cover letter for job seeker visa germany

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Germany Employment Visa Cover Letter

Composing an effective cover letter for your Germany employment visa application with expert guidance and free samples.

If you are planning on working in Germany, you may need to write a cover letter to submit to the Embassy with all the other required documents. This cover letter will give the Embassy a clearer view of your story and why you are applying for a German work visa.

What is a Germany Employment Visa Cover Letter?

When applying for a Germany Employment visa , the Embassy of Germany may sometimes request a cover letter. A cover letter is a letter that describes the purpose of your Germany Employment Visa Application. This letter must include details about you and the work type you will be working in Germany.

When writing your cover letter, make sure you are specific and clear with any of the information you give. Do not give false information.

What to Include in a German Employment Cover Letter?

Here is everything you need to include in your German Employment Cover Letter:

• The full address of the German Embassy where you will submit your documents
• The date you will submit the documents
• First and last name
• Home address
• The city and country where you live in
• Passport number
• Accommodation proof
• The employee’s full name
• The company name
• Work position
• How long do you plan on working in that company
• Any other information you find relevant
• Financial proof
• Any other activities you will be doing while in Germany
• Information on what you plan to do in your free time

What Not to Do When Writing a German Employment Cover Letter?

When writing a German Employment Cover Letter, make sure you avoid these 15 common mistakes:

• Do not be overly friendly
• Do not be too formal
• Do not be rude
• Do not include false information
• Do not miss any important information
• Do not make grammatical errors
• Be straightforward
• Do not use long sentences
• Do not brag about yourself
• Do not undersell yourself
• Do not include too much unneeded personal information
• Do not copy your cover letter
• Do not forget to be kind and thankful for the opportunity
• Do not write more than one page
• Do not write negative things about your previous experiences

Germany Employment Cover Letter Sample

Here is a simple sample of a German Employment Cover Letter you can relay to when writing your cover letter:

I received the job offer after being referred to by a coworker. The job offer matches my preferences, and I was more than happy to accept it. The company has offered me a one-year work contract.

During my time in Germany, I will stay at an apartment that the company has helped me to arrange. I will cover all of my financial expenses independently; for the initial period of time, I will cover my expenses through my savings, and afterward, through my salary.

I will also use this time to meet some of my family members in Berlin and create as many new connections and friendships as possible. I am very excited about this journey and cannot wait to start this new chapter in my life, which I know I will find very helpful and will be forever grateful for.

For any other questions, please do not hesitate to contact me. My contact information is listed below!

Enkela Sahiti Email: [email protected] Phone number: +383445522661

🔥 New : Get answers to your personal questions.

German Cover Letter Guide [With English Sample]

Researched & written

by Yvonne Koppen

May 27, 2024

A cover letter ( Anschreiben ) might be the least important thing of the application in some countries; however, not so in Germany. Depending on the company and recruiter receiving your application, a German cover letter might be the most essential part after your CV.

A  survey  of HR Recruiters in Germany states that 42% ignore an application without an individual cover letter. The same survey also shows that for 71% of HR, a cover letter is an essential document in a job application. A job application letter conveys your level of professionalism, research capabilities, and ability to sell yourself without much fluff. 

🖌️ Table of Contents

Simple German cover letter sample in English

A cover letter in Germany ( Anschreiben ) needs to complement  your CV , but not repeat it. You can regard a cover letter as a letter of motivation filled with examples and facts. A cover letter in Germany is a very formal document that should follow a particular layout.

Read Our Related Guide

German CV Template in English

Our German-Style CV Template In English helps you to craft a killer CV. We have also created a German cover letter sample in English for you to understand what your finished document should look like.

To save you loads of time, you can download our German cover letter template . Simply go to ‘file’ and select ‘ make a copy ‘. You can then edit it to your needs.

How to write a cover letter in Germany?

We will walk you step-by-step through the areas you should include in a German cover letter. You will also learn about what the content of the cover letter should convey. 

German cover letter formal format

As mentioned before, the German cover letter is a very formal letter that should follow the following format for it to look familiar to the German eye:

• Maximum one page and don’t fill it up completely. Leave enough white space when glancing over it.
• Put your full address, including email (ideally including your name) and phone number, in the top right corner.
• Put the company’s full address on the left with one paragraph below your address. Include the name of the contact person in the second line.
• Place the date of your application right-aligned underneath the addresses.

