Germany is a beautiful European country with high growth rates and low unemployment. Germany is well-known for providing free education to its citizens and international students; it is also considered a safe and attractive place to live and work. Germany is one of the countries that are looking for highly qualified employees to work in well-paid positions, and it encourages all young and skilled people to visit and look for places to work.
If you don’t have a job offer from a German company, you can apply for a German job seeker visa. A job seeker visa is a visa that allows a non-EU citizen to search for work in Germany for six months as a foreign national.
What is a Job Seeker Visa?
The German job seeker visa is a long-term residency permit that allows you to stay in the country for six months and look for a job. If, after six months, you have found employment in Germany, you will be given a German work permit and allowed to work and live in the country.
Who is eligible for the German Job Seeker Visa?
You can apply for the German Job Seeker visa if you are not an EE/EEA national, but there are several requirements that applicants are required to meet. To qualify for a Germany job seeker visa, applicants must:
- Have a bachelor’s degree from a German university or another foreign institution of equivalent level.
- Have at least five years of work experience.
- Demonstrate financial stability and must have a history of stable earnings and debt levels.
- Prove that you can cover your expenses for the duration of your stay.
- Provide evidence of job search readiness and a valid passport.
What are the required documents for the German Job Seeker Visa?
Checklist of documents you would need to get before making your Germany job seeker visa application:
- A copy of your passport’s data page.
- A valid international passport (issued within the past ten years and valid for a minimum of 12 months after your scheduled return)
- Three passport pictures
- Proof of family ties in your home country, like credentials, marriage certificates, et al.
- A valid insurance policy.
- Proof of financial means to fund your cost of living during your stay in Germany (German Blocked account statement, bank account statement, or Verpflichtungserklärung)
- Proof of accommodation in Germany.
- Your detailed employment history summary (CV).
- A diploma of your degree (or other proof of educational qualification).
- A personal cover letter explaining your purpose of travel, how you intend to seek employment in Germany, and your alternative career plans.
How to apply for the German Job Seeker Visa
After putting all your documents together, follow these four steps:
1. Review your documents
It is advisable to go through your documents multiple times to ensure you have all the originals and copies.
2. Fill out the online application form
Including a correct, filled visa application form in your documents is compulsory. After completing the form, print the generated form and add it to the documents you submit to the embassy.
3. Book an appointment
All applicants must have a valid appointment confirmation that correlates with their visa purpose before visiting the German consulate for submission. Visa appointment booking is free.
4. Visit the embassy for submission
Once you have successfully booked an appointment, visit the embassy on your appointment date to submit your visa application and biometrics. Tips:
- Get to the embassy early (at least 40 minutes before your appointment time)
- If possible, avoid driving to avoid parking issues
- Have all the documents you intend to submit with you
- Avoid arguing with officials, and decline politely
- Be ready to explain the purpose and details of your trip thoroughly
Can I extend the German Job Seeker Visa?
German job seeker visas are not renewable while you are in Germany. This means that if you cannot find a job within the validity of your visa, you will have to return to your country of origin. Also, note that you are not allowed to work on a job seeker visa. Once you have found a job in Germany, you must apply for a residence permit to work.
Conclusion
In this article, we went through the German job seeker visa and how to apply for it as a Nigerian. The major steps include compiling and reviewing your documents, filling out the online visa application form, booking a submission appointment with the embassy, and visiting the embassy to submit your application and biometrics.
Have questions? Reach us at visa@tramango.com.
