How to get a job seeker visa for Germany

Germany is one of the most attractive destinations in Europe for international professionals, offering excellent career prospects, a strong economy and a high quality of life. If you’re interested in moving to Germany but don’t yet have a job offer, the job seeker visa Germany provides the opportunity to live in Germany for up to six months while you search for work.

This guide walks you through how to get a job seeker visa for Germany, from meeting the application requirements to settling in after your arrival. It’s designed to help you avoid common mistakes and feel confident throughout the process.

Here’s what the guide will cover:

Eligibility requirements: What qualifications and work experience you need to apply
Step-by-step application process: How to prepare and submit your documents at your local German embassy or consulate, and tips for writing a strong motivation letter
Financial planning: How much money you should save for your move and your blocked account
What to do after you arrive: Registering your address (Anmeldung), opening a bank account and securing valid health insurance
Next steps after finding a job: How to convert your visa into a work or residence permit
Important deadlines and practical tips: Staying organised while adjusting to life in Germany

Whether you’re a recent graduate or an experienced professional, this guide will help you plan a smooth, well-prepared move to Germany and ensure you stay legally protected along the way.

What is the job seeker visa Germany?

The Job Seeker Visa for Germany is a long-term visa that allows qualified professionals from non-EU countries to enter Germany and look for work in person.

This visa gives you up to six months to live in Germany while applying for jobs and attending interviews.

However, it’s important to understand that this visa does not allow you to start working immediately. You’ll need to first secure a job offer and then apply to convert your visa into a residence or work permit before you can legally begin employment.

Who can apply for the job seeker visa?

Germany visa requirements for job seekers are strict, but if you meet them, this visa is a great pathway to build your career in Germany.

You can apply if you:

Hold a recognised university degree or a vocational qualification that is accepted in Germany
Have relevant work experience in your field
Can prove you have enough savings to support yourself during your stay
Have valid health insurance from day one in Germany

If you’re unsure whether your degree is recognised, you can check the Anabin database, which lists internationally recognised qualifications. If your degree is not listed, you can apply for official recognition through the Central Office for Foreign Education.

Professionals in high-demand fields like engineering, IT, healthcare and skilled trades have a stronger chance of finding work in Germany within the six-month visa period. However, anyone who meets the educational and financial requirements can apply.

Financial requirements: how much money do you need?

One of the most important parts of your visa application is proving that you can support yourself financially while in Germany. You’ll need to open a blocked account (Sperrkonto) and deposit enough money to cover your living expenses for the duration of your visa. Typically, the minimum requirement is around €1,200 per month, so about €7,200 for six months.

In addition to your blocked account, you should plan for:

Visa application fees (around €75)
Your flight to Germany
Your initial apartment security deposit and first month’s rent
Local transportation, phone plan and other personal expenses

It’s a good idea to budget at least €10,000 in total to ensure you’re financially prepared for the entire process. Having a financial buffer will give you peace of mind while you search for work.

What health insurance do you need?

Health insurance is a requirement for a job seeker visa, and your application won’t be approved without proof of coverage. You can avoid last-minute issues by setting up expat health insurance in advance, which is the recommended option for job seekers – it can be very challenging to get covered by public or private health insurance without a job.

Germany offers both public and private insurance options, but accessing these can be challenging without employment – most plans require a job or stable income.

Public health insurance

Public health insurance is mandatory in Germany if your annual earnings are below €73,800 as an employee, and the cost of insurance coverage is calculated based on your income. A big advantage of public health insurance is that it is open to everyone; however, freelancers should be mindful of high costs, as usually the cost of public health insurance is split between employer and employee. Self-employed workers must cover the whole cost themselves.

Private health insurance

Private health insurance is available to employees who earn more than €73,800 a year. It's also available to almost every self-employed individual. The price is based on your health and age at sign-up. While the cost of coverage is split with the employer, it is usually a more affordable option.

Expat health insurance

For expats who don’t qualify for public or private plans right away, expat health insurance provides a temporary solution, offering coverage tailored to international residents until they secure more permanent options.

Feather offers digital, visa-compliant plans that can be arranged quickly and fully online, saving you time and ensuring you meet all German legal requirements from the start – and when the time is right, can help you to transition your plan over to either public or private health insurance.

How to apply for Germany’s job seeker visa

The application process for the German job seeker visa involves several steps. Preparation is key to making the process smooth.

