§ 20 Residence Act
The job search visa allows qualified specialists, to enter Germany without a prior job offer and settle there 6 months to apply for a job. If you don't find a job within 6 months or exceed the deadline, has to leave. An extension is excluded.
The time window
The 6 months begin with entry. What is possible during this time - and what is not.
Registration, orientation – Residential registration, bank account, set up job portals, adapt application documents in German
Active application phase – Send applications, build a network, complete interviews
Follow up, deepen conversations – second rounds of interviews, assessment centers, salary negotiations
Job found: Apply for a work visa and change your residence permit. No job: Departure before the deadline. No exceptions, no extensions.
Sending applications, interviews, networking. Trial work up to 10 hours per week allowed to get to know an employer.
No regular employment. No extension after 6 months. No change of visa purpose in Germany.
Requirements
The job search visa is not a visa for every job seeker. It requires a recognized qualification and proof that that livelihoods are secured for 6 months without work.
Qualifications, funding and what the embassy checks
After finding a job: work visa After finding a job: Blue CardThe job search visa requires a visa that is recognized or capable of being recognized in Germany qualification ahead. Section 20 (1) Residence Act applies to university graduates, for skilled workers with vocational training Section 20 Paragraph 1a Residence Act. Anyone who does not have a recognized qualification is not eligible for this visa.
The embassy checks whether the living expenses for the entire 6 months is secured without work. Guideline: at least €700–1,000 per month × 6 months = approx. €4,200–6,000 on a German or foreign account. Bank statements from the last 3 months, savings account or guarantee as proof.
Statutory health insurance is only mandatory after starting employment. The following applies to the job search phase: private health insurance or international Health insurance that covers Germany for 6 months. Travel health insurance is not accepted.
| document | Note |
|---|---|
| Valid passport + 2 copies | Min. Valid for 6 months after planned departure |
| 2 biometric photographs | 35×45 mm, white background, current |
| Completed visa form | Online, printed, signed |
| University certificate/professional qualification + certified translation | Sworn translation; ZAB assessment or anabine detection recommended |
| Proof of finances for 6 months | Account statements, bank certificate or blocked account proof |
| Proof of health insurance | For a total 6-month stay |
| CV in German | In tabular form, with qualifications and professional experience |
| Visa fee | 75 € (cash or card, depending on the embassy) |
What applies after the job fund
The job search visa allows entry to look for a job – not taking up work. After the job offer you have to change of the residence permit. This change must be completed before work begins.
Job offer is available
As soon as a German company makes a binding commitment: Employment contract or written advance confirmation catch up and take the next step immediately. Don't wait until the 6 months expire.
Change your residence permit – before starting work
At the immigration office at your place of residence Switching from a job search visa to a residence permit for skilled workers (Section 18 or Section 18g Residence Act) apply. The job search visa remains valid during the ongoing process. Work may only begin after the new title has been granted.
Which title follows – work visa or blue card?
That depends on the salary. Under 45,300 € gross/year: work visa § 18 AufenthG. From €45,300 (standard) or €41,042 (shortage occupations): EU Blue Card § 18g Residence Act check – it leads to a settlement permit more quickly.
No job after 6 months – what counts
Departure before the end of the 6-month period is mandatory. Anyone who leaves later will exceed the permitted stay - this can affect future visa applications. It is not possible to apply again with the same visa immediately.
Job search visa vs. opportunity card
Since 2024, the Opportunity Card has been an alternative to the job search visa. Both allow entry without a job offer – but with different ones Requirements and rights.
| Job search visa § 20 | Opportunity card § 20a | |
|---|---|---|
| Requirement | Recognized university degree or professional qualification | Points system (at least 6 points): qualifications, language skills, age, connection to Germany |
| Duration | 6 months, non-renewable | 1 year (extendable by 2 years) |
| Trial work | Up to 10 hours per week to get to know each other | Up to 2 weeks of trial work allowed |
| employment | Not allowed | 20 hours/week allowed in low-skill jobs |
| Financial proof | Prove full living expenses for 6 months | Living expenses for 12 months or ongoing backup |
| For whom better | Highly qualified people with clear career goals and quick job prospects | Anyone who is looking for a longer period of time, wants to work part-time or meets the points system |
The application process
Have your university certificate translated. Knowledge of German at least B1, better B2 bring. Adapt your CV in German and align your LinkedIn profile with the German job market. Check job portals (StepStone, XING, LinkedIn, Federal Employment Agency) in advance.
Bank statements from the last 3 months with sufficient credit. Guide value: at least €4,200 available (€700/month × 6). Alternatively: Guarantee from a third party living in Germany or bank certificate.
Insufficient financial evidence is the most common reason for rejection of a job search visa.Book an appointment early. Prepare all documents completely. Certified translations from a sworn translator. Waiting times: 4-16 weeks depending on the country.
The embassy checks the qualifications, financing and plausibility of the job search in Germany. Preparation for questions about the target job and the planned job search strategy. Processing time: 2-6 weeks.
Registering your residence at the residents’ registration office. Open a bank account. Start your job search immediately. If you are offered a job: change to a work visa or Blue Card at the immigration office before starting work.
The 6-month period runs from the day of entry. Delays after entry reduce the effective search time.
You have the qualifications and want to look for a job in Germany.
Let us clarify whether the job search visa or the opportunity card is a better fit.
Free · No obligation · 30-45 minutes
As of: May 2026. Lalmano checks content editorially and is based on official information, including from Foreign Office, BAMF and Make it in Germany. The content does not replace individual legal advice.