Can I work during the six months?

No, other than short trial employment with prospective employers.

No. You must convert to a work permit or leave Germany.

Not during the search. Reunification follows once you hold a work residence permit.

🇩🇪 Germany

Job Seeker Visa

The classic six-month visa to search for qualified employment from inside Germany, for holders of a recognised qualification.

Germany Job Seeker Visa (§20)

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At a glance

Sponsor: No
Lottery: No
Residence: Switch route to settle
Difficulty: Low
Processing: 4-12 weeks

Degree holdersExperienced professionalsRecognised tradesSelf-funded seekers

What this visa is

The job seeker visa predates the Opportunity Card and remains available. It gives you six months in Germany to find qualified employment, but unlike the Chancenkarte you cannot work at all during the search, apart from short trial periods. For most applicants the Opportunity Card is now the better option, but the job seeker visa can be simpler if your qualification is already fully recognised and you do not need to score points.

It was Germany's original answer to remote hiring friction and remains in the residence act alongside the newer points-based card.

Who it is for

Holders of a recognised German or equivalent degree or vocational qualification who can fund six months in Germany without working.

Why people choose it

Simple criteria

No points calculation if your qualification is recognised.

Interview in person

Meet employers face to face rather than over video.

Trial employment

Short trial periods with prospective employers are permitted.

Direct conversion

Switch to Blue Card or Skilled Worker permit without leaving.

No employer needed upfront

Arrive without a contract in hand.

Self-assessment

Tick what already applies to you.

Documents you will gather

8 items. Track them as you collect each one.

0 of 8 ready

How the process runs

Step 1
Recognition check
Confirm equivalence through anabin or ZAB.
Step 2
Funds and insurance
Open a blocked account and buy cover for six months.
Step 3
Visa application
Submit at the German mission; 4-12 weeks.
Step 4
Arrival and Anmeldung
Register your address within two weeks.
Step 5
Six-month search
Interview and complete trial periods.
Step 6
Convert
Apply for a Blue Card or Skilled Worker permit once hired.

What it costs

Visa fee

€75

Per applicant.

Blocked account

~€6,550

Roughly €1,091 per month for six months.

Health insurance

€200 - €500

Travel cover for the search period.

Residence permit on conversion

€100

Paid locally.

Fees change regularly. Figures are indicative and for educational purposes only, not legal advice.

Questions people ask

The Opportunity Card is usually better because it allows part-time work and runs for twelve months. The job seeker visa is simpler if your qualification is already fully recognised.