Germany is a top choice for those seeking a career and life in Europe, offering a high standard of living, a strong economy, and diverse job opportunities. However, moving to Germany requires meeting specific requirements and obtaining the right visa. In this post, we will outline options for non-EU citizens, including the Germany Job Seeker visa and Germany’s EU Blue Card.
Germany Job Seeker Visa
The Germany Job Seeker visa allows you to enter the country for up to six months to search for a job that matches your qualifications. Ideal for highly qualified professionals with a university degree and five years of relevant work experience, to apply, you will need:
- Completed visa application form
- Valid passport and copy
- Two passport-sized photos
- Proof of academic qualifications (degree and recognition certificate)
- Proof of work experience (CV and references)
- Proof of financial resources (bank statements, blocked account, etc.)
- Proof of accommodation in Germany (hotel reservation, rental contract, invitation letter, etc.)
- Proof of travel health insurance
The visa fee is 75 euros, and processing can take up to three months. You can apply at the German embassy, consulate, or visa center in your country. Upon finding a job within the six-month period, you can apply for a work and residence permit, such as an EU Blue Card or employment residence permit, depending on salary and profession.
Germany EU Blue Card
The Germany EU Blue Card is a residence permit tailored for highly skilled workers, allowing you to live and work not only in Germany but also in other EU countries under specific conditions. To be eligible, you must meet these criteria:
- Hold a university degree from a German or recognized foreign university.
- Possess a job offer or work contract with a minimum annual salary of 58,400 euros (or 45,552 euros for occupations facing shortages).
- Have a valid passport and, if required, a Schengen visa.
When applying for the Germany EU Blue Card, you’ll need to provide:
- A completed and signed application form.
- Your valid passport along with a copy.
- Proof of your job offer or work contract.
- Documentation verifying your academic qualifications, including your degree and recognition certificate.
- Proof of your salary.
- Proof of health insurance coverage.
The application fee for the EU Blue Card is 110 euros, and processing may take up to three months. You can apply at the local immigration office (Ausländerbehörde) in Germany. The EU Blue Card is typically valid for up to four years or for the duration of your work contract plus three months. You can renew or extend it as long as you continue to meet the eligibility criteria.
After living and working in Germany with an EU Blue Card for 33 months (or 21 months with a B1 level of German language proficiency), you become eligible to apply for a permanent residence permit.
The Bottom Line
Germany is a great place to work and live, but you need to follow the rules and regulations to do so legally. Depending on your qualifications, profession, and salary, you can choose between the Germany Job Seeker visa and the Germany EU Blue Card to enter and stay in Germany. You also need to be aware of the new Europe visa requirement that will come into effect in 2025.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our immigration consultant at +91-8595338595 or drop an email at [email protected].
