Germany is intensifying its efforts to attract highly qualified professionals outside the EU. Immigration to Germany as a skilled worker To make it simpler for foreign people to work in Germany, the nation intends to modify its immigration laws. Annulene Bareback, the Federal Foreign Minister, said at a press conference at the Federal Office for Foreign Affairs (BfAA) on January 17, 2023, that the visa process would have to be “turned upside down” for it to be more modern. She emphasized streamlining the system and enhancing digitization and efficiency, along with Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz We are aware that having an adequate supply of talented people is the best way to ensure our future, our economy’s effectiveness, and our social security institutions,” added Scholz.
How does Germany want to entice qualified international labour?
Germany has introduced a new “opportunity card” to address its skilled labour crisis. The legislation was adopted towards the end of November 2022, though it is still under construction. The “Chancenkarte” will employ a points system to make it easier for workers with the necessary abilities to enter Germany. It is intended for those who still need to get a work contract in Germany and is a component of a plan put forth by Labor Minister Hubertus Heil to address the country’s labour shortages. The points-based system will examine candidates’ credentials, work history, and language skills. The industries that need workers will determine the quotas set each year. To qualify for the program, applicants must additionally fulfil three of the following four requirements:
- A certification from Germany for a degree or career
- Three years of experience in your field
- language prowess or prior experience in Germany
- 35 years of age or less
- Most non-EU citizens must have a job offer to move to Germany. Even though there is already a visa specifically for job seekers, the Chancenkarte is supposed to make the process simpler and quicker for those looking for employment in Germany.
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- Citizens of some countries with visa arrangements can already go to Germany without a visa, but they can only work there temporarily.
- Instead of applying from overseas, the opportunity card will enable people to come to the country and hunt for a job or apprenticeship while they are already there. Candidates must demonstrate their ability to cover their living expenses in the interim.
- The scheme’s full specifications still need to be formalized. It’s anticipated that the chancenkarte won’t be accessible until at least the end of 2023.
Why is it important for Germany to recruit qualified workers?
In Germany, the labor shortage has reached an all-time high this year. The Institute for Employment Research (IAB) discovered 1.74 million open opportunities nationwide in 2022. Employee shortages slowed down more than half of the businesses that the Munich-based research institute IFO questioned in July last year. After successfully finishing their Bachelor’s or Master’s studies at a German university, many international students wish to remain in Germany. And they intend to do that by obtaining employment. Finding a job that matches your degree immediately after graduation is problematic, as you may have already heard, and many students need help to do that.
The good news is that you can remain in Germany on a job seeker visa even if you cannot find a suitable position immediately that would allow you to obtain a job visa. Do you want to know the specifics of how it is possible? Then you should read this post since it answers the essential issues about obtaining a job seeker visa after graduating from a German institution!
After completing their studies in Germany, international students may apply for a specific sort of residence permit called the job seeker visa (Aufenthaltserlaubnis zur Arbeitsplatzsuche). Graduates of German universities are permitted to stay in Germany after completing their studies with this form of visa, also known as a residency permit to seek employment and find work that is in line with their degree. A job seeker visa is a temporary permit to live in a country. It can only be used for up to 18 months and cannot be extended. You have 18 months to find a proper job and change your visa to one for employment (also known as the residence permit for the occupation). Suitable employment is one where your title and compensation reflect your degree. For instance, if you have a degree in physics and wish to work as a security guard at a grocery store, you cannot obtain a job visa.
It is important to note that the 18-month period begins when you receive your diploma. Also, your application can be turned down if you wait to submit it for job search permission after graduating. Hence, as soon as you have documentation that your studies are complete, you must apply for a job seeker visa. This residency permit is one to which you have a right. Suppose you finish your studies at a German university and submit all the necessary paperwork on time. In that case, you can change your student residence permit to a resident permit for job searching. Workers with talent and expertise from all around the world are welcome in Germany. Due to its strong economy and low unemployment rate, Germany has a lot of job opportunities for people from other countries. You require a job seeker visa to enter Germany if you are a foreign national and wish to work there. This article will review who qualifies for a German job seeker visa.
A German Work Seeker Visa: What Is It?
A temporary residency permit, known as a German job seeker visa, enables foreign nationals to live in Germany for up to six months while actively seeking employment. A key is given to people who meet the requirements and have the credentials and skills to work in Germany. It cannot be changed into a work or residence permit because it is not a renewable visa.
Who Qualifies for a German Work Visa?
You need to meet the requirements listed below to be qualified for a German work visa:
Educational background
You must have earned a recognized degree from a German or international university. Your degree must be at least on par with a German degree. If you have successfully finished a vocational training program in a highly demanding profession in Germany, you may also apply for a visa.
Experience at Work
You must have at least five years of experience in your line of business. Your professional background should be pertinent to the position you seek in Germany. You must have held a full-time job and been compensated for your efforts.
monetary resources
You must have enough money to cover your expenses in Germany. It would help to have enough cash for your journey, meals, lodging, and health insurance. The required sum, around €8,640, must be supported by bank statements or other financial records.
linguistic ability
A solid command of the German language is required. To communicate effectively in a professional setting, you must speak and understand German at a level that enables you to do so. The majority of employment in Germany demands German language proficiency. Thus this is significant.
Willingness to Work
Your desire to work in Germany must be sincere. You must be able to show that you actively sought employment in Germany and that you heard back from employers. Also, you must show that you have the skills and qualifications needed to work in Germany.
Medical Insurance
If you had valid health insurance in Germany, it would be beneficial. This is crucial because you must get a work permit to qualify for public health insurance.
How can I apply for a German visa for employment?
You must do the following actions to apply for a German job seeker visa:
Collect the necessary paperwork.
You must assemble all the necessary paperwork, which includes your passport, pictures of the size of a key, proof of your schooling, employment history, language competency, financial records, and health insurance.
Completing the application
You must complete the German job seeker visa application form. You can download the form on the website of the German Embassy or Consulate in your nation.
Make a Time Appointment
You need to make an appointment at the local German embassy or consulate. This can be done over the phone or online.
Attend the Consultation
To submit your application and accompanying documents, you must appear for the appointment at the German Embassy or Consulate. You might also need to go through an interview.
Await the outcome
You’ll have to hold out till you hear about your visa application. A German job seeker visa typically takes four to six weeks to process.
Conclusion
German job seeker visa is an excellent opportunity for foreign nationals who want to work in Germany. To be eligible for the visa, you must have a recognized degree, at least five years of work If you are a skilled worker and interested in moving to Germany, there are a few different options for you to consider. Here are some of the most common pathways:
- Job Seeker Visa: This visa allows you to enter Germany for a period of up to six months to search for employment. Once you find a job, you can then apply for a residence permit.
- EU Blue Card: This is a work and residence permit that is available to highly skilled workers from outside the European Union. To be eligible, you must have a university degree and a job offer that pays at least €56,800 per year (as of 2023).
- Job-Specific Visa: If you have a specific job offer from a German employer, you can apply for a visa that is tied to that job. This type of visa requires the employer to sponsor your application and demonstrate that there are no German or EU citizens available to fill the position.
- Self-Employment Visa: If you plan to start your own business in Germany, you can apply for a self-employment visa. To be eligible, you will need to provide a detailed business plan and show that your business will benefit the German economy.
Regardless of which pathway you choose, you will need to meet certain requirements, such as having a valid passport, sufficient financial resources, and health insurance. You may also need to demonstrate your language proficiency, depending on the nature of your job. I hope this information is helpful! Good luck with your immigration plans to Germany.