Germany Job Seeker Visa 2025: Requirements, Cost & Application Process

Germany is an attractive destination for foreign job seekers, offering numerous opportunities for skilled individuals. The job seeker visa allows applicants from other countries to enter Germany and search for employment within a designated period.

Once you secure a job, you can easily apply for a work visa and residence permit. However, it’s essential to understand your eligibility for the job seeker visa and the steps to obtain it.

Introduction

The German job seeker visa is a work visa designed for those looking to find employment in Germany. If granted, this visa allows you to stay in Germany for up to six months to search for a job. After securing employment, you can apply for a work permit to extend your stay.

Eligibility

You need a job seeker visa if you are not a citizen of the following regions:

• EU/EEA countries
• Switzerland
• Citizens of Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, Israel, Japan, Canada, and the United States require a residence permit to work in Germany.

Stay Duration

The German job seeker visa allows you to stay for up to six months. During this period:

• You can legally reside in Germany.
• You cannot work, except for limited trial employment (maximum 10 hours per week).
• You must find a job that matches your qualifications.
• If you receive a job offer within these six months, you can transition to a work visa or residence permit without leaving Germany.

Requirements

To apply for the German job seeker visa, you need:

• A valid passport
• A recognized academic degree or vocational qualification
• Proof of sufficient funds (approximately €947/month or a blocked account with around €5,700)
• Health insurance
• CV and motivation letter
• Proof of accommodation in Germany
• Visa application form and fee (€75)

Note: Your degree must be recognized in Germany or equivalent to a German degree. Verify this on anabin.kmk.org.

Job Seeker Visa to Work Visa

Once you receive a job offer that fits your qualifications, you can convert your job seeker visa into a work visa or EU Blue Card in Germany.

Steps to Convert:

• Secure a full-time job contract from a German employer.
• Apply for a residence permit for employment at the local Foreigners’ Authority (Ausländerbehörde).
• Submit your job contract, proof of qualifications, and other required documents.
• Wait for processing, which can take 4 to 8 weeks.
• If your salary meets the threshold (€45,300/year), you may qualify for the EU Blue Card, which allows faster permanent residency.

Extension of Job Seeker Visa

Extensions are not permitted. If you do not find a job within six months, you must leave Germany. You can reapply for the visa later from your home country.

How to Apply for a German Job Seeker Visa 2025

To obtain a German Job Seeker visa, follow these steps:

• Complete the application for the visa.
• Schedule a visa appointment.
• Gather the necessary documentation.
• Attend the interview at the German Embassy or Consulate.
• Pay the associated visa fees.

Click Here to Apply

Cost of Visa

The cost of a German job seeker visa is €75, which is reasonable for a long-term visa. Note that this fee is non-refundable if your application is denied.

Longer-term Work Visa

The job seeker visa cannot be extended. If you fail to secure employment within the validity period, you must return to your home country. However, if you find a job while on the visa, you can apply for a work visa or residence card without leaving Germany.

Final Thoughts

The German job seeker visa offers a vital pathway for skilled individuals looking to advance their careers. By understanding the eligibility criteria and application process, you can increase your chances of successfully finding employment in Germany.