Requirements for Job Seeker Visa Germany
Germany is considered an economic powerhouse, not just of the EU (European Union) but also of the continent of Europe as a whole. Seen very much as a land of opportunity for those looking to thrive in business, the German Job Seeker Visa allows non-residents to travel to the country to search for gainful employment.
If you have the desire to work in Germany and would like to hit the ground running with a Job Seeker Visa, get in touch with the Total Law team. We can help ensure your visa application is successful and get you to work asap. Call us now on (+353) 061 518 025 or send a message online.
The German Job Seeker Visa: An Introduction
The Job Seeker Visa for Germany is one of a few visa types that allows third country nationals (that is, those who are not residents of an EU or EEA (European Economic Area) country the ability enter the country to apply for a job and receive a job offer.
The duration of the visa is set at varying levels to allow the holder to seek employment. If, at the expiry date of the visa they’ve successfully found employment, they may apply for a work visa and residence permit to remain in Germany.
While the Germany Job Seeker Visa does present an exciting opportunity for overseas nationals to look for a new job, there are eligibility criteria that must be met for an application to be accepted.
Page Contents
- The German Job Seeker Visa: An Introduction
- Eligibility Criteria for a Job Seeker Visa
- Documents Required for a Job Seeker Visa Application
- Application Fee for a Job Seeker Visa Germany
- Language Requirement for a Job Seeker Visa Germany
- Application Process
- How Can Total Law Help?
- Frequently Asked Questions
Eligibility Criteria for a Job Seeker Visa
In order to apply for a Job Seeker Visa, the applicant must meet the following criteria:
- Not be a citizen of the EU, EEA or Switzerland (no visa is required for these people to job seek in Germany)
- Not be a citizen of Australia, Canada, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea or the USA (these people must obtain a residence permit before to job seek in Germany)
- Have a minimum of five years of experience related to their profession
- Be able to demonstrate that they have enough financial resources to support themselves throughout their stay in Germany without reliance on state benefits
- Be able to demonstrate that they have completed academic or vocational training related to their profession
- Be able to demonstrate that they have qualifications recognised in Germany (this may require a separate qualification recognition process to be undertaken).
Documents Required for a Job Seeker Visa Application
Alongside an application form for a Job Seeker Visa, the applicant must also provide the following:
- A valid passport (original and a copy of). This should be issued within the last 10 years, expire no sooner than three months after the intended exit date from Germany and have at least two blank pages
- Three passport standard photographs
- Proof of intended accommodation for the duration of the stay in Germany. This is usually a hotel reservation or rental agreement but may too be an invitation letter from a family or friend
- Proof of financial means to provide self-sufficiency for the duration of the stay in Germany. This may be demonstrated through either:
- Proof of a blocked bank account (Sperrkonto) with a minimum of €947 per month deposited within; OR
- A declaration of commitment (Verpflichtungserklarung) from the person inviting the application into Germany stating that they will shoulder the financial burden of the applicant living in the country
- Proof of valid health insurance covering a minimum sum of €30,000
- Proof of academic and vocational qualifications in a field related to that for which the applicant is seeking a job
- Proof of qualification recognition in Germany
- An up-to-date CV
- A personal cover letter stating the applicant’s reason for looking for a job in Germany
German immigration authorities reserve the right to request additional documents at any time during the visa application processing period.
Application Fee for a Job Seeker Visa Germany
It costs applicants a one-off application visa of €75 to file for a Job Seeker Visa. This amount is to be paid online when the initial application is filed, and the receipt for it should be taken to the visa interview.
Visa fees are non-refundable in all circumstances.
Language Requirement for a Job Seeker Visa Germany
In most cases there is no requirement to provide proof of language proficiency for a Job Seeker Visa application. However, it should be noted that employers in Germany are considerably more likely to be supportive of job applications from those with decent German language skills.
If an applicant is filing only with vocational and not academic qualifications, they may be asked to meet a minimum language proficiency requirement. While this varies on a case-by-case basis, it is most often to B2 proficiency level under the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages).
Application Process
German visa application processes are standardised. The following can be considered the usual process to apply for a Job Seeker Visa:
Complete the online application form
All German visas can be applied for online. Applicants should complete the application form and pay the fee online. This notifies the German immigration authorities of the applicant’s intention to enter Germany.
Book a visa interview appointment
The applicant must get in touch with their local German Embassy or Consulate. Visa interviews must be booked in advance and the calendar availability for such appointments is dependent on the demand and workload of the diplomatic mission.
Collate the required documents
At the time of the visa interview being booked, the Embassy or Consulate will advise of the required documents for the application. The applicant must compile these ahead of the interview date and, if not in German or English, have them translated by a certified translator.
Attend the visa interview
The visa interview must be attended in person at the Embassy or Consulate by the applicant with all required documents. The immigration officer will take these and file them as necessary. The applicant may also be required to answer questions on their intentions while in Germany, their personal background and their professional background.
Receive visa decision
Every visa is processed on its own merits and there is currently no guaranteed time frame for the processing of applications. On average, however, it takes between four to six weeks for processing to be completed. A Job Seeker Visa decision will usually be received by post with the visa included if successful. If the application for the Job Seeker Visa has been unsuccessful, any recourse to appeal will be detailed in the letter.
Travel to Germany
The Job Seeker visa holder may travel to Germany and begin to look for work there from any date once the visa is valid. They must leave by the time the Job Seeker Visa expires, unless they have found a job in Germany and are undergoing the application process for a Work Visa and residence permit.
How Can Total Law Help?
Total Law are leading immigration solicitors and help people every day apply and appeal for visas worldwide. No matter where you’re from or where you’re going, our team will have the legal expertise to help you succeed.
The Total Law team are happy to discuss your circumstances: just call us on (+353) 061 518 025 or message us online today. Visa law can be difficult to understand and navigate, but we’re on-hand to help you through no matter what stage of the process you’re at. Let us de-stress the process and get you on the path to your dream job in Germany in no time.
Advice Package
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Ensure you have the greatest chance of a successful appeal. We will represent you in any case.
The Advice Package
During this untimed Advice Session with our professional immigration lawyers in London, you will receive our comprehensive advice, completely tailored to your needs and your situation.
The Application Package
With our Application Package, your dedicated immigration lawyer will advise you on your application process and eligibility. Your caseworker will then complete and submit your forms to the Home Office on your behalf.
The Fast Track Package
Our Fast-Track Application Package is a premium service for those who need to submit their application in time with their deadlines. Your case will become a top priority for our lawyers and you will benefit from our highest-quality services.
The Appeal Package
By choosing our Appeal Package, you can rely on our lawyers’ legal knowledge and experience to ensure you have the highest chance of a successful appeal. We will also fully represent you in any hearings/tribunals.
Related pages for your continued reading.
Frequently Asked Questions
There is no allowance for a Job Seeker Visa holder to work in Germany while present in the country. If you have a job in Germany already, you must apply for a full work visa and residence permit.
The Job Seeker Visa application fee is €75, but indirect costs such as translation fees may also be incurred by the applicant. German immigration authorities reserve the right not to refund any costs incurred, including the visa fee, in any circumstances – even if the Job Seeker Visa application is declined.
Overseas professional qualifications can be recognised through a formal procedure with the relevant industry authority in Germany. This process is a separate one to visa application, but Total Law can still help – call us on 0333 305 9375 to learn more.
