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Job seeker’s visa (§20 AufenthG)
A job seeker’s visa allows to to be in Germany for up to six months in order to look for a job in your qualified area provided you have a higher education diploma/ vocational training recognized in Germany and you have enough money to live on for the duration of your stay, since you are not allowed to be employed during this time. Once you have found a suitable job, you can immediately apply for the necessary work permit in Germany – without first having to depart the country – and can remain in Germany while your application is pending. During your stay employment is not permitted.
If your degree is a foreign degree, you can check on the following website whether it is recongnized in Germany.
If your degree is not listed on this website, you can apply for a “Statement of Comparability for Foreign Higher Education Qualifications” on the following website:
As a skilled professional with vocational training you will have to have your qualification officialy recognized by the competent German authorities. Information about the recognition procedures can be found on www.anerkennung-in-deutschland.de A skilled professional also needs to prove German language skills in form of a B1 German language certificate.
Where and How to apply?
Visa applications can only be lodged in person by prior appointment with the German Embassy in Wellington. Honorary Consuls do not handle any visa applications.
Appointments have to be booked via our online appointment booking system
What do I need to fill out and provide?
Please have your complete application ready for your appointment and do not include staples, post it notes, paperclips and folders of any kind. The photograph is not allowed to be stapled, glued or blue tacked to the form.
1. Please print out your completed Visa application form
2. required documentation according to the information sheet
3. Please read the data protection regulation
and print out the data protection signature sheet
4. Visa fee
Please note the following important advice for your evidence of proof of sufficient funds for your stay in Germany:
Applicants have to show proof of sufficient funds for the entire duration of their stay (no less than 1028€ per month), for example with a blocked bank account with a bank in Germany. Providers of blocked bank accounts can be found throught the Internet. The German term for this is 'Sperrkonto'.
What happens after your application
The Embassy reserves the right to request further documents or information deemed necessary for processing your application at any time and assumes no responsibility for applications submitted too close to your planned departure.
Applying for a visa does not guarantee that a visa will be issued!
Once you have obtained your visa please check carefully that all entries are correct and in accordance with your application.
Upon your arrival the border authorities may examine whether the requirements for your entry continue to be valid. Entry may be refused by the border authorities although you are in possession of a valid visa. We advise you carry with you documents giving evidence to the purpose of your stay.
Helpful link:
your guide for the first weeks in Germany: Arrival App
helping you to find a job : Bundesagentur für Arbeit
