Germany•Europe

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Job Seeker Visa

Work PR PathwayThis visa can lead to permanent residency, the right to live and work here indefinitely without renewing your visa.

At a Glance

Processing Time

1-3 months

Application Fee

75 EUR

Stay Duration

6 months

Renewable

Job Offer

Not Required

Dependents

Not Specified

PR Pathway

Available

Remote Work

Not Required

Apply Now Official Information

Living in Germany

Cost of Living

Same as United States

Avg Salary€39,600

Quality of Life

196/200

Full Country Guide

Overview

Allows qualified professionals to search for employment in Germany for up to 18 months.

The German Job Seeker Visa (§20 AufenthG) lets qualified professionals relocate to Germany for up to 6 months to search for work without a job offer. Applicants must hold a recognised university degree or two-year vocational qualification and demonstrate sufficient funds (around €1,027/month) for the stay.

The visa is non-renewable and does not permit employment, except up to 10 trial hours per week with a prospective employer. Spouses cannot accompany the holder under this visa. On securing a job, holders can convert to a work visa, Blue Card EU, or §18b permit without leaving Germany.

This visa is ideal for internationally qualified professionals who want to job-hunt on the ground in Germany and are financially self-sufficient for the 6-month search period.

Stay & Extensions

Initial grant

6 months

Conversion Paths

Visas you can typically switch to from this status.

Germany

EU Blue Card

Validity4 years

Processing14-90 days

View Visa Details

Skilled Worker with Academic Degree (Fachkraft mit akademischer Ausbildung)

Germany

Skilled Worker with Academic Degree (Fachkraft mit akademischer Ausbildung)

ValidityUp to 4 years

Processing1-3 months

View Visa Details

Requirements

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Possession of a recognized academic degree or vocational training qualification.

Proof of sufficient financial means to cover living expenses for the duration of the stay (e.g., blocked account, declaration of commitment).

Proof of adequate health insurance coverage.

Evidence of professional qualifications recognized in Germany (or equivalent to a German degree).

Motivation letter detailing job search plans and career goals.

Proof of accommodation in Germany.

KEY CRITERIA

Education

bachelor or higher

Min. Savings

6,162 EUR

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Completed national visa application form.

Valid passport (issued within the last 10 years, at least 2 empty pages).

Two recent biometric passport-sized photographs.

Proof of academic or vocational qualifications (degree certificates, transcripts).

Curriculum Vitae (CV).

Motivation letter.

Proof of sufficient financial means (e.g., blocked account statement, sponsorship letter).

Proof of health insurance.

Proof of accommodation.

Verified Claims (21)

Last verified May 31, 2026

Application Steps	—	digital.diplo.de
Fee Breakdown	Visa application fee: 75 EUR	make-it-in-germany.com
Fees	EUR 75	make-it-in-germany.com
Forms	—	digital.diplo.de
Included Nationalities	—	digital.diplo.de
Job Offer Required	false	make-it-in-germany.com
Application Portal	https://digital.diplo.de/	digital.diplo.de
Official Info	https://digital.diplo.de/navigator/en/visa/overview/job-seeker-academ	digital.diplo.de

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