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Job Seeker Visa
Germany offers a world-class education system with minimal tuition fees and abundant research opportunities, attracting students globally for its academic excellence and affordability
According to the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), among the 370,000 international students enrolled in German universities for the 2022-23 academic year, Indian students represent the largest group with 43,000 enrolments.
8000+
Jobs available
1700+
Visas Granted Every Month
What Is a Germany Job Seeker Visa?
A German job seeker visa is a work visa granted to individuals seeking employment opportunities in Germany. If you are approved for this visa, you will have the opportunity to stay in the country for a period of six months. During this time, you can search for employment and, if your successful, apply for a work permit to stay in Germany for the long term.
It is important to note that if you have already secured a job and have a valid contract, there is no need for you to apply for a job seeker visa. Instead, you can directly apply for a work visa.
This government initiative aims to assist non-EU nationals in securing employment and establishing long-term residency in Germany.
Why you should apply for German Job seeker visa?
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Discover opportunities and thrive in rural areas.
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During the 6-month duration, individuals with a visa have the chance to explore a range of job opportunities across different industries that align with their work experience.
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No offer letter needed.
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If you manage to secure employment within 6 months, you will be eligible to apply for a resident permit after 5 years.
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Explore job opportunities while you are in Germany
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Accelerated pathway to secure permanent residency in Germany
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Offer letter does not require any pre-conditions.
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An opportunity to be a part of a thriving economy
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Exciting job prospects in various important industries
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Opportunity to bring your immediate family members, including your spouse and children, to Germany once you have obtained permanent residency.
Requirements for the Germany Job Seeker Visa -
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Please ensure that the German long-stay visa application form is fully completed.
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Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months.
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Three passport-sized photos. The photos should be identical and of high quality.
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Documentation of your housing arrangements in Germany while you search for employment.
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Proof of purchased health insurance policy for foreign workers in Germany.
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A cover letter. Please provide an overview of your visit's purpose, your strategy for securing employment, and your backup career options in case job hunting proves challenging.
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Evidence of academic credentials. Please provide a copy of your diploma or any other documentation that verifies your academic qualifications from a university, whether it is in Germany or elsewhere. Please include any certificates of previous work experiences as well.
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Resume.
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Evidence of financial resources. There are several possibilities for this:
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Statement from the bank,
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an endorsement from someone else, a blend of both,or an inaccessible bank account.
More About Germany
Germany offers an exceptional quality of life, characterized by its robust economy, excellent healthcare system, and world-class education. The country is known for its high standard of living, safe and efficient public transportation, and a rich cultural scene that includes historical landmarks, museums, and diverse arts. Additionally, Germany's central location in Europe allows easy travel to neighbouring countries, enhancing its appeal as a hub for both personal and professional opportunities for prospective immigrants.
Schengen Visa (Short-Stay Visa)
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Eligibility: This visa is for short-term stays in Germany and other Schengen Area countries, up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
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Purpose: It is suitable for students attending short courses, language programs, or preparatory visits.
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Limitations: This visa does not allow you to begin full-time studies or work in Germany. It is not extendable for long-term study purposes.
National Visa (D Visa)
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Eligibility: This visa is for long-term stays over 90 days and is typically used by students intending to pursue full-time academic programs in Germany.
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Purpose: This includes full-time university studies, preparatory courses (such as Studienkolleg), language courses longer than three months, or doctoral studies.
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Duration and Extension: Initially issued for three to six months. Upon arrival in Germany, you must apply for a residence permit at the local Alien Registration Office to cover the full duration of your studies.
Blogs
FAQs
Indeed, it is necessary for all Indian nationals to acquire a visa prior to their arrival in Germany. If you possess a valid Schengen visa for Germany, it is necessary to apply for a job seeker visa if you plan to seek employment in the country and subsequently apply for a work visa.
If you hold an Indian passport and meet the specified conditions, you may be eligible for a Germany job seeker visa.
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You have successfully completed a training course or study program in Germany.
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You have obtained a degree in India that holds the same value as one earned in Germany.
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You possess a degree that holds recognition in Germany.
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You possess a minimum of five years of professional or academic experience.
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You can demonstrate that you possess sufficient financial resources to cover your expenses during your stay in Germany.
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You have successfully completed vocational training and can provide evidence of your proficiency in the German language.
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In order to obtain your German job seeker visa from India, you will need to prepare the following documents:
Application form for a visa. Please ensure that you complete and sign the application form for your job seeker visa application. You can complete the form online by following this link.
Your Indian passport. Kindly ensure that your passport meets the following requirements: it should have been issued within the last ten years, have at least two blank pages, and be valid for at least 12 months after your departure from Germany.
Please provide a copy of your passport. Please include a photocopy of your passport in A4 size along with the original documents.
Passport pictures. The identity photos must adhere to the guidelines set by the German embassy/consulate. Keep in mind that the number of photos needed can vary depending on the embassy. In some cases, you might need to provide up to three pictures.
Obtaining a Resident Permit for India. Valid residence permits for India are required for non-Indian nationals.
