be at least 44,800 EUR per year (38,86,355.20 INR). After 33 months of holding the EU Blue Card, you can apply for a permanent residence permit.
Note: Submit your B1 German language test results. It will help you obtain your permanent resident permit after 21 months.
Other Important Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)
Do you require a visa to work in Germany?
You must first determine whether you require the Germany Job Seeker Visa. It is determined by your nationality. If you are a citizen of one of the following countries, you will not need a German visa:
- Switzerland
- EEA (European Economic Area)
- EU (European Union)
What are Germany’s most in-demand jobs in 2020?
The following are the most in-demand jobs in Germany in 2020:
- Medical Field Engineering Field Opportunities in the MINT Sector (Mathematics, Information technology, Natural sciences, and Technology)
- Industry of retail sales
- Mechanical engineering in industry
- Geriatric nursing assistant
What occupations are accepted by the German embassy?
Only professions sanctioned by the country’s national visa authority are permitted for Job seeker Visa by the German embassy. These positions have been listed by the German embassy.
- Mechanical, electrical, civil, and automobile engineering are all examples of engineering disciplines.
- Software Developers, Internet Managers, Data Analysts, and other IT engineering specialties
- Doctor, nursing, pharmaceutical, and other medical jobs are available.
- Professionals in Science and Mathematics
What countries are visa-exempt for the Germany Job Seeker Visa?
The following countries are visa-exempt for the Germany Job Seeker Visa:
- New Zealand
- Canada
- Australia
- USA
- South Korea
- Japan
- Israel
Germany is part of Europe’s Schengen zone. The countries in this zone do not require a national visa.
Where can you apply for a German Work Visa?
There is a 90-day visa-free period for people from visa-exempt countries. You must apply for the German job seeker visa at an immigration office in Germany.
- European citizens do not need a visa to enter the country. They are not required to obtain a visa to live and work in Germany.
- People from other countries can apply for a work visa at a German embassy in their home country.
Do I need to apply for a work visa before coming to Germany?
If you are a citizen of an EU country, you can work in Germany without a visa. If you are from Canada, South Korea, Australia, the United Kingdom, Japan, the United States, or Israel, you can apply for a visa before or after you arrive in the country. Other countries must apply for a transit visa and any other visas prior to arrival.
What documents are required to apply for a work permit/work visa in Germany?
What you’ll need to apply for a work permit or visa in Germany.
- Your home country’s passport must be valid.
- There is no criminal history.
- German language proficiency of at least B1 is required
(For Blue Card & Permanent Residence Permit)
- Health insurance in Germany
- Pass the health examinations
- Financial security
- The employer has made a job offer to you.
Can I travel to Germany on a Schengen Visa?
You certainly can. You can enter Germany as a Schengen Visa holder because Germany is an EU member state and also a member of the Schengen area.
Is it possible to convert my German student visa into a work visa?
No. In Germany, a student visa cannot be converted into a job seeker or work visa. However, after completing a degree in the country, you will be allowed to stay for an additional 18 months. International students are given this time to look for work.
Is travel insurance required for a trip to Germany?
Yes. To visit Germany, you will need European travel insurance. You’ll also have to decide whether you want a single-trip or multi-trip policy. If you are travelling to Germany for business, you should consider purchasing business travel insurance.
Conclusion
Germany is one of the most powerful countries in Europe. Professionals are drawn to the quality of life and the prospect of a better future. With the Germany Visa, you can look for a variety of job opportunities.
A Germany Job Seeker visa costs €80. (approx. INR 7071.69)
If you want to work abroad, there is no better place than Germany. However, the visa’s complexities may cause you problems. In that case, it is preferable to contact visa consultants and map out a safe path.
Our visa experts work hard to ensure that our clients’ trust and confidence in us is placed in the right hands at all times. Please contact us to schedule an appointment.
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