Job Seeker Visa in Germany
2 documented routes of this kind in Germany, each with its conditions, documents, official government fees and process.
Opportunity Card / Chancenkarte (§§20a/20b AufenthG)
Points-based job-seeker residence permit allowing non-EU nationals to come to Germany to look for qualified work; requires reaching at least 6 points or qualifying as a fully recognised skilled worker.
- Processing time
- Several weeks to a few months; varies by mission.
- Validity
- Up to 1 year; extendable up to 2 years with a qualified job offer.
- Language requirement
- No fixed minimum, but German A2/B1 and English C1 contribute points; at least one of German A1 or English B2 is generally needed.
- Permanent residence
- Settlement permit after switching to a work/skilled-worker or self-employment title and meeting that title's clock.
- Citizenship
- Naturalisation after 5 years (3 with exceptional integration), once on a qualifying title.
Requirements
- Valid passport
- At least 6 points under the official scoring system OR full recognition as a skilled worker
- Proof of qualifications and experience
- Language certificates
- Proof of funds: blocked account releasing EUR 1,091 net/month (2026) or a declaration of commitment (Verpflichtungserklarung)
Required Documents
- Valid passport required
- Qualification certificates and recognition documentation required
- Language certificates (German and/or English)
- Proof of professional experience
- Proof of funds (blocked account or Verpflichtungserklarung) required
Official fees
- National D visa 75 EUR
Process Steps
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1
Run the self-check
Use the official Opportunity Card self-check tool to confirm you reach at least 6 points.
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2
Gather evidence
Collect all documents evidencing each claimed point.
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3
Apply via Consular Portal
Submit the application online.
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4
Embassy appointment
Attend the mission with originals.
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5
Switch on arrival
On finding qualified work, switch at the foreigners authority to §18a/18b/18g/21/16a/16b.
Official Sources
Jobseeker Visa for Graduates and Researchers (§17 / §20(1) no.2 AufenthG)
This standalone pathway is obsolete. The old Job Seeker Visa under §20 AufenthG was formally replaced by the Chancenkarte (Opportunity Card, §20a AufenthG) effective 1 June 2024 when the Skilled Immigration Act took full effect. Applicants previously eligible under §20 should apply for the Opportunity Card (§20a AufenthG) instead. Graduates of German universities may seek work for up to 18 months under §16b(4) AufenthG after completing their degree. This pathway entry should be removed or merged with the Opportunity Card pathway.
- Processing time
- Several weeks to a few months; varies by mission.
- Validity
- Up to 6 months for graduates seeking work; researchers have up to 18 months after a position ends.
- Language requirement
- No statutory German requirement for issuance.
- Permanent residence
- Via conversion to an employment/skilled-worker title and its clock.
- Citizenship
- Naturalisation after 5 years on a qualifying title (3 with exceptional integration).
Requirements
- Valid passport
- Recognised degree/qualification
- Proof of funds
- Health insurance
Required Documents
- Valid passport required
- Degree or qualification certificate required
- Proof of funds required
- Proof of health insurance required
Process Steps
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1
Gather documents
Compile degree, proof of funds and insurance.
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2
Apply via Consular Portal
Submit the application online and attend the mission.
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3
Search and convert
Search for qualified work and switch to a work title at the foreigners authority.