Proof of academic credentials. Submission of academic achievement from a German university or its equivalent to a German degree is required.
Evidence of academic degrees being acknowledged. Before applying for your visa, it is important to ensure that your degree is fully recognized in Germany, especially if it is not equivalent to a degree obtained in the country. Feel free to access the Anabin database to determine if your degree meets the requirements for recognition in Germany. Additionally, you may need to provide a statement of comparability. For further information on having your degree recognized, please consult the German authorities.
Showcasing a track record of expertise. Please provide any documentation (CV, professional achievements, etc.) that demonstrates your relevant work experience for the German job seeker visa application.
Letter of introduction. Please provide a cover letter outlining your strategy for securing employment in Germany, your aspirations for your future career, and your contingency plan in case the job search proves challenging.
Confirmation of lodging. It is important to provide documentation of your temporary accommodation during your stay in Germany. You have the option to provide a hotel reservation, rental agreement, or evidence of your stay with a friend or family member in Germany.
Proof of sufficient financial resources. It is necessary to provide documentation demonstrating that you have adequate financial means to sustain yourself during your time in Germany as you search for employment. Please ensure that you submit one of the following:
An account with restricted access, indicating a minimum monthly balance of EUR 947 (equivalent to INR 85,619.79 as of March 2024). We can assist you in opening a blocked account.
An official letter of obligation from your sponsor is required if someone else will be covering your expenses.
Documentation of travel insurance. Proof of travel insurance with a minimum coverage of EUR 30,000 (equivalent to INR 2,712,348.12 as of March 2024) is required for medical purposes. In addition, it is important to provide evidence of valid health insurance coverage for your stay in the country. You have the option to either purchase health insurance from a private company in India or obtain a policy from a private provider in Germany.
Documents related to marital status. Please ensure that you provide the necessary civil status documents, including:
Marriage certificate.
Document for family certification.
Requesting a birth certificate.
Aadhar card, and ration card.
Is it necessary to apply for a Germany Job Seeker Visa?
If you are not a citizen of certain countries, you will need to obtain a job seeker visa.
EU/EEA and Switzerland.
If you are a citizen of India, Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, Israel, Japan, Canada, or the USA, it is necessary for you to obtain a residence permit before you can work in Germany.
The processing time for your German job seeker visa application is typically 4-6 weeks. However, the processing time may vary depending on the embassy and the completeness of your application.
The German job seeker visa is a national D visa that has a validity of six months. It is important to be aware of the duration of your visa and ensure that you do not exceed the permitted stay. Failure to comply may result in penalties.
In most cases, bringing your family along on a job seeker visa to Germany is not permitted. However, if you secure a job and obtain a work visa, you can bring your immediate family members, such as your partner and children.
Unfortunately, it is not possible to extend a job seeker visa. Once the visa expires, you are required to return to your home country. You can re-apply for the same visa once you have spent an equal amount of time outside of Germany as you did when you were in the country looking for work.
It is important to keep in mind that if you secure a job, you have the option to apply for a work visa and extend your stay.
If you happen to secure a job in Germany during your stay with the job seeker visa, you have the option to apply for an EU Blue Card, an alternative work visa, or a residence permit for qualified professionals. It is necessary to submit your application for a work visa and residence permit to the appropriate Foreigners' Authority in your region.
Proof of language proficiency is not necessary for your job seeker visa application in Germany.
It is strongly recommended that you work on improving your German language skills, as this will greatly increase your chances of finding a job.
However, individuals with vocational qualifications may need to provide evidence of their language proficiency at level B2 (CEFR).
The success rate of finding employment under a job seeker visa in Germany varies and is influenced by factors such as language skills, employment field, qualifications, and work experience.
Increasing your chances of finding a job under a job seeker visa involves actively searching for job opportunities and applying for open positions prior to receiving your visa. This proactive approach will provide you with a head start once you arrive in Germany.
In Germany, it is generally not permitted to work under a job seeker visa. However, in certain situations, there may be an opportunity for you to work 10 hours a week on a trial basis for a position you have applied for. It would be best to have a conversation with your prospective employer and the immigration office in your area.
To begin the process, you will need to submit an application for a job seeker visa at the German embassy, consulate, or another visa application center in your country that represents Germany. Kindly be aware that in the event that Germany does not have an official representative in your country of residence, it may be necessary for you to submit your application to a neighbouring country.
In most cases, bringing your family along is not permitted when applying for a job seeker visa in Germany. However, if you secure a job and obtain a work visa, you will be able to bring your immediate family members, such as your partner and children.
Proof of language proficiency is not necessary for your job seeker visa application in Germany.
It is strongly recommended that you work on improving your German language skills, as this will greatly increase your chances of finding a job.
However, individuals with vocational qualifications may need to demonstrate a language proficiency level of B2 (CEFR).
The success rate of finding employment under a job seeker visa in Germany varies and is influenced by factors such as language skills, employment field, qualifications, and work experience.
In order to increase your chances of finding employment under a job seeker visa, it is strongly recommended that you begin searching for job opportunities and applying for various open positions prior to receiving your visa. This will provide you with a head start once you arrive in Germany.