As you might know already, Germany has tons of rules, regulations, and guidelines. Naturally, there is also a guideline for professional letter writing and correspondence, the so-called  DIN 5008 norm . It states the following margins on a DIN A4 (standard German letter paper format):

Left margin: 2,5 cm Right margin: 2,0 cm Top margin: 4,5 cm Bottom margin: 2,5 cm

Please take this information with a grain of salt. Not following this layout does not mean that any German manager or recruiter will ignore your cover letter; however, the German eye is trained and used to reading this format. Anything appearing too much out of the ordinary might get noticed negatively. Again, you can shine with your cover letter’s content, but don’t try to stand out with the format unintentionally.

1. Subject Line

The subject line in a German cover letter needs to stand out. It needs to convey with one look what position you are applying for, and you should bold it. 

2. Salutation

The salutation is extremely important – the more personalized, the better. Reflect your understanding of the company’s culture by using the first name or last name; however it is appropriate. If you can’t find enough information or are unsure, always refer to the last name. If you can’t find the relevant person’s name, don’t be shy and pick up the phone to find out more. This shows initiative and determination.

When it comes to the cover letter’s main body, you should try to stick to four paragraphs. Remember to point out what value you will bring to the company, not what you can get from the company. Your cover letter’s content needs to reflect the expectations and requirements mentioned in the job ad. So make sure to connect the dots and position yourself ahead of other candidates.

Introduction (3 – 4 lines)

The introduction should answer why you are applying for the position and how you became aware of it (through a friend, an employee at the company, a job portal, etc.). Be confident in your word choice. Don’t use insecure words such as ‘I think I would be a good fit’ but rather ‘I am confident that I will contribute to …’.

Second paragraph (5 – 6 lines)

Now it is time to shine with your skills, experience, and qualifications. Never just list things, but choose the relevant achievements and prove them with results. Don’t only refer to achievements in your work life, but if relevant, also mention efforts with private projects. This will show your personality, drive, and willingness to learn and grow beyond what you get paid for. It is absolutely ok to also write in bullet list style in this part, as long as you don’t just list things.

Third paragraph (5 – 6 lines)

After you have showcased yourself, it is time to translate how these experiences and skills will contribute to the role and company. Convey that you have taken the time to research the company by referring to the company culture, possible awards the company has won, or projects that inspire and motivate you. Be authentic and confident.

Closure (3 – 4 lines)

To close your cover letter:

• Reemphasize your eagerness to join the company in the relevant position.
• Describe your future goals and the value you can bring to the company.
• State when you will be available to start work.
• Emphasize that you’d be happy to answer any questions via phone or in a personal interview . 
• Only mention salary expectations if they are asked for in the job ad.
• Be sure to sign the cover letter with your name. 

4. Attachments

Add the word ‘Enclosure’ ( Anlage ) underneath your signature. List all the additional documents you will hand in with your application, like your CV, certificates and diplomas, reference letter, etc.

Further cover letter and job applications tips

Don’t use the same CV and cover letter for different applications. As mentioned above, you must individualize your application to each company’s needs and requirements.

If you send your application directly by email, you have two options. You can either make the email body your cover letter. In this case, remove the address and date part from the email and place the subject line in the email’s actual subject. The body of the email remains a formal letter, though.

Or you can attach the cover letter to the email and briefly point out your application to the specific position in the body of the email, referring to the attachments. 

Ensure that any attachment always has the pdf format, regardless of whether you send it by email or upload it to an online application system. Also, pay attention to the naming of the attachments and keep it clear and professional.

Your job application, namely your resume and cover letter, should answer the recruiter’s main three questions:

• Can you do the job? (Skills)
• Will you do the job? (Motivation)
• Will you fit in with the company culture? (Personality)

Be sure to evaluate your documents based on these questions before you hand them in. The goal of your CV and cover letter is to get an invitation for a job interview .

Job Interview In Germany [How-To + Tips In English]

We hope that you now have a better understanding of how a German cover letter looks and feels like. But never forget to adapt your cover letter and application to the style of the company you are applying for. There is a big difference in culture between a young international StartUp and a big traditional German enterprise. 

Download the Cover Letter Template

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About the Author

Yvonne Koppen is a researcher and writer at Simple Germany, focusing on demystifying German bureaucracy for international skilled workers.

She has lived and worked abroad, which helps her understand how difficult a move to a new country can be. Beyond her professional pursuits, Yvonne loves to plan and go on road trips, puzzle, and do a triathlon here and there.

She is committed to creating accessible, empowering content through her writing and YouTube videos. Yvonne's passion for continuous learning and her ability to simplify complex topics make her an invaluable resource for expats seeking to navigate their new life in Germany.

