The fifth largest economy in the world, and one of the wealthiest and largest countries in the European Union, the Federal Republic of Germany is not only an attraction to travelers with its beautiful landmarks and tourist attraction. The land of invention and innovation, which has a very low rate of unemployment and a very financially stable economy, has lured many qualified and skilled workers from abroad to come and work, giving them many possibilities through different types of visas.
The shortage of skilled workers in many sectors and professions in Germany, specifically in engineering, manufacturing and the IT sectors, as well as health specialists, has pushed the Federal Government to try and find other solutions in order to fill the labor gaps. Thus making the country an open gateway to those seeking attractive job opportunities through the Germany Job Seeker Visa which is a part of the National Visa.
Germany Jobseeker Visa project is an activity by Federal Government established on August 2012. The main idea is to lure more qualified experts from abroad to come to Germany. Through this visa one can come to Germany, attend interviews and find a job. After finding the job the candidate can then switch to a EU Blue Card or employment residence permit. There are specific requirements for this type of visa as a German or other perceived college degree or an outside degree equivalent to a German degree.
The Germany Job seeker visa holders are permitted to stay in Germany for up to six months and search for a job in their field. However, job seekers are not allowed to work under this type of visa. Once they find the job they must convert it into an employment residence permit.
What is a job seeker visa?
The job seeker visa for Germany is a Long-Term Residency Permit, which allows you to stay in the country for six months and look for a job. If at the end of the six months you have found a place of employment, you will be given the Germany work visa or a Germany work permit and you will be allowed to work and live there. Please note that having a job seeker visa does not allow you to start working immediately in Germany. It only means that you can visit the country and look for a job during your stay.
In order to obtain a job seeker visa for Germany, you need the following:
Who is Eligible for Germany job seeker visa?
Nationals of the European Union member countries, as well as nationals of the member countries of the European Economic Area, and the European Free Trade Area can come to Germany and search for a job without the need to obtain a visa first.
Citizens of Australia, Canada, Israel, Japan, the Republic of Korea, New Zealand and the United States of America too, do not need to apply for any visas, in order to enter Germany and seek for a job. However, they must apply for a temporary residence permit upon their arrival in Berlin, directly at the Immigration Office.
Nationals of other world countries need to first obtain a Job Seeker Visa in order to be able to enter Germany and search for employment.
The applicant must also fulfill several criteria in order to be eligible to apply for the Germany job seeker visa, as follows:
In addition, it is highly recommended that you have German Language ability. Though English proficiency is sufficient to qualify for the visa, it would be better for you if you at least knew basic German.