Employment Visa or Job-Seeker Visa

There are two types of visas to Germany that foreigners can apply for after they’ve secured employment or shown proof of sufficient funds to live on during their stay. One type is the Employment Visa, and the other is the Job-Seeker Visa, also known as an EU Blue Card. The main difference between the two visas is that one allows you to work in Germany without restrictions, while the other requires you to look for work through an employment agency within three months or leave the country.

When you’re going to be working and living in Germany, you’ll need an employment visa or job-seeker visa first. There are two types of employment visas available in Germany—one for those seeking employment, and another for those already employed who are transferring from one company to another within Germany or moving to another European Union (EU) country to work at the same employer’s office. In either case, it’s important to apply for your German visa from the correct German embassy.

If you’re an American citizen looking to move to Germany, you’ll need to apply in person at the German Embassy in Washington DC or Los Angeles. This guide walks you through how to apply for either of these visas by yourself and outlines what documents you should bring with you to your interview.

Applying in Germany

To apply for an Employment Visa or Job-Seeker Visa at the German Embassy, you will need to submit your visa application with all necessary documents in person. The embassy is located on Clay Avenue in Washington, DC. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 8 am - 4 pm EST. You can apply for a visa up to 3 months before your planned departure date.

If you will be staying for more than 90 days, you will need a residence permit from the local authorities (Ausländerbehörde) within 3 months of arrival. Your employer may also be required to obtain a work permit from the Ausländerbehörde.

Applying in Berlin

To apply for an Employment visa, you need to submit an application form and a certified copy of your passport. For a Job-seeker visa, you will only need an application form. The application must be submitted in person and cannot be done by mail. All applicants must have legal residence (Aufenthaltserlaubnis) in Germany before applying for a visa.

Once you arrive at the embassy, you will be required to pay €60 for each application. You can pay with cash or credit card and there is no ATM on site, so come prepared with enough money! Bring two copies of all documents that you are submitting with your applications and make sure they are certified copies from a government agency like your country's ministry of foreign affairs.

Getting Started

The Federal Republic of Germany is a member state of the European Union and, as such, enjoys good relations with most other countries in Europe. One of its main aims is to encourage mutual trade and investment between all EU states. For example, it has agreements with Belarus and Russia that allow visa-free travel for citizens of these two countries.

In order to apply for an Employment Visa or Job-Seeker Visa at the German Embassy, you will need a valid passport that must be valid for six months after your planned departure from Germany and proof that you have enough funds for living expenses during your stay.

To do lists

• Obtain a visa application form.
• Fill out your personal details and passport information on this form (name, nationality, address, etc.). You will also need to fill out a separate form for each family member applying with you.
• Apply for a B1/B2 visa if you are only staying in Germany temporarily (less than 3 months). Otherwise apply for an A1 visa if you plan on staying longer than 3 months in Germany.

Background Information & Personal Details

In order to apply for an Employment Visa or Job-Seeker Visa at the German Embassy, you will need some documents and must be on a specific visa.

The Employment Visa is meant for those who have a job offer in Germany. This visa permits you to travel and stay in Germany up until you start working. It allows your family members, spouse and children over 14 years old, to come with you as well and they don’t need an individual visa.

A ‘family member’ refers to your spouse (including registered partnerships) and also your children under 18 years of age, as well as other family members if they depend on you financially. You must make sure that any work permit application or residence permit application has been made before applying for a visa so that your stay does not exceed three months after arrival.

Additional Information

Germany is an excellent destination for international students, professionals and entrepreneurs. In order to work in Germany, you will need to apply for a work visa from your local embassy. This applies even if you are only working for a few months.

There are two types of visas you can apply for: an employment visa (if you will be employed by a company) and a job-seeker visa (if you are looking for work). The first step is to figure out which type of visa is best for your situation.

First, what type of visa do I want? If you already have a job offer from a company in Germany, then you will need an Employment Visa. If not, then you should apply for a Job-Seeker Visa.

Next, where should I submit my application? You can submit your application at any diplomatic representation office of the Federal Republic of Germany abroad.

Documents needed

Passport, two copies of your passport ID page, two recent passport photos, and a completed application form. You will also need copies of your birth certificate and any other citizenship certificates (if applicable).

If you are already in Germany and have an Aufenthaltstitel that is not limited to training/study purposes, you will need to bring it along with a copy. The final requirement is proof that you can support yourself financially for the duration of your stay.

Interview and Filing Procedure

What is an Employment Visa? An Employment Visa can be used by people who want to work in Germany for a limited period of time. It's usually issued for short-term employment, internships, and other special cases.

The applicant needs a job offer from a German company, and must have found a position that cannot be filled by another EU citizen. The visa allows you to stay in Germany for six months but can be extended up to two years. After two years, an extension is granted only in exceptional circumstances.

Medical Exam, Financial Statements, Fees

When applying for a visa, you will need to provide a list of documents. These include your passport and residence permit, two photographs, proof that you have sufficient funds to cover your stay in Germany and return home, proof of medical insurance for Germany (unless you are exempted), confirmation from your employer that they will be able to employ you and confirmation from the authorities in your own country that you are allowed to take up employment as a foreigner.

You also need a letter of motivation detailing why it is imperative for you leave your home country; this letter should be signed by yourself and notarized.

FAQs

What is a job seeker visa?

The Germany job seeker visa is a type of long-term visa which entitles you to stay in Germany for up to six months and search for a job. However, not everyone is eligible for this type of visa, and to be granted one, certain requirements must be met.

How can I convert my German job seeker visa to work permit?

After Arriving in Germany With a Job Seeker Visa. Once they find the job they must convert it into an employment residence permit. Once you get a job you have two possibilities: you can either apply for an EU Blue Card, or. you can apply for an employment residence permit.

Which country gives job seeker visa?

The German government introduced the Germany Job Seeker Visa in 2012 to invite global talent into the country. With the Germany Job Seeker Visa, you can easily make your dream come true. It gives you time to find a job, after which you can apply for permanent residency.

Can I extend my job seeker visa in Germany?

The visa cannot be extended. General information about migration of qualified professionals can be found on: www.make-it-in-germany.com. Please note that applications must be handed in by the applicant in person.

Can I work part time on job seeker visa Germany?

Both can work during their stay on a Job Seeker visa in Germany for up to 10 hours per week. If the part-time job requires particular skills and certificates, they should match your already obtained qualifications.

How long does it take for job seeker to be approved?

You can expect to hear from us within 21 days of submitting your claim. It's best to submit your claim as soon as possible after your circumstances change, or you stop getting another payment from us. This way there may be less time between your last payment from your employer and your first payment from us.

Conclusion

After completing these steps, you should have a better idea of your eligibility and what you need to do next. If you are not eligible for an employment visa, then you can apply for a job seeker visa. To do so, visit the German embassy website and download their application form. Fill out this form and submit it before your 30 days run out!