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Germany Job Seeker Visa vs. Opportunity Card

Ever thought about packing your bags and starting a new career adventure in another country like Germany? As globalization makes the world feel like one big neighborhood, more and more people are exploring opportunities beyond their home borders. If you're considering taking this exciting leap, you've probably come across terms like "Job Seeker Visa" and "Opportunity Card". But what exactly are they and how do they differ?

What is the Job Seeker Visa in Germany for skilled workers?

The Job Seeker Visa is basically what it sounds like: a visa that lets you enter Germany specifically to look for a job. It's aimed at skilled professionals from non-EU countries who want to explore job opportunities in Germany. Think of it as a ticket to get your foot in the door and start networking, attending interviews and hopefully landing a job.

Requirements for the visa approval

To qualify for the Job Seeker Visa, you need to check a few boxes:

• Educational qualifications: You must have a recognized university degree. If your degree isn't from a German institution, you'll need to get it recognized in Germany. There's a handy database called Anabin that can help with this.
• Work experience: You should usually have at least a few years of work experience in your field. This shows that you're not just qualified on paper but that you have practical skills.
• Financial stability: You need to show that you can support yourself during your job search. This means having enough savings to cover your living expenses while you’re in the country.
• Health insurance: You must have health insurance coverage for the duration of your stay. This can be travel insurance or German health insurance.
• Age: While there's no official age limit, being of working age (usually up to 45) can be an advantage.

Germany Job Seeker Visa application process

• You'll need to gather a few documents, including your passport, degree certificates, proof of work experience, proof of funds, health insurance and a CV.
• Submit your application at the German embassy or consulate in your home country. You'll then have an interview where you talk about your plans and how you're going to find a job in Germany.
• Processing times usually takes a few weeks to a couple of months. It's best to apply well in advance of your planned departure date.

How long can I look for a job in Germany?

The Job Seeker Visa is usually valid for six months . During this time, you can live in Germany and actively look for a job. However, you can't work on this visa. If you get a job, you can then apply for a work visa or a Blue Card which allows you to stay and work longer.

If you don't find a job within six months, you'll have to go back to your home country. You can reapply for the visa later if you need to. It’s important to make the most of your time in Germany, network as much as you can and attend as many interviews as possible to give yourself the best chance of success.

What is the German Opportunity Card?

The Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte) is a new concept designed to attract skilled workers from non-EU countries. It's a points-based system that makes it easier for professionals to come and work in Germany. Unlike the Job Seeker Visa the Opportunity Card offers a clearer, more structured path based on specific criteria.

Points system for the German Opportunity Card

Here’s how you can earn points for the Opportunity Card:

• Educational qualifications: Your educational background is taken into account when awarding points. This can be a degree from a recognized institution or vocational training.
• Work experience: The more experience you have, especially in high-demand industries, the more points you’ll rack up.
• Language skills: Proficiency in German is a big plus. The better your German skills, the more points you’ll get (A1 level and above).
• Age: If you’re between 18 and 40, you’re in the sweet spot. Younger professionals tend to score higher because they have a longer potential working life.
• Additional criteria: Have you lived or studied in Germany before? Extra points for that too!

Application process for the new visa to work in Germany

• Use the official points calculator to see if you meet the minimum score requirements (6 points). This will give you an idea of your chances before you start the application process.
• Gather all your paperwork – passport, degree certificates, proof of work experience, language certificates and any other supporting documents.
• Apply through the German embassy or consulate in your country. Make sure everything’s in order and that you meet the points threshold.
• Once you submit, it's a waiting game. Processing times can vary but expect anywhere from a few weeks to a few months.

Germany Opportunity Card: Work permit

The Opportunity Card is usually valid for up to a year . During this time, you can legally work in Germany which is a big advantage compared to the Job Seeker Visa. If you get a long-term job, you can then transition to a work visa or a Blue Card.

The Opportunity Card is designed to be flexible, making it easier for skilled professionals to enter the German job market. If you meet the points criteria and want a clear, structured pathway to start your career in Germany, this is a great option.

Job Seeker Visa vs. Opportunity Card in Germany: An overview

To help you compare, here's a handy chart that highlights the key differences between the Job Seeker Visa and the Opportunity Card:

Pros and cons of each visa process

The Job Seeker Visa allows you to be in Germany to attend interviews and network in person with a simpler application process that focuses on your education, work experience and proof of funds. But here's the catch: you can't work while on this visa, so you'll need to have enough savings to support yourself. Also, there's no guarantee you'll get a job within the six months and you can't extend the visa if you don't find one.

