German Job Seeker Visa

The German job seeker visa was introduced to attract skilled talent from around the world. It has since become a vital gateway for internationals aspiring to work and settle in this European powerhouse.

What is the German Job Seeker Visa

A job seeker visa in Germany allows internationals that completed a university course with a German university to stay in the country to search for employment opportunities, for up to 18 months.

During this time, they can explore the job market, attend job interviews, and connect with potential employers.

Purpose and Stay Duration

The purpose of the job seeker visa is to give recent graduates the chance to transition from studies or training into full-time employment without having to leave Germany. The stay is valid for a maximum of 18 months, starting immediately after the successful completion of your studies or vocational training, not from the date you apply.

What the Visa Allows You to do in Germany

• Look for employment that fits your academic or vocational qualifications.
• Work in any job (including unrelated temporary work) to cover living expenses while job hunting.
• Apply directly for a work residence permit or EU Blue Card once you secure a qualified position.

Eligibility for a German Job Seeker Visa

You are eligible for a German Job Seeker Visa if you have completed a recognized degree (Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD) or vocational qualification in Germany.

You must also prove that you have sufficient financial means to support yourself during your job search, which can usually be done through either a Declaration of Commitment or a Blocked Account. Additionally, you will need valid health insurance for the entire duration of your stay.

It is important to mention that previously, those who completed a degree or vocational training in Germany were allowed to search for a job for up to 18 months, while internationals coming to Germany specifically to look for work could hold a Job Seeker Visa for six months.

The latter category has now been replaced by the Opportunity Card. Under the current rules, only students who graduated from a German university or completed vocational training in Germany can hold a Job Seeker Visa.

Fintiba Solutions for the German Job Seeker Visa

Fintiba offers solutions that make meeting visa requirements easier for internationals, with services officially recognized by German authorities.

Fintiba Blocked Account

If you don't have any source of income, with the Fintiba Blocked Account, you can quickly and securely prove your financial means - a key requirement for the German Job Seeker Visa.

Required Documents for a German Job Seeker Visa Application

When applying for a German Job Seeker Visa, you must present a complete set of documents to your local Ausländerbehörde. Missing or incorrect paperwork can delay or even block your application, so it’s important to prepare everything in advance.

Application Form and Valid Passport

You need to fill out the official residence permit application form and present a valid passport. The passport must be valid for the entire intended stay and have enough blank pages for visa endorsements.

Biometric Photos

Provide two recent biometric passport-sized photographs. These must meet German biometric standards: neutral facial expression, light background, and correct size (35mm x 45mm).

Proof of Qualification and Recognition

Submit your final degree certificate or vocational training completion document issued by a German institution. If applicable, include official transcripts or proof that your qualification is state-recognised.

Professional CV and Motivation Letter

A complete curriculum vitae (CV) outlining your education, work experience, and skills, plus a motivation letter explaining:

• Your career goals in Germany.
• The type of positions you are seeking.
• How your qualifications match the German job market.

Proof of Sufficient Financial Means

You must prove you can support yourself throughout the job search period without relying on public funds. If you do not have any source of income, you have two options:

Blocked Account as Primary Proof of Funds

The most common method is opening a Blocked Account (Sperrkonto) with at least the monthly minimum (€992 in 2025) multiplied by the duration you intend to stay, up to 18 months.

Alternative Accepted Proofs

Instead of a Blocked Account, you can present a Declaration of Commitment (Verpflichtungserklärung) from a sponsor that is already living in Germany and can support you financially.

Health Insurance Covering the Entire Stay

Valid health insurance is mandatory for the whole duration of your job search. You can either extend your student insurance (if applicable) or switch to a private or public plan that meets German requirements.

Proof of Accommodation in Germany

Provide confirmation of where you will live during the job search period. This could be a rental contract, sublet agreement, or an official confirmation of accommodation from your host.

German Job Seeker Visa Fees and Processing Times

Before applying, it’s important to know how much the application will cost and how long it might take to receive a decision. Planning ahead ensures you won’t run into problems with your current residence permit expiring before your new visa is issued.

Current Application Fees

The standard fee for a German Job Seeker Visa is €75. This amount is paid when submitting your application at the Ausländerbehörde (Foreigners’ Office). Some offices accept card payments, but many require cash, so check beforehand. The fee is non-refundable, even if your application is refused.

Typical Processing Time and When to Apply

Processing times usually range from 4 to 6 weeks, depending on your local immigration office’s workload and whether your documents are complete.

It’s best to apply as soon as possible after completing your studies or training, ideally several weeks before your current student residence permit expires.

Keep in mind that the 18-month validity of the visa starts from the official completion date of your studies, not the date your visa is granted.

How to Apply for a German Job Seeker Visa

The application process is straightforward but missing documents or incorrect information can cause delays, so make sure follow each step carefully.

