Germany is one of the few countries that offer visas before you have a job offer. The country has emerged as one of the most popular study destinations, boasting of a 91% employment rate right upon graduation (2017), and way higher than the European average.

While getting a degree in a country increases your odds of getting a job in the same country, the shortage of skilled workers in many sectors and professions in Germany has pushed the Federal Government to try and find other solutions in order to fill the labor gaps, including hiring foreigners for the jobs.

The main sectors looking for international workers include fields like chemicals, engineering, electronics, IT, machinery, coal, vehicles, machine tools, food and beverages, shipbuilding, textiles. Areas with recent growth include telecom, high-tech manufactured products, automotive industry, banking and tourism, so there are quite plenty to choose from the Germany Job seeker Visa encourages qualified, skilled immigrants to enter into the country, find a job of their choice, and settle to work in the long-term.

What opportunities does the visa for job-seekers offer?

The visa or the residence permit for job-seekers can be issued for a period of up to six months.

Important: 
Please note that the residence permit for job-seekers cannot be extended. 
After your residence permit has expired, you may only re-apply for the same visa once you have spent the same duration abroad that was spent in Germany while seeking employment.

If you have found employment that is in line with your qualifications, you may apply for the EU Blue Card or a residence permit for qualified professionals at the competent Foreigners’ Authority without having to come to Germany beforehand

Are you eligible?

• You must hold a Bachelor’s or a Master’s from either a German University, or a foreign equivalent of the same.
• You must have a minimum of 5 years of work experience in the related field, preferable one which is demanded in Germany’s labour market
• Before applying, you should also have the minimum required funds for your 6-month long-stay in Germany when looking for a job
• You should also possess travel or medical insurance 

What is the processing time?
The processing time of Germany Job Seeker Visa is usually 4 to 6 weeks.

What happens when you get a job?
When a person gets employment in Germany on Job seeker visa, they are required to apply for the employment residence permit. This can be done in 2 ways:

1. Apply for EU Blue Card
To get an EU Blue Card, you need to have an employment offer of 44,800 euros per annum salary or at least 34,944 euros. You can directly apply for the permanent residence permit in 33 months on the EU Blue Card. By proving German language skills, you can get the same in 21 months.

2. Apply for Employment Residence Permit
In this kind of permit, mostly the employer will sponsor you. After 5 years, you can apply for the permanent residence permit.

Along with this, you get your family members by Family Reunion Long Term Visa.