Germany Job Seeker Visa

Written by Anastasiia Lushyna Moderated by Oleksandra Dosii

Anastasiia Lushyna

Anastasiia is a content creator, writer, and motorcycle traveler with experience living in 4 different countries. She has been exploring the world and its cultural diversity since 2010.

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Oleksandra is a dedicated marketer with a passion for growing HR-tech products. She believes content marketing is about delivering high-quality content that provides value—not just generating leads. Since 2016, Oleksandra has been involved in tech talent relocation.

Last update: July 19, 2024

Next update: Scheduled for February 1, 2025

Those who are planning to work in Germany but do not have a job offer yet can apply for a job seeker visa (also called a job searching visa).

 

What is a Germany Job Seeker Visa?

A job seeker visa is a document issued to applicants who are planning to search for a job in Germany. If you are granted this document, you can stay in the country for a couple of months (more details are provided below). Once you receive a job offer in Germany and are ready to start working, you need to apply for a work visa or EU blue card at your local immigration office.

Note that the Germany job seeker visa is issued only once.

Germany Job Seeker Visa duration

The duration of a job seeker visa depends on the skills and qualifications of an applicant:

• For up to 6 months: for skilled workers with vocational training. Sufficient knowledge of the German language is required.
• For up to 6 months: for skilled workers with academic education.
• For 18 months: for those who have successfully completed studies in Germany.
• For 9 months: for those who have completed research activities.
• For 12 months: for those who have successfully completed qualified vocational training in Germany.
• For 12 months: for those who have successfully completed assistant or helper training.
• For 12 months: after the establishment of the equivalence of the professional qualification or the issuance of a professional practice permit in Germany.

Job Seeker Visa requirements and documents

If you are a national of one of the EU/EEA countries or Switzerland, you do not have to obtain a job seeker visa. The same applies to the citizens of the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, Israel, the UK, and Japan, although they still need to get a temporary residence permit upon their arrival. In case you do not meet these criteria, you must comply with at least one of these requirements:

• A training testimonial or certificate: if you are a skilled worker with vocational training.
• Foreign higher education degree: if you are a skilled worker with academic education.
• German degree: if you have studied in Germany.
• Documents on the terminated employment: if you have completed your research in Germany.
• German education certificate: if you have completed qualified vocational training in Germany.
• Decision of the competent body on successful recognition: if you stayed in Germany for the recognition of your foreign professional qualification. For regulated professions, an occupation practice permit is also required.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in your related profession.

In addition, all of the following documents and proofs are mandatory to submit:

• Health insurance for the duration of your stay in Germany, with at least €30,000 in medical coverage).
• Proof of sufficient funds — the minimum amount is around €934 per month (for instance, you can provide a bank account statement).
• Proof of main residence in Berlin (e.g. a confirmation from the landlord).
• A valid passport.
• 1 current biometric photo (35mm x 45mm).
• An application form.

Where to apply for a Germany Job Seeker Visa?

You need to apply for a job seeker visa before arriving in Germany — this can be done at your local German embassy or consulate:

1. Book an appointment.
2. Apply for a job seeker visa.
3. After it is approved, move to Germany.

In case you are a citizen of Australia, Canada, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, the UK, or the US, you are eligible to enter Germany without a visa for 90 days, and then apply for a job seeker visa at an immigration office in Germany:

1. Move to Germany and complete your address registration.
2. Book an appointment.
3. Apply for a job seeker visa.

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