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Work in Germany
Germany Employment Visa
Germany is an attractive destination for jobseekers worldwide due to its fast-growing economy, diverse job opportunities across multiple sectors, and competitive salaries.
To facilitate the employment of skilled workers, the German government provides various work visa options for international workers.
These work visa options are designed to attract and accommodate individuals with different qualifications, skill sets, and professional backgrounds. The specific visa categories include:
- Job Seeker Visa: This visa allows individuals to enter Germany and search for employment opportunities. It grants a specific period, usually six months, to explore job prospects and secure a job offer.
- EU Blue Card: The EU Blue Card is intended for highly skilled professionals who have a university degree or equivalent qualification. It provides a fast-track pathway to work and live in Germany, with the possibility of permanent residency.
- General Employment Visa: This visa is for individuals who have received a specific job offer from a German employer. It is typically applicable for occupations that face shortages in the local labour market.
- Self-Employment Visa: Entrepreneurs and individuals seeking self-employment opportunities in Germany can apply for this visa. It requires presenting a viable business plan and meeting certain financial and entrepreneurial criteria.
Each visa category has specific requirements and eligibility criteria, including qualifications, work experience, language skills, and proof of financial stability. It is advisable to consult the German embassy or consulate in your home country or visit the official website of the Federal Foreign Office of Germany for comprehensive information and the latest updates on work visa options and requirements.
Germany Job Seeker Visa
If you’re an Indian citizen aiming to secure a job in Germany, the German Job Seeker Visa is a valuable opportunity. This visa allows you to enter Germany, explore employment opportunities, and settle in the country. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to apply for a German Job Seeker Visa from India.
Do I Need to Apply for a Germany Job Seeker Visa From India?
Yes, all Indian nationals must obtain a visa before entering Germany. Even if you possess a valid Schengen visa for Germany, a job seeker visa is necessary if you plan to seek employment and eventually apply for a work visa.
Eligibility for a German Job Seeker Visa From India
You are eligible for a Germany job seeker visa if you meet the following criteria:
- Completed a training course or study program in Germany.
- Hold a degree from India equivalent to a German degree.
- Possess a degree recognized in Germany.
- Have at least five years of professional or academic experience.
- Can prove sufficient financial resources to cover expenses in Germany.
- Completed vocational training and can demonstrate German language proficiency.
Documents Needed for a German Job Seeker Visa From India
Prepare the following documents for your German job seeker visa application:
- Visa application form (filled out and signed online).
- Indian passport with at least two blank pages and a validity of 12 months beyond departure from Germany.
- Copy of your passport (A4 size).
- Passport-sized photos meeting German embassy/consulate guidelines.
- Resident Permit for India (for non-Indian nationals).
- Evidence of academic qualifications from a German university or equivalent.
- Proof of recognition of academic degrees in Germany.
- Documentation of professional experience (CV, achievements, etc.).
- Cover letter detailing your job search plan and future career goals.
- Proof of accommodation in Germany.
- Proof of financial means, such as a blocked account or a formal obligation letter from a sponsor.
- Proof of travel insurance with a minimum coverage of EUR 30,000.
Where To Apply for a Germany Job Seeker Visa in India
Apply at the nearest German embassy or consulate in India. Locate the specific office corresponding to your area.
How to Apply for a German Job Seeker Visa From India
Follow these steps:
- Determine your application office.
- Assemble required documents.
- Set up an appointment for application submission.
- Pay the visa fee.
- Submit your application.
- Wait for a response.
- Enter Germany.
German Job Seeker Visa Fees for Indian Citizens
The fee is EUR 75 or ₹6,351.50. Payment may be required in cash or demand drafts, depending on the embassy/consulate.
Validity of German Job Seeker Visa
The visa is valid for six months. Ensure to adhere to the validity period.
Countries Needing Germany Employment Visa
Citizens of the following countries can enter Germany without a visa and apply for a residence permit for work purposes after their arrival:
- EEA/EU member states
- United States of America
- Australia
- Canada
- Israel
- Japan
- New Zealand
- Switzerland
- Republic of Korea
However, if you plan to start working immediately upon entering Germany, it is necessary to apply for a work permit in advance at the German embassy or consulate in your home country. It is important to note that you cannot begin working until your residence permit application has been approved, even if you are already in Germany.
In some cases, certain German Aliens’ Authorities (Ausländerbehörde offices) may require citizens from these countries to apply for a visa due to a high volume of residence permit applications they receive. To confirm whether a visa is required, it is recommended to consult the nearest German embassy or consulate in your country.
For citizens of other countries outside the aforementioned list, a visa for work purposes must be obtained before travelling to Germany.
Categories Eligible to Apply for a Germany Employment Visa
Foreign nationals who meet the conditions to work in Germany are eligible to apply for a German Employment Visa. The categories eligible to apply for this visa, as defined by the “Act on the Residence” that regulates foreign residence in Germany, include:
- Highly qualified foreigners, particularly those with special technical knowledge, such as researchers or scientific personnel in prominent positions.