The Opportunity Card , on the other hand, allows you to start working right away which is a big plus. It's based on a points system and gives you up to a year to get settled in Germany. It's also easier to transition to a longer-term work visa or even permanent residency. However, the application process is more complex and requires a lot of paperwork. Meeting the points threshold can be tricky, especially if you're lacking in areas like language skills or work experience.

Should I apply for the Opportunity Card or Job Seeker Visa?

Deciding between the Job Seeker Visa and the Opportunity Card depends on your personal situation, your career goals and how prepared you are for the challenges each path presents. If you're someone who likes to explore opportunities in person and have the financial stability to support yourself for a few months without working, the Job Seeker Visa may be a good fit. It's great if you're confident in your ability to find a job quickly and want the flexibility to move around and see where you fit best.

If you've got the qualifications, meet the points criteria and want a more structured and immediate pathway to work, the Opportunity Card might be the way to go. It’s especially beneficial if you have a job offer lined up or score well on the points system due to your qualifications, work experience and language skills.

Recognition of Degrees in Germany

German Visa Application Process for International Students

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Need sample cover letter to apply for German job seeker visa

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Hi Everyone, This is sreekanth. I am from Hyderabad, and I am working as a software engineer in one of the MNC as a SAP BASIS Administrator since 3 years. I am planning to apply for German job seeker visa in few months. So for that i have everything kept ready except cover letter. So can anybody send me the sample cover letter for reference, who applied recently. <SNIP>Removed personal information And also i have 2 doubts 1)what is meant by travel insurance? and from where do we need to get this? 2) I am yet to take the appointment to German consulate. While i am filling the appointment form, there was one filed 'Travel Agency'(It's a mandatory filed to fill). What is travel agency? what do we need to fill in that? Thanks in advance. Regards, Sreekanth  

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Cover Letter Sample For Job Seeker Visa In Germany

Are you looking for a visa to work in Germany? Have you heard about the German job seeker visa (often called Job Center)? With this visa and permit, you could be working in Germany in only a few weeks! In this article, I’ll answer all of your questions about the German job seeker visa.

There are several letter formats available covering all aspects of formal, business and general correspondence but choosing a letter format is not an easy task. And, even if you manage to select the right format, formatting the contents becomes a daunting task.

Download cover letter sample for job seeking visa in Germany is the most useful document. You can use it to make the best cover letter with your experience and skills in German language which will be read by the consulate officers.

Table of Contents

Jobseeker Visa Germany

The legal requirements to get a jobseeker visa Germany are laid down in Paragraph 18.c of the German “ Aufenthaltsgesetz ” and § 31 Abs. 1 Nr. 1 AufenthV. There are only two requirements stated in the law. You need:

1. A university degree that is recognised as “of equal value” in Germany 2. Sufficient funds to cover your cost of living in Germany

Visahandbuch & Jobseeker Visa Germany Requirements

If you think: “That sounds way too easy” – then you are right. The law states the general rule, but the practical implementation of the Germany jobseeker visa is governed by an additional set of rules. The so called “ Visahandbuch ” of the German ministry of foreign affairs. This guide book instructs employees of the embassy on how to implement jobseeker visa Germany requirements.

Good news: German language skills are  not  a requirement to get a jobseeker visa Germany.  “German language skills are only in a few aspired professional fields or work contexts inevitable” , states point 2.1.3 of the  Visahandbuch . This is one of the few cases in which a government is more progressive, than the entrepreneurs. Only 1% of German companies hire in English – so it’s quite hard to find  English speaking jobs in Germany .

Jobseeker Visa Germany & Prove of Livelyhood

You need to prove that you have enough money to survive in Germany, though. At the moment you need to have at least 720,- EUR for each months that you plan to stay in Germany. Six months equals 4.320,- EUR of available funds in order to meet the criteria of the jobseeker visa Germany. The amount of money that you need is based on the rules of the German BAföG law. (Don’t ask.)

If you have a place to stay or other means to lower your costs: Then this can be taken into account. Please read carefully: “ can “, is not “ must “. As an alternative you can also ask a friend who is already living in Germany to give a written guarantee (“Verpflichtungserklärung”) to cover your costs of living. In this case your friend needs to prove that he has the funds to support you. (The internal rules of the ministry of foreign affairs state clearly that your friend has to “prove” his funds. The rules also state that this is only acceptable as a rare exception.

