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Jobseeker's visa
General information
Graduates with a German or other recognized university degree or a foreign degree comparable to a German degree will be eligible to enter Germany to seek employment.
This visa is aimed at highly qualified candidates, i.e. non-EU nationals holding a German or otherwise recognized equivalent university degree. The visa enables the holder to stay in Germany for a period of six months in order to find appropriate employment.
To obtain a jobseeker's visa applicants must provide proof of their university degree and proof of financial means for the intended duration of stay (at the moment 1,027 EUR per month).
If you hold a foreign academic degree, please check whether both your degree and the awarding academic institution are listed as comparable in the official Anabin database. If the degree is not listed as “entspricht” (comparable) or “gleichwertig” (equivalent) and/or the institution is not classified as “H+”: please have the degree formally assessed through a “Statement of Comparability for Foreign Higher Education Qualifications” issued by the Central Office for Foreign Education (ZAB), see here
Some regulated professions such as medical doctors, nurses, teachers, architects, auditors, tax advisors and more require a formal license to practice their profession in Germany. Please consult the database (https://www.anerkennung-in-deutschland.de/html/en/index.php)on recognition in regulated professions.
While seeking employment jobseekers are not permitted to work, neither employed nor self-employed.
Necessary documents
Please do not staple the documents!
- Completed and signed application form:
Please fill out the online application (VIDEX) form, print it out, sign it and submit it along with the other documents. Please ensure that the barcode is printed in high quality. - Printed and signed Declaration Use of Mail Services
- Printed and signed Visa Declaration
- Valid national passport (issued within the last 10 years and valid for at least 6 months from the intended arrival in Germany, with 2 subsequent blank pages) - original plus 1 copy of the data page
- Recent biometrical passport photograph, stamped (35 x 45 mm, front facial view, white background, not older than 3 months). Digitally altered pictures will not be accepted. - please do not attach the photo to the application form
- For non-Canadian citizens: Proof of Canadian residence permit, e.g. PR card, work/study permit - original plus 1 copy of the data page
- Prepaid self-addressed Xpresspost envelope (Canada Post only), Regional standard to Ontario or National standard to all other provinces (shipment to a Canadian address only). Please note that the German Missions will not be held responsible for any loss or damage of passports due to postal or courier service delivery.
- Proof of housing, e.g. hotel/hostel/AirBnB (min. for the first week) with full address
To be provided prior to final approval of the visa application:
Proof of sufficient health/travel insurance coverage valid in Germany (including details about coverage: at least € 30,000 and including repatriation costs. Please highlight relevant passages in the insurance terms and print only the relevant pages)
- Visa fee: see here
- Curriculum vitae of professional career, specifying the certificates, diplomas, etc. you have obtained
- German or otherwise recognized equivalent university degree
- Proof of recognition of the foreign qualification:
One print out each from the anabin database for the degree AND the university:- You can enquire on the database ANABIN (only in German) if your foreign degree of higher education is comparable AND if the institution of higher education is recognized.
- If your degree is not evalutated in this database, you will need to apply for an individual evaluation of your degree in order to obtain a “Statement of Comparability for Foreign Higher Education Qualifications”
- If you wish to exercise a regulated profession (e.g. human medicine), you will need to have your degree recognized for Germany. You can find out whether your profession is regulated in the Recognition Finder on the “Recognition in Germany” portal. This website then also provides information about the recognition process. Detailed information can also be found on the Portal “Make it in Germany”.
- Detailed motivation letter providing information on the planned course of action to secure a job (sector, region, intended place of residence/accommodation etc.)
- Any additional evidence of further preparations made to find a job in Germany
- Proof of means of subsistence (minimum of 1.027 EUR per month)
- Proof of a blocked account at a German bank showing a minimum amount according to the duration of your intended stay (also see opening a blocked bank account), or
- formal obligation letter according to section 68 German Residence Act for the entire stay by a person with permanent residence in Germany, issued by an authority in Germany only
Incomplete application may result in the rejection of your application. You might have to come again for a new appointment.
Please note that you may be asked to present additional documents. Submission of the required documents does not guarantee that a visa will be granted.
Additional information and appointment booking
- Once you have obtained your visa please check carefully that all entries are correct and in accordance with your application. Please inform the visa section immediately if there are any mistakes.
- Your entry visa will allow you to travel within the Schengen area. However please be aware that you will be still subject to the 90 days within 180 days rule outside of Germany.
- Upon your arrival the border authorities may examine whether the requirements for your entry continue to be valid. Entry may be refused by the border authorities although you are in possession of a valid visa. We advise you to carry with you documents giving evidence to the purpose of your stay.
- Please do not forget to register at the registration office (Meldebehörde) shortly after you arrive in Germany and to make an appointment with the foreigners authority (Ausländerbehörde). Be aware that some foreigners authorities have long waiting times for appointments.
All Canadian residents need to apply at the Consulate General in Toronto in person. You will have to prepare all the necessary documents (see above) and book an appointment online.