- Intra-corporate transferees, specifically managers and specialists who are being transferred within a company.
Additionally, individuals from third-world countries with a university degree or non-academic vocational qualification may also be eligible and encouraged to apply for a German work visa if they meet the following conditions:
- There is a shortage of skilled workers in the profession they wish to practise in Germany.
- They have a concrete job offer from a German employer.
- Their education is recognized as equivalent to a German degree.
Germany-India New Mobility Plan
The new mobility plan between Germany and India brings several key highlights aimed at strengthening bilateral ties and promoting mobility between the two countries:
New Immigration Rule in Germany
- Germany has implemented a new immigration rule aimed at easing its immigration system and attracting more foreign skilled workers. As part of this rule, Germany intends to offer dual citizenship and special citizenship status to skilled workers, with a validity of 3 to 5 years, subject to meeting specific criteria.
- The German government recognizes the importance of both academic and vocational skills and aims to attract individuals with diverse expertise. It is projected that Germany will face a shortage of 240,000 skilled workers within the next four years, prompting the need to address labour shortages.
- To tackle this challenge, Germany is taking steps to relax its immigration system, making it more attractive for foreign skilled workers to contribute their skills and talents to the German labour market. The country is actively seeking individuals who express interest in working in Germany and can make a positive impact on the nation's workforce.
- By implementing this new immigration rule, Germany aims to bridge the gap in skilled labour and ensure the continued economic growth and development of the country. The focus is on attracting qualified professionals who can fulfil the demands of various sectors and address the workforce needs of Germany in the coming years.
How to Apply for a German Work Visa?
To apply for a German Work Visa, follow these step-by-step instructions:
Documents Required for Germany Employment Visa
To apply for a Germany Employment Visa, you will need to provide the following documents to the German embassy or consulate in your country:
Print and sign the application forms.
Ensure that the photographs meet the specific requirements for visa applications.
Provide your original passport, which should have a validity extending beyond the duration of your intended stay in Germany.
Submit documents such as your driver's licence or utility bill in your name to demonstrate your residence in the consulate's jurisdiction.
Present a compulsory health insurance certificate from your German employer, valid from the date of employment. If the coverage is not included, provide separate travel insurance that covers you from your arrival in Germany until the start of your employment.
Include an employment contract or a binding job offer with details of your gross annual salary and a comprehensive description of your employment in Germany.
If applicable, provide the approval from the Federal Employment Agency (Bundesagentur für Arbeit).
Include an updated CV that highlights your academic qualifications and job experience.
Submit your diplomas, certificates, mark sheets, or any other relevant documents that prove your qualifications.
Write a cover letter explaining the purpose and duration of your stay in Germany.
Provide a document or certificate confirming that you have no criminal record.
Include evidence of paying the visa fee, which is €75 for a German long-stay visa.
Sign a declaration stating the accuracy of the information provided in your visa application.
Visa Processing Time
Once all necessary documents are submitted, the application will be forwarded to the Aliens’ Authority (Ausländerbehörde) responsible for your intended place of residence in Germany. The processing typically takes approximately 1-3 months.
German Employment Visa Fee
The fee for a Germany employment visa is €75 in total. Nevertheless, it is advisable to verify with the German embassy in your country, as depending on your individual circumstances or country of origin, you may be eligible for reduced fees.
Please note that in the event of a visa rejection, the fee is non-refundable.
Arriving in Germany on a Employment Visa
Once you have obtained your German Work Visa and arrived in Germany, there are certain procedures you need to follow to obtain a German residence permit. Here’s what you should do:
- Visit the Foreigner’s Office: Locate the Foreigner’s Office nearest to your place of residence in Germany. Some offices may require you to schedule an appointment in advance, while others accept walk-in applications.
- Attend an interview: Attend the interview at the Foreigner’s Office. During the interview, you will need to submit the following documents for your residence permit:
- Valid national passport
- Application form for a Residence Permit
- Two passport-sized photos
- Clean criminal record report
- Proof of German language proficiency
- Confirmation of health insurance coverage
- Proof of job offer or employment contract
- Duration of the residence permit: The duration of your residence permit will typically correspond to the length of your employment contract. If your contract is for two years, your permit will be valid for two years. You can extend your residence permit as needed as long as you maintain your employment status.
Arriving in Germany on a Employment Visa
The EU Blue Card is available to individuals who meet certain criteria, including having a graduate or undergraduate degree from a recognized university and a job offer in Germany with an annual gross salary of at least 52,000 Euros (as of 2018).
In addition, individuals who have graduated from a German university or possess high-level skills in fields such as mathematics, IT, life sciences, engineering, or medical professions are also eligible for the EU Blue Card, provided they earn a salary comparable to German workers.
Benefits of the EU Blue Card include:
- Four years of residence: Holders of the EU Blue Card are allowed to stay in Germany for up to four years.
- Path to permanent residency: After two or three years of holding the EU Blue Card, individuals may be eligible to apply for permanent residency in Germany.
Family reunification: The spouse and children of EU Blue Card holders are eligible to join them in Germany, and family members may also be granted work permits.
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