Jobseeker Visa Germany & Proof of Accomodation

There seems to be a contradiction between practice and rules when it comes to accommodation in Germany. Some embassies, like the German in India ask for proof of accommodation, while the rules in the  Visahandbuch  clearly state:  “A proof of accommodation is not one of the regularly required documents.” (2.2 Securing a livelihood).  The embassy can ask for a proof of accommodation in special cases, though – if it is necessary to confirm your ability to provide for your own living costs in Germany.

Jobseeker Visa Gemany & Proof of Academic Qualification

You need a university degree “of equal value” as a German university degree. (unless you have…a German university degree) in order to secure a jobseeker visa Germany. There are two ways how you can provide this proof. One is free, the other one costs a little money, but has the benefit that you can use it in your job application in Germany.

• Free proof of academic qualification. Anabin is a German government database that is organised by the 16 states of Germany. It includes every university and degree of any jobseeker that ever applied for recognition of their university degree. If your university and degree is rated H+: Then you are golden. All good. If not, then it can get complicated to get a jobseeker visa in Germany. PS: The German embassy will use this same database to check your documents. Unfortunately the database is completely in…German.
• Ask the  Central Office for Foreign Education  to evaluate your university degree. This is a German government agency. They will certify your university degree as “of equal value”  with a German education. It costs  200,- EUR  and can take up to  three months .

Personally, I recommend that you go with the  ZAB  (Central Office for Foreign Education) – since this is a document that you can also share with potential employers.

Jobseeker Visa Germany Motivation Letter

Which brings us to the final hurdle to a jobseeker visa Germany. You need to write a motivation letter (cover letter). This letter is a very important document, because the German embassy will consider how plausible your request for a jobseeker visa is. They even have a name for this:  “Plausibilitätsprüfung” .  The cover letter alone is not sufficient to deny you a jobseeker visa Germany. But it can  tip the scales against you , if you fail to explain the  “exact purpose, course of action to find employment and duration of your stay in Germany as well as further career plans should stay in Germany by unsuccessful”  as the German Mission in India writes.

I must say: In this case I agree with the bureaucrats:  You need to have a concrete plan on how to get a job in Germany.

As a business coach I have supported hundreds of international professionals finding a job in Germany. Your competition for the few English jobs in Germany is immense. More than one million foreigners move to Germany every year. They compete for just 22.000 English jobs in Germany. That’s  fifty times  more foreigners than English speaking jobs. I used to recruit for trivago in Düsseldorf. This company hires and works in English – and gets 40.000 job applications every months.

“I fear the words “I have a cunning plan” are rapidly marching towards this conversation with ill-deserved confidence.” Lord Blackadder

How do you intend to beat 40.000 other candidates for the same job? In your cover letter for the jobseeker visa Germany you need to explain in detail how you want to achieve this goal. “I hope” will not convince the bureaucrat who decides if you get a visa or not. But even more important: Without a plan you have little chance to achieve your goal and build a successful career in Germany.

Over the years I have helped hundreds of coaching clients to find their next job in Germany. I worked with professionals from all over the world. Thousands have read my book “How To Win Jobs & Influence Germans” and used the strategies that I describe to secure an English job with a German company.

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7 countries that issue visas to job seekers without an offer letter

Looking to move abroad but don’t have an employment offer letter yet? That doesn’t have to mean delaying your plans. A job seeker visa works as a temporary residence permit and allows you to look for employment—without a sponsor or an offer letter—while living in the country for a specified period of time. In most countries, once you find employment and meet the requirements, you can receive permanent residence in the country. Here are seven countries that offer job seeker visas.

Duration: Six months Eligibility criteria: You should be above 18 years of age, with at least a Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of five years of work experience. You will need to show proof of financial stability to prove that you can cover your expenses while you look for a job in Germany —this could be in the form of a blocked account for a sum of €5,604 (Rs4,94,105) or an obligation letter by a sponsor. Documents: A passport issued in the past 10 years and with at least 12 months’ validity, three passport photos, a cover letter, proof of academic qualifications, proof of accommodation and financial means, proof of degree, your CV, health insurance and your birth certificate or Aadhaar card.

Austria offers a job-seeker visa to “very highly qualified workers (experienced top-level personnel, such as scientists and senior-level top-managers). Duration: Six months Eligibility criteria: You need to have a minimum score of 70 on Austria’s 100-point list of criteria for very highly qualified workers. The list includes skills and qualifications like awards, research and innovation, academic degrees, gross salary and language proficiency, among others. Documents: Your valid passport, photo, proof of local accommodation, health insurance and proof of adequate means of subsistence, along with documents that support the individual criteria you tick off in the points list.