Here’s what you’ll need to do:

Check the eligibility criteria and confirm that your degree is recognised in Germany
Open a blocked account (Sperrkonto) and deposit the required funds
Secure visa-compliant health insurance that starts on your arrival date
Prepare all necessary documents, including:
- Completed visa application form
- Valid passport
- Two biometric passport photos (35mm x 45mm)
- Proof of qualification and recognition
- CV and motivation letter explaining your job search plan (more on this below)
- Proof of financial resources (blocked account confirmation)
- Proof of health insurance
- Flight confirmation or travel plan (optional but helpful)
Book an appointment at your nearest German embassy or consulate
Attend your visa interview and submit all documents

During the interview, you may be asked about your professional background, why you want to work in Germany, and how you plan to find a job. It’s important to show that you understand the job market and that you’ve already started researching employment opportunities, so take time beforehand to do your research and come prepared.

Visa processing times vary by country, but the process generally takes four to twelve weeks.

How to write a strong motivation letter

When writing your motivation letter for the job seeker visa, start with a clear introduction of your professional background, qualifications, and the industry you want to work in. Then, detail a concrete job search plan: explain how you will network, which companies or sectors you are targeting, and any actions you’ve already taken such as applying to jobs or contacting businesses.

Showcase your understanding of the German job market and explain how your skills align with its demands. This demonstrates your genuine commitment to securing a suitable position within the visa’s time frame.

To make your letter powerful and effective:

Avoid vague statements and unrealistic expectations
Keep it concise and personalised
Highlight relevant language skills or certifications related to Germany
Maintain a professional but sincere tone
Don’t exaggerate your chances or make unsupported claims
Avoid using generic templates – you should customise the letter to your specific situation

A clear, honest and focused motivation letter will greatly boost your chances of a successful visa application.

Arriving in Germany: Your first steps

Once your visa is approved and you arrive in Germany, your first priority should be to register your address (Anmeldung). This is a legal requirement and must be done within 14 days of moving into your new home.

To register, you’ll need:

Your passport
Your visa
A signed rental contract
A landlord confirmation form, known as the Wohnungsgeberbestätigung

Without the Anmeldung, you won’t be able to open a local bank account, sign up for utilities or apply for your residence permit later on. After registering, you can open a German bank account (digital banks like N26 are popular with expats) and finalise your health insurance if you haven’t done so already.

Other important tasks include getting a German SIM card and learning basic German to make everyday life – and job hunting – easier.

Job hunting on the German job seeker visa

One of the biggest advantages of the job seeker visa is that you can apply for jobs directly while living in Germany. You can attend interviews in person, build your local network and take part in job fairs.

When applying for jobs in Germany:

Tailor your CV and cover letter to the German job market:

German employers value clear, concise CVs (usually a maximum of two pages) with detailed dates and role-specific achievements. Be sure to include a professional photo and follow local formatting standards.
Be prepared for structured interview processes:

Interviews in Germany often follow a formal, multi-stage process with a strong focus on qualifications, practical skills and cultural fit, so thorough preparation and clear, direct answers are essential.
Consider working with recruitment agencies or headhunters:

Many German companies, especially in specialised industries, rely on recruitment firms to source their candidates. Working alongside recruiters and headhunters can give you access to job markets and tailored opportunities that might be missed otherwise.
Make use of local networking events and industry-specific meetups:

Many jobs in Germany are filled through personal connections. Building relationships through events like trade fairs, conferences and meetups can significantly increase your chances of finding opportunities.

Many employers will expect at least some German language skills, depending on the sector, but there are also plenty of English-speaking opportunities in larger cities and international companies. Learning some German and having at least a basic grasp of the language is recommended.

Converting your visa after you find a job

Once you receive a job offer, you can apply to convert your job seeker visa into a work visa. This is done at your local immigration office (Ausländerbehörde) in Germany. You’ll need to provide:

Your job contract
Proof of address registration (Anmeldung)
Health insurance confirmation
Your original job seeker visa.

The processing time for this conversion varies but usually takes 4 to 6 weeks, depending on the city. You cannot start working until the residence permit has been updated and approved.

If you’re unable to find a job within the six-month period, you’ll need to leave Germany when your visa expires. It is possible to reapply for another job seeker visa in the future, but you will need to show updated financial proof and a refreshed job search strategy.

Make your move to Germany smooth and secure

The job seeker visa for Germany is an excellent pathway for skilled professionals to explore career opportunities and build a new life in Germany. With careful preparation, the right qualifications and realistic financial planning, you can make the most of this opportunity.

Remember, valid health insurance is required from the moment you arrive. Feather makes this part simple with visa-compliant expat health insurance that can be set up entirely online, giving you peace of mind and ticking an essential box for your visa approval.

By following this guide step by step, you can approach your move to Germany with confidence and focus on what matters most: starting the next exciting chapter of your career.