🇩🇪 Germany Job Seeker Visa Guide
Your complete guide to applying for Germany's 18-month Job Seeker Visa and finding employment
What is the Job Seeker Visa?
Germany's Job Seeker Visa (Visum zur Arbeitsplatzsuche) allows international graduates to come to Germany for up to 18 months to search for employment and transition to a work permit. This visa is particularly popular among graduates who want to explore Germany's strong job market before committing to a specific job offer.
Perfect For:
- • Recent graduates with German degrees
- • Those wanting to explore Germany's job market
- • Graduates seeking work experience in Germany
- • Students wanting to improve German language skills
Key Benefits:
- • 18 months to find suitable employment
- • Can work part-time during search
- • Easy transition to work permit
- • Spouse and children can accompany you
📋 Eligibility Requirements
Academic Requirements
- ✓Recognized DegreeBachelor's, Master's, or PhD from a German university (or equivalent qualification)
- ✓Recent GraduationGraduated within the last 12 months (or up to 18 months in some cases)
- ✓Full-Time StudyCompleted at least 2 years of full-time study in Germany
Financial & Other Requirements
- ✓Financial MeansProof of €11,208 per year (€934/month) for living expenses
- ✓Health InsuranceValid health insurance coverage for Germany
- ✓German LanguageBasic German skills (A1 level) recommended
- ✓Valid PassportWith at least 3 months validity beyond planned stay
📝 Step-by-Step Application Process
Prepare Your Documents
Gather all required documents before applying:
- University degree certificate and transcript
- Proof of financial means (€11,208/year)
- Health insurance certificate
- Valid passport
- CV and motivation letter
- Accommodation proof (optional but recommended)
Apply at German Embassy/Consulate
Submit your application at the German embassy or consulate in your home country:
- Schedule an appointment online
- Pay visa fee (around €75)
- Submit biometric data
- Processing time: 2-3 months
Arrive in Germany
Once approved, travel to Germany within 3 months:
- Register with local Foreigners' Office (Ausländerbehörde)
- Apply for residence permit within 3 months
- Open a German bank account
- Find accommodation
Start Your Job Search
Begin your job search and networking activities:
- Attend job fairs and career events
- Network with German companies
- Take German language courses
- Consider internships or part-time work
Transition to Work Permit
When you find a job, convert to a work permit:
- Find a job that matches your qualifications
- Employer applies for work permit (priority check)
- Convert Job Seeker Visa to work permit
- Begin full-time employment
🎯 What You Can Do on Job Seeker Visa
Job Search
Unlimited job search activities, attend interviews, and job fairs
Language Courses
Take German language courses up to 20 hours per week
Part-Time Work
Work up to 20 hours per week during job search period
Internships
Gain practical work experience through internships
Networking
Attend career events, trade fairs, and professional networking
Travel
Travel freely within Schengen area during visa validity
⏰ Job Search Timeline
Months 1-3
- • Settle in Germany
- • Improve German language skills
- • Research job market
- • Update CV and LinkedIn
Months 4-12
- • Apply for jobs actively
- • Attend job fairs and events
- • Network with professionals
- • Consider internships
Months 13-18
- • Focus on job offers
- • Apply for work permits
- • Prepare for interviews
- • Plan for extension if needed
What's Your Next Step?
⚠️ Important Considerations
- • Extension: The Job Seeker Visa cannot be extended beyond 18 months
- • Work Permit Priority: Your job offer goes through a labor market priority check
- • Degree Recognition: Check if your foreign degree needs recognition (anabin.kmk.org)
- • Language: German language skills significantly improve job prospects
- • Family: Spouse and unmarried children under 18 can accompany you
- • Official Sources: Always check make-it-in-germany.com for latest visa information
- • Taxes: Part-time work income is taxable in Germany