If you have completed studies corresponding to an advanced level degree, you can obtain a residence permit to go to Sweden and look for work or explore the possibilities for starting your own business. Duration: Three to Nine months Eligibility criteria: You need to have completed your studies corresponding to an advanced level degree. This means your degree must correspond to a 60-credit Master’s degree, a 120-credit Master's degree, a professional degree worth 60-330 credits, or a postgraduate/PhD-level degree. You must be able to support yourself financially during this period. Documents: A valid passport, academic transcripts, proof of sufficient funds, health insurance and a digital copy of a signed letter of consent that gives the Swedish Council for Higher Education (UHR) the right to contact higher education institutions in your home country to verify your educational documents.

United Arab Emirates

Duration: 60, 90 or 120 days Eligibility criteria: You must be a legislator, manager, business executive, or a professional or technician in scientific, technical or humanitarian fields i.e. in the first, second or third skill level as per the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) professional levels of jobs . Alternatively, you must be a graduate from one of the best 500 universities in the world according to the classification approved by the Ministry of Education and must have graduated within the last 2 years. You must have a Bachelor’s degree or its equivalent and should be able to fulfil the prescribed financial guarantee. Documents: A valid passport, colour photographs and attested qualification certificates.

Duration: 120 days (renewable for another 60 days) Eligibility criteria: While information about eligibility is not available on the official website, write to the Diplomatic Portal of the Portuguese Government for more details. Documents: A completed visa application, a passport with three months’ validity, two photos, criminal record certificate, travel insurance and proof of financial resources equivalent to at least three months’ salary.

If you have completed your university-level education in Spain, the country lets you obtain a job-seeker visa to seek employment or execute a business project. Duration: 12 to 24 months Eligibility Criteria: You need to have completed your higher education in Spain. You must have a private or public medical insurance and sufficient funds to sustain your residency. You must have obtained Level 6 or above in your university education as per the European Qualifications Framework. Documents: A valid passport, a filled EX01 form (for details such as passport specifics, purpose of your application, et cetera), health insurance certificate and academic certificate with your qualifications or diploma.

Denmark offers a job-seeking residence permit for employees and students. Students can work up to 20 hours weekly and full time only in the months of June, July and August during this job seeking period. Professionals, on the other hand, can use this permit only to look for work. Duration: Up to six months Eligibility Criteria: Employees with a residence permit under certain schemes in Denmark can apply for a job-seeking permit if they lose their job due to cutbacks or other reasons. They are required to apply for the job-seeking visa within two days after their employment ends. Students completing their PhD or other higher level studies can apply for this permit to look for a job after the completion of their course. Documents: A valid passport, proof of paid fee, a letter of dismissal or a document stating reason for unemployment and biometrics.

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Applying for a German Job Seeker Visa From Saudi Arabia

In recent years Germany has created several immigration pathways to attract foreign workers to the country to fill in labour shortages. The job seeker visa is one of these immigration opportunities — it allows you to enter the country, look for employment, and settle down. If you’re a Saudi citizen looking to apply for this visa, you must first know whether the visa is proper for you and whether you meet the eligibility criteria.

Do I Need to Apply for a Germany Job Seeker Visa From Saudi Arabia?

Yes, all Saudi nationals must obtain a visa before entering Germany. If you have a valid Schengen visa for Germany, you still need to apply for a job seeker visa if you intend to find employment in the country and then apply for a work visa.

Am I Eligible for a German Job Seeker Visa From Saudi Arabia?

You’re eligible for a Germany job seeker visa if you hold a Saudi passport and you meet the following conditions:

• You have completed a training course or a study program in Germany.
• You have received a degree in Saudi Arabia that is equivalent to one in Germany.
• You have a degree that is recognised in Germany.
• You have at least five years of professional or academic experience.
• You can prove that you have enough financial resources to cover expenses while in Germany.
• You have completed vocational training and can show proof of German language.

What Documents Do I Need for a German Job Seeker Visa From Saudi Arabia?

