While countries like the US, UK, and Canada remain popular foreign destinations among Indians, including students and working professionals, to build up their careers, Germany is still emerging as one of the most popular study destinations. As per 2017 data, Germany records a 91% employment rate among students right after graduation, which is higher than the European average. You would be surprised to know that Germany is one of the few countries that offer visas before having a job offer.
Though getting a degree in a country increases the chances of getting a job in the same country, the shortage of skilled workers in many sectors in Germany has forced the Federal Government to try and find other solutions to fill the labour gaps, including hiring foreign nationals.
Chemicals, Engineering, IT, electronics, machinery, auto, textiles, food and beverages, etc., are the major sectors looking for international workers. Fields with recent growth include telecoms, high-tech manufactured products, automotive industry, banking and tourism, among many to choose from.
Suppose you want to grab this opportunity in Germany. In that case, you may apply for the country’s jobseeker visa that encourages qualified, skilled immigrants to make a secure entry, find a job of their preference, and settle to work in the long term.
Germany’s Jobseeker Visa Eligibility
- A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree holder from a German University or a foreign equivalent.
- Must have a minimum of 5 years of work experience in the related field
- Should have the minimum required funds for your 6-month long-stay in Germany while looking for a job
- You should also have travel or medical insurance for the entirety of your stay in Germany
Documents Required
Before you apply for a job seeker visa, keep the following documents in check:
- A valid passport that is issued in the last ten years and valid for at least 12 months after scheduling your return
- A copy of your passport’s data page
- Three passport-size pictures based on biometric specifications
- A cover letter explaining your objectives of obtaining the visa
- Detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Proof of accommodation in Germany
- Proof of personal status in your home country like birth certificate, marriage certificate, etc.
- Proof of academic qualification from a German or non-German university and previous work experience certificates
- Proof of financial stability like Verpflichtungserklärung (formal obligation letter), bank account statement or blocked bank account
- Proof of health insurance
Carry two sets of these documents before heading towards the application centre.
Process of Getting a Jobseeker Visa
- Once you have all the documents, you finally can fill out an application form for the job seeker visa from the German Embassy office.
- Submit the application form, the above-mentioned documents, and a visa fee of Rs 6,200 (€ 75) and book an appointment for an interview.
- Wait for 4 to 6 weeks or until your application is not processed.
Your background, documents, application form, and interview will determine if you will be granted the Garmany job seeker visa or not.
