Job Seeker Visa

Are you looking for a job in Germany which suits your qualifications?

According to Sections 20(1) and (2) of the German Residence Act (AufenthG), a skilled worker can obtain a residence permit for up to six months for the purpose of job seeking if they have sufficient German language skills corresponding to the desired occupation. This is usually the B1 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). In addition, the applicant’s living costs must be secured, as paid employment is not permitted during the period of residence. They must also hold a qualification recognized in Germany or comparable to a German educational qualification. It is permitted to perform an internship corresponding to one of the acquired qualifications for up to 10 hours per week.

If you have successfully completed a course of study, qualified vocational training, or research activity in Germany, you can obtain a residence permit for the purpose of seeking employment for a period of up to 18 months (§ 20(2) Sentence 2 AufenthG).

If the applicant finds an employer within six months, they do not have to leave the country but can apply for the required residence permit, such as the EU Blue Card or settlement permit, directly in Germany.

The job seeker visa is intended to help small and medium-sized enterprises that have previously focused their job search more regionally.

However, the residence permit does not entitle the holder to engage in gainful employment. An extension of the stay is excluded. A residence permit can only be granted if the applicant has been residing abroad for at least as long as they previously resided in Germany on the basis of a residence permit.

Professional Recognition

Recognition of foreign professional qualifications

If you are a Doctor, Pharmacist, Dentist, Nurse or you have a special professional skill which is recognized outside Germany and you would like to continue this profession in Germany, you need to evaluate your studies and your special qualifications in German authorized officials.

For this purpose, you need to translate and legalize your academic and professional documents before submission. Furthermore, you need to start to learn German and you may have a chance to continue learning German in Germany meanwhile the process of approbation. You also need an experienced lawyer for this process!

The German Residence Act gives you a chance to get a residence permit for maximum 18 months to proceed the approbation procedure in Germany.

Paragraph 16d of Residence Act (AufenthG.) Includes the following points:

(1) A foreigner shall be granted a residence permit for the provision of a training course and subsequent examination for a period of up to 18 months , for the purpose of recognition of his / her professional qualification acquired abroad.

1. for the determination of the equivalence of the professional qualification with a domestic professional qualification or
2. in a regulated profession inside Germany for the exercise of the right to practice or to obtain the right to use the professional title required.
   

(2) The residence permit entitles the holder to up to ten hours per week to work independently of the educational activity. This means you can work 10 hours per week during the approval process in any industry even not related to your profession.

(3) The residence permit shall entitle the holder to work without time limitation if the job requirements are closely related to the applicant’s profession. If a specific job offer is available for subsequent employment in the recognized and related sector, the consent from the Federal Employment Agency is not required. The Minimum Wage Act must be complied with employment in an area closely related to the profession for which recognition is being sought. 

(4) After determining the equivalence of the professional qualification in Germany, the right to practice the profession or required license for the applicant will be granted.

The residence permit entitles the holder to take up gainful employment during this time. 

(5) A foreigner shall be granted a residence permit to take an examination to recognize his / her foreign professional qualifications if a specific job offer is available for subsequent employment in the occupation to be recognized or covered by the requested professional or professional title. 

List of required documents for approval process:

1. Application form
2. Certificate of lack of criminal record (not older than one month)
3. Medical Health Certificate (not older than one month)
4. Detailed CV
5. Copy of Residence Permit for people who have lived in Germany for more than 3 months.
6.  Passport (Never send original, an attested copy or just a plain Photocopy is also enough).
7. An appointment letter from a Hospital in the State, promising you a job after Work Permit is obtained.
8.  Sufficient German language (Minimum Certificate A2 according to § 2 subsection 10)
9. Previous work permit, if one has already worked before in Germany
10. Certified German translations of academic degrees
11. Certified German translation of relevant professional certificates

If you are interested to evaluate your professional certificates and willing to work in Germany in your profession, contact us for an individual support.

Our Law Firm will provide you a customized service for your application for approval of your qualifications as well as getting your German Residence permit.

One thing you may wish to believe about is whether or not you are going to do so by hand or essay websites using a computer.