Explore your pathway to work in Germany! Learn How to Get a Germany Job Seeker Visa, enabling you to relocate without a job offer and kickstart your career journey in this vibrant country.
The prospect of working in a first-world country like Germany excites many people. Due to an ageing population and labour shortage, Germany offers job seekers visas to individuals who would like to work and live in the country.
A job seeker visa, also called a residence permit to seek employment, is a permit that allows you to move to Germany without a job offer. After arriving, you can settle and start looking for job openings.
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Requirements for a German Job Seeker Visa
You must provide the following to become eligible for a German job seeker visa.
Evidence of Academic Qualification
You must provide proof of graduation from a German university or an equivalent German degree. Otherwise, you must confirm that your degree is recognized before starting your application.
The Anabin database is an excellent tool for checking the acceptability of your degree in Germany. Sometimes, you might also be required to provide a statement of comparability.
Evidence of Professional Experience
Besides your academic certificates, you must provide evidence of professional experience. This includes your CV, recommendations from previous employers, etc.
Proof of Accommodation
Ensure you attach proof of accommodation to your job seeker visa application. This can be a rental agreement, hotel reservation or having a friend or relative who’ll house you during your stay in Germany.
Proof of Subsistence
You must prove you have enough money for upkeep during your stay in Germany. To do this, submit a blocked account with a minimum monthly balance of €947, or a formal obligation letter from your sponsor if a third party is covering your expenses.
Proof of Travel Insurance
Your travel insurance must have a medical cover worth at least €30,000. This policy must be valid in EU countries.
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Application Process for German Job Seeker Visa
Here is a systematic guide for applying for a German job seeker visa.
1. Determine the Application Office and Book an Appointment
First, you need to find the right place for your visa application. This might be the local German embassy or a third party authorised to process such applications.
After identification, schedule an appointment online. It’s worth noting that you can’t walk into an office and start the application process. Also, these meetings usually take several weeks to arrange.
2. Gather the Required Documents
Once you schedule a meeting, gather the required documents. Besides the ones above, you will need your passport, a complete visa application form, passport-size photographs, and a residence permit (if you don’t live in your country of origin).
3. Pay the Visa Fees
You will be required to pay the visa fees when submitting your application. The current charges are €75 per application.
After payment, you might be requested to do an interview. Common questions include your career goals, whether you have family in Germany, and so on. Answer honestly.
4. Wait for Processing
It takes several weeks to process visa applications. If your application is successful, you can get the visa and travel to Germany. Otherwise, the embassy will provide reasons for declining your application.