A Germany job seeker visa is issued to foreign residents who have completed a study degree or training in Germany and want to extend their stay to find employment.
The visa allows its holder to stay for an additional 18 months for the sole purpose of finding a job in the country. Afterwards, foreign residents can apply for a work residence permit.
Overview
| Purpose | To look for employment in Germany and explore job opportunities. |
|---|---|
| Type | Long-stay, national-D visa. |
| Validity | Eighteen months. |
| Entries | Multiple entries. |
| Cost | €75 |
Do I Need to Apply for a Germany Job Seeker Visa?
Yes, you do. This applies even if you’re from a country that allows visa-free entry. That’s because visa-free stays are only for short visits (up to 90 days). By now, you’ve likely already been living in Germany on a long-term permit for your studies or training, and to stay longer while looking for a job, you’ll need another long-term permit. The job seeker visa covers that.
Please note that the only exception to the visa requirement is EU/EEA citizens.
Please note that if you already have found employment and have a valid contract, you do not need to apply for a job seeker visa; you can apply for a work visa directly.
What Are the Eligibility Criteria for a Germany Job Seeker Visa?
To qualify for the job seeker visa, you need to meet the following requirements:
- You are a third-country national who needs a visa to stay in the country.
- You have enough financial resources to support your stay in Germany.
- You have proof of completed academic or vocational training.
- Your qualifications are recognized in Germany or are equivalent to a diploma received in the country.
How Do I Apply for a Job Seeker Visa?
To apply for a job seeker visa in Germany, you must submit your application at the nearest Foreigners’ Office in your residential area in Germany.
Make sure you make an appointment with the Foreigners’ Office beforehand, as well be specific as to why you want to continue staying in the country.
Please remember to bring your passport and current visa or residence permit with you.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Processing Time | It takes 4 to 6 weeks to process your German job seeker visa application. |
| Visa Fee | €75 (additional service fees not included). |
| Length of Stay | Up to 18 months. However, it’s important to note that this 18-month period begins as soon as you complete your studies, not when you apply for the job-seeking visa extension. So, make sure to plan your application and job search timeline accordingly. |
Document Checklist
You need to prepare the following documents for your application:
- Application form.
- Your passport.
- Your current visa/residence permit.
- Proof of financial means:
- Proof of blocked account (Sperrkonto) in your name showing a minimum of €€1,027 that can cover your expenses per month.
- A declaration of commitment (Verpflichtungserklärung) written by your inviter stating that they will cover all of your expenses.
- Proof of health insurance.
- Proof of having finished your degree/training program.
Pros and Cons of German Job Seeker Visa
Here are some pros and cons of applying for a job seeker visa in Germany:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| You can extend your stay after your studies to find employment. | You cannot extend your stay once a job seeker visa expires. |
| You can convert your visa to a work visa or an EU Blue card (depending on your qualifications). | You must find a job within 18 months to continue your stay. |
| You can work for longer than 20 hours (unlike with your previous student visa). | You are required to pay taxes on any income you earn, unlike during your studies, when you may have earned too little to be taxed. |