To obtain your German job seeker visa from Saudi Arabia you must prepare the following documents:

• Visa application form. You must submit a filled-out and signed application form for your job seeker visa application. You can fill it online on this link .
• Your Saudi passport. Please make sure your passport has been issued during the last ten years, has two blank pages and has a validity period of
• A copy of your passport. Provide an A4-size copy of your passport in addition to the original documents.
• Passport pictures. The identity photos must follow the guidelines of the German embassy/consulate. Remember that the number of required photos depends on the embassy; you may be required to submit up to three pictures.
• Evidence of academic qualifications. You must submit proof of academic achievement from a German university or equivalent to a German degree.
• Proof of recognition of academic degrees. If your degree is not equivalent to one in Germany, you must make sure your degree is fully recognised before applying for your visa. You can check the Anabin database here to see if your degree is accepted in Germany. You may also be required to submit a statement of comparability— for more details on having your degree recognised, refer to the German authorities here .
• Evidence of professional experience. Submit any documentation (CV, professional achievements, etc.) that supports your relevant work experience for the German job seeker visa application.
• Cover letter. Submit a cover letter detailing how you plan to find employment in Germany, your future career plans, and what you plan to do if the job search is unsuccessful.
• Proof of accommodation. Make sure to submit proof of temporary accommodation while you are in Germany. You can submit a hotel reservation, rental agreement, or proof that you will stay with a friend or family member in Germany.
• Evidence of enough financial means. You must submit proof of having sufficient financial resources to support your stay in Germany while you look for employment— make sure you submit one of the following:
• A blocked account (Sperrkonto) showing you have a minimum of EUR 947 (equivalent toSAR 3,880.30 as of March 2024) per month. You can open a blocked account here.
• A formal obligation letter (Verpflichtungserklärung) from your sponsor if someone is covering your expenses.
• Proof of travel insurance . You must provide proof of having travel insurance with a minimum of EUR 30,000 (equivalent toSAR 122,923.95 as of March 2024), for medical coverage. Additionally, you must also include proof that you have valid health insurance for after you enter the country— you can either purchase it from a private company in Saudi Arabia or purchase a health insurance policy from a private provider in Germany .
• Civil status documents. You need to submit civil status documents such as your:
• Marriage certificate.
• Family certificate.
• Birth certificate.

To Highly Increase Your Chances of Getting Your Job Seeker Visa in Saudi Arabia You Can Use a Blocked Account as Proof of Financial Resources.

Click here to learn how to open a German Blocked Account from Saudi Arabia

Where Do I Apply for a Germany Job Seeker Visa in Saudi Arabia?

You must apply at your closest embassy or consulate in Saudi Arabia for a German job seeker visa. There are several German representative offices in Saudi Arabia, so make sure you find the one that corresponds to your area.

How to Apply for a German Job Seeker Visa From Saudi Arabia?

You can apply for a German job seeker visa from Saudi Arabia by following the instructions below:

• Determine your application office.
• Assemble the required documents.
• Set up an appointment for the submission of the application.
• Pay the required visa fee.
• Submit your application.
• Wait for an answer.
• Enter Germany.

Determine the Correct Application Office

First, you must locate the correct address of the German embassy or consulate in Saudi Arabia, where you are required to submit your application. There might be some visa application centres as third parties authorised by the German embassy to process visa applications. Still, those are usually in charge of short-term visa applications, which is why you must determine the correct application administrative body in Saudi Arabia for a job seeker visa application.

Set up an Appointment With the Embassy/Consulate

Once you know where you are to submit your job seeker visa application, please make an appointment with the German embassy or consulate. Most German embassies/consulates in Saudi Arabia use an online system for visa appointments, which you can usually find on their dedicated websites. Please keep in mind that an appointment is essential for you to submit your application; otherwise, you won’t be able to visit the embassy or consulate without prior scheduling.

Note: it may take several weeks to get an appointment, and you cannot receive an accelerated appointment as those are reserved for emergency cases.

Assemble the Required Documents

To submit a successful job seeker visa application; you must prepare several documents, which include your passport, application form, and identification documents— you can find the complete list of requirements below. Please note that embassies cannot double-check your application and tell you if you are missing a document before applying for your visa. This is why it’s essential to understand the complete list of required documents.

Pay the Job Seeker Visa Fee

On the day of your visa appointment; you must pay the required visa fee. Different embassies and consulates in Saudi Arabia accept other forms of payment, so check carefully how to pay your visa fee in advance.

Submit Your Application

Finally, at your appointment with the German embassy/consulate in Saudi Arabia; you can submit your application along with the required documents. You may also be asked to sit down for a visa interview on the same day. They will ask you about your intention to work in Germany, your experiences if you have family members in Saudi Arabia, and so on. Try to be calm and answer the questions as honestly as possible.

