If you desire to work in Germany, one of the easiest ways to make your dream come through is to get a job offer from a German employer, with your job offer, you can easily get your German visa approved but what happens if you don’t have a job offer from any German employer.
Well, you still have a chance, Germany has visa options for different situations meaning there is also a visa option for you if you don’t have a job offer from a German employer, you can apply for the job seeker visa option and if you don’t know how to do that, this guide will walk you through exactly how to get a job seeker visa in Germany.
What is a job seeker visa?
The job seeker visa is a type of visa that allows you to live in Germany for up to six months and search for a job. If you are a skilled professional from anywhere around the world and you wish to work in Germany, this visa type is an opportunity for you to move to Germany while exploring the country’s job market.
You don’t have to wait till you get an offer from a German employer before moving to Germany.
Eligibility criteria for job seeker visa
To qualify for a Job Seeker Visa, you need to fulfill the requirements below:
Educational Qualification
You must have a recognized degree from a German university or equivalent foreign university. Your degree can be obtained anywhere in the world but it must meet German standards before you will be allowed to move to Germany with this visa.
This is done to make sure that you will be eligible to work in the country once you arrive, most jobs in Germany demand a degree, diploma, or its equivalent as a requirement for employment.
Financial Proof
You cannot be allowed to enter Germany if you don’t have sufficient funds to sponsor yourself while in the country, you need to prove that you have enough funds to support yourself during your stay in Germany. As of 2021, the required amount was around €8,640.
Health Insurance
In addition to proof of funds, you also need to get a health insurance plan that is valid in Germany. You can obtain your plan from anywhere but it must be valid in Germany.
Language proficiency
There is no doubt that understanding the German language is not a mandatory requirement for you to obtain a visa but having a good understanding of the language will significantly boost your chances of finding a job.
Application Process
Even though you do not need a job offer to apply for this visa, there is no harm in starting your search for a job in Germany early.
Research
Before starting your visa application, look for a job in the country, get in contact with employers, and let them know you are willing to move to Germany. Use platforms like LinkedIn, Glassdoor, and other job boards that are specific to Germany and reach out to employers and recruiters.
Prepare Your Documents
This is very crucial, a lot of folks start their application before gathering the required documents, but this can increase your chance of making mistakes.
Gather all the necessary documents before starting your application properly, the documents will include your resume, cover letter, proof of qualifications, financial statements, and health insurance.
Apply for a visa
Once you start getting positive responses on your job search, you can start your visa application process.
You can apply for a job seeker visa online or offline at the embassy in your home country, to apply online, head to the German government immigration official website and create an account, fill out the application form, pay the application fee, attach every necessary document, and submit.
In some countries, you will be required to schedule an appointment at the German embassy in your home country, during the appointment, you will be interviewed by a visa officer.
Wait for a response
After the interview, you have to wait for a response on your visa application, if it is approved, you can plan your trip and move to Germany to search for a job, if your application is not approved, you will get a response to why your application was denied. You can address the issue and reapply or explore other visa options.
Conclusion
For you to get a job seeker visa in Germany, you do not necessarily need to secure a job offer from a German employer, all you need is to meet the requirements to work in Germany, ensure you have a certificate from a recognized institution, and submit a complete application devoid of errors.
If your application is approved, you can move to Germany and start your search for a job. With the job seeker visa, you have six months to secure a job.