Check Eligibility and Prepare Documents

Before applying, confirm that you meet all eligibility requirements, including having completed a degree or vocational training in Germany and being able to prove sufficient financial means. Gather all required documents in advance to avoid last-minute issues.

Fill Out the Application Form Correctly

Complete the official job seeker visa application form provided by your local Ausländerbehörde. Fill in all fields, using consistent details that match your supporting documents.

Book and Attend the Visa Appointment

Appointments at the Ausländerbehörde are often booked weeks in advance, so schedule yours as early as possible. Bring printed copies of your application form, your current residence permit, and all supporting evidence.

Prepare for the Interview

During your appointment, an immigration officer may ask about your job search plans, target industry, and financial situation. Be ready to explain how you plan to find work within the allowed 18-month period.

Submit the Application and Follow Up

Once you submit your application, you’ll receive a confirmation. Processing can take several weeks, so monitor your application status and respond quickly to any requests for additional documents.

Work Permissions During the Job Seeker Visa

Because the main purpose of the German job seeker visa is to find full-time employment, you have very limited work rights during your stay, so as not to get distracted from the job search.

Trial Employment Rules

You are allowed to participate in short-term trial employment (Probearbeit) for up to 2 weeks per employer. This can be a valuable opportunity to demonstrate your skills to potential employers and increase your chances of securing a permanent role.

However, trial work must comply with labour laws and should be reported to the immigration office if required.

Next Steps After Getting a Job Offer on a German Job Seeker Visa

Once you’ve secured a job that matches your qualifications, you’ll need to change your visa status so you can legally work full-time in Germany. The next step depends on the type of job and your salary level.

Switching to a Residence Permit for Employment

If your new job does not meet the EU Blue Card requirements, you can apply for a standard residence permit for employment.

This permit is linked to your specific role and employer, so if you change jobs, you must inform the Foreigners Authority (Ausländerbehörde) and, in some cases, reapply.

Applying for an EU Blue Card

The EU Blue Card is available for highly qualified professionals and offers faster access to permanent residency. It is particularly attractive if you plan to stay in Germany long-term and want more flexibility in the EU job market.

Salary Thresholds and Qualification Requirements

To qualify for an EU Blue Card, you generally need:

• A recognised university degree (German or equivalent foreign degree).
• An employment contract or binding job offer in your field of qualification.
• A minimum annual gross salary of €48,300 (2025 figure) or €43,992 for shortage occupations such as engineering, IT, or healthcare.

Submitting Documents to the Local Foreigners Authority

To finalise your transition, you must apply at your local Ausländerbehörde. Typical documents include:

• Your job offer or signed employment contract.
• Proof of qualifications (degree recognition if applicable).
• Proof of health insurance.
• Your current residence permit and passport.
• Completed application forms and fee payment.

Once approved, your new permit will allow you to work full-time and, in the case of the EU Blue Card, enjoy additional mobility rights across the EU.

Options if You Do Not Find a Job Within the Visa Period

If your job seeker visa is about to expire and you haven’t secured employment, your options will be limited, but there are still a few possible pathways to stay in Germany legally:

• Enrol in Further Studies or Training – You can switch to a student visa if you enrol in a recognised degree program, language course, or vocational training. This requires proof of admission and sufficient financial means.
• Apply for the Opportunity Card – If you meet the points requirements, the new Opportunity Card can allow you to remain in Germany to look for work, even if your job seeker visa ends.
• Change to Another Residence Permit – In some cases, you may qualify for a family reunion visa, self-employment visa, or other residence permits, depending on your personal situation.

If neither of these options is possible for you, you can always return to your home country, strengthen your qualifications or German language skills, and reapply for an Opportunity Card in the future.

It’s important not to overstay your visa, as this can harm your chances of receiving any future permits for Germany or the EU.

Meeting Health Insurance Requirements for Your Visa

When you are applying for a German job seeker visa, having proof of valid health insurance is mandatory. You must be covered from the day your current permit expires until the end of your planned stay on the job seeker visa. You need to make sure that your health insurance plan has:

• Minimum of €30,000 coverage for medical expenses.
• No exclusions for the duration of your stay.
• Validity for the full visa period (up to 18 months).

Job search platforms for internationals in Germany

Finding a job in Germany can be challenging if you’re new to the local market, but there are job search platforms specific for internationals, where employers look for global talent.

CareerBee Overview and Roles Covered

CareerBee specialises in connecting skilled workers and graduates with companies in Germany that hire international talent.

They offer job postings in fields like IT, engineering, healthcare, and business management. CareerBee also provides application workshops, CV reviews, and interview preparation services to boost your chances of success.

Expatino Overview and Roles Covered

Expatino is another platform focused on helping non-German speakers find jobs in Germany. They feature opportunities in startups, international corporations, and hospitality.

The platform also includes relocation advice, housing tips, and networking events to make settling into German life smoother.