In 2024, if you want to get a Germany Job Seeker Visa, you don’t have to have a job offer from a German employer. The German government gives this visa to people who plan to come to Germany and search for a job. It’s a kind of long-term visa that typically lasts for six months, and you can get it as long as you meet the visa requirements.
The Job Seeker Visa lets you come to Germany to look for a job. If you find a job within the allowed time, you can apply for a work visa and a residence permit. To get the Germany Job Seeker Visa, you must meet certain criteria, fill out the required documents, and pay the visa application fee. All the information and steps for applying for the Germany Job Seeker Visa are below.
Anyone who wants to apply for a Germany Job Seeker Visa can do so.
You don’t have to apply for a Job Seeker Visa for Germany if you’re from:
- EU/EEA and Switzerland.
- Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, Israel, Japan, Canada, and the USA
- If a German company has already offered you a job, you don’t have to apply for a Job Seeker Visa.
Types of Germany Job Seeker Visa
Germany has two kinds of visas for people looking for jobs. These are:
- Job seeker (Academic)
- Job seeker (Vocational training)
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1) Job seeker (Academic)
If you have a Job Seeker Visa (Academic) for Germany, you can stay there for six months to search for a job related to your academic qualifications. You must have a recognized university degree. Once you find a suitable job, you can then get a residence permit. It’s important to note that you need a visa to enter Germany, but you don’t need a residence permit during the initial six months while you’re looking for a job.
2) Job seeker (Non-Academic)
The Job Seeker Visa for non-academic applicants lets you stay in Germany for six months to find a job that matches your vocational qualification. To be eligible, you should have completed vocational training of at least two years, and it must be officially recognized in Germany.
Eligibility Criteria for Germany Job Seeker Visa
To be eligible for the Job Seeker visa, you must:
- A person who is a citizen of a non-European Union (EU) or non-European Economic Area (EEA) country and requires a visa to enter Germany.
- You must have a minimum of five years of working experience.
- You must have enough amount to support your stay in Germany. This money will be kept in a German bank and after you arrive, you can withdraw for your expenses.
- To increase your chances of getting a job seeker visa, you can open a special bank account called a blocked account in Germany.
- You should be at least 18 to apply for this visa.
- Experience requirement: You should have a minimum of 5 years of work experience to be eligible for the Germany job seeker visa.
Financial Requirement for Job Seeker Visa
You should keep at least €1,200 in your bank account as proof that you have enough amount to support yourself in Germany during the Job seeking.
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Job Seeker Visa Germany Requirements
To apply for the Germany Job Seeker Visa in 2024, you need to submit the following documents:
- Two filled-out, printed, and signed application forms.
- Your valid passport.
- Three identical passport-format photographs
- Proof of accommodation.
- Proof of travel health insurance.
- Proof of financial resources
- Curriculum Vitae
- Proof of personal status
- Cover letter for your visa application
- Proof of academic qualification.
- Visa fee payment confirmation.
How to Apply for a German Job Seeker Visa 2024
Follow these steps:
- Complete the German job seeker visa application form.
- Make a visa appointment
- Get all the necessary documents ready for the job seeker visa before your appointment date.
- Attend the interview at the German Embassy/Consulate.
- Pay the job seeker visa fees.
The application process varies from embassy to embassy. It’s a good idea to call or email the German embassy in your country and inquire about the visa process.
Apply for a Germany Job Seeker Visa.
You have to complete the online form and schedule an appointment at the German embassy or VFS.
You have to apply for a job seeker visa at your nearest German embassy, or consulate.
CLICK HERE FOR THE JOB SEEKER VISA (ACADEMIC)
APPLY FOR JOB SEEKER VISA (NON-ACADEMIC)
Germany Job Seeker Visa Success Rate
The success rate is quietly high. According to the German Federal Employment Agency, about 70% of job seekers who come to Germany on a job seeker visa can find a job within six months.
Benefits and Drawbacks of the German Job Seeker Visa
Benefits:
- You can obtain a work visa even if you don’t have a job offer.
- You don’t need to know any specific language for the visa application.
- You can apply for a Job Seeker Visa without needing sponsorship or a job offer.
- You can stay in Germany without doing any Job for up to six months.
Drawbacks:
- You need enough amount in your bank to apply for a Visa.
- If you can’t find a job within six months, you should return as soon as you can.
- You can not extend your Job seeker Visa. You need to find a job within six months.