Wait for an Answer

Once you submit your application, it will take several weeks for the embassy to process it and decide. You have to wait patiently for an answer on your visa application. If your visa application is granted, you will obtain your visa, if not the embassy will send you a notification of the denied application along with why the application was rejected.

Enter Germany

If you receive your German job seeker visa after you enter the country, you have to complete two essential steps:

• Register your address. Within two weeks of arriving in Germany, you must visit your municipality’s closest registration office (Einwohnermeldeamt), found in the citizens’ office (Bürgerbüro) and register your address. You can register your hotel, rental agreement, or private accommodation with friends or family. But you must provide an address during your stay in Germany.
• Get your residence permit. Once you enter the country, you must obtain a temporary residence permit for a job seeker visa holder. You must make an appointment with your area’s nearest immigration authorities (Ausländerbehörde).

Do I Need to Submit Original Documents?

To submit a successful application for your German job seeker visa in Saudi Arabia, you must submit original documents or certified copies. If you do not have an original document, please retrieve it from the appropriate authorities before applying for your visa.

Do I Need to Authenticate My Documents?

The German embassies/consulates in Saudi Arabia require you to submit your documents in German or English , such as civil status certificates and have them certified. Remember that certification with an Apostille stamp or legalisation is not accepted by any of the German authorities in Saudi Arabia.

To authenticate your documents, you must bring them to the embassy or consulate before your visa interview, as the authentication process may take up to 12 weeks. Additionally, you must also pay an additional fee for authentication on the day of your visa interview— the amount of this fee depends on the embassy/consulate.

German Job Seeker Visa Fees for Saudi Citizens?

A German job seeker visa from Saudi Arabia costs EUR 75 or SAR 307.31. Please note that you may be required to pay the fee in cash or other means — depending on the German embassy/consulate in Saudi Arabia.

How Much Bank Balance Do Saudi Nationals Require for a Germany Job Seeker Visa?

To qualify for a job seeker visa, you must prove that you have enough financial means to support yourself during your stay in Germany. Your bank balance must show you have a minimum of EUR 947 or SAR 3,990.93 for each month you spend there. So, if your visa is valid for six months, you must provide proof of having a minimum amount of EUR 5,682 or SAR 23,281.80.

If you do not have the required financial means, you must show evidence that someone else is sponsoring you for the visa— you may also be required to submit your sponsor’s bank statements.

How Long Is German Job Seeker Visa Valid for Saudi Nationals?

A Germany job seeker visa for Saudi citizens is valid for six months. This is when you must find employment in the country and then switch to a work visa. Please make sure to follow your visa’s validity period.

Can I Take My Family From Saudi Arabia to Germany?

You can’t take your family members from Saudi Arabia to Germany with a job seeker visa. But, if you find a job and switch to a working visa/permit, you can bring your partner and children under a family reunification visa .

Can Saudi Citizens Work Part Time in Germany?

Under general guidelines, Saudi citizens are not permitted to work at all or part-time with a German job seeker visa.

However, in some specific cases, if it’s a part of the application process, you may be permitted to work for about 10 hours a week for a potential employer. Though this is rarely allowed — check with the foreigners’ authority.

Can I Get a German Job Seeker Visa Without Speaking German?

Yes, speaking German is not a requirement for you to obtain a German job seeker visa— unless you have vocational training, in which case you’re recommended to provide evidence of a minimum of level B2 language skills.

Even if you are not required to speak German to obtain the visa, you are highly recommended to have at least a B1 level, as it will increase your chances of finding a job.

How Can I Get a Job in Germany After Having a Job Seeker Visa?

It’s important to have a clear idea of what kind of job you are looking for in Germany and where your skills are best applied. Then, you must prepare several applications— a minimum of 100 to 200 is the general advice— and send them out to potential employers. To find job listings, please refer here to help you find employment more easily.

What Happens if I Find a Job in Germany With a Job Seeker Visa?

If you find work in Germany with your job seeker visa, you must switch to an EU Blue Card or a residence permit for employed foreigners in Germany. To make the switch, you must contact your nearest foreigner’s authority in Germany (Ausländerbehörde or Ausländeramt).

You may be required to bring your Saudi passport, work contract, and other supporting documents. So please make sure to contact the foreigner’s office before initiating any application for a work visa.

What if My Germany Job Seeker Visa Is Denied?

If your Germany job Seeker visa is rejected, you may re-apply for your visa again— please note that the application fee is non-refundable in case of denial. If you believe the reason for your rejection is unfair, you may always appeal against the decision— in this case; you need to contact the German embassy or consulate in Saudi Arabia to understand how to proceed next.