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Glossary: Job Seeker Visa
Category: Visa & Residence Permits (Residence title as temporary residence permit according to § 4 para. 1 sentence 2 no. 2 AufenthG )
Author: Mirko Vorreuter , LL.B. , Attorney at Law and Specialist Attorney for Immigration Law (License examination via the Federal Official Directory of Lawyers possible)
Image description: The image shows a binding template of a job seeker visa in the form of a so-called " electronic residence permit (eAT) " as defined in Section 78 of the German Residence Act (AufenthG ) (applicable when issued domestically by the immigration authorities). The template is based on Council Regulation (EC) No. 1030/2002 of 13 June 2002 on the uniform format of residence permits for third-country nationals , which is regularly updated. In exceptional cases, the job seeker visa can also be issued as an adhesive label ("visa sticker") by the immigration authorities and affixed to the passport , in accordance with Section 78a of the German Residence Act. Unlike the electronic residence permit, the corresponding template for the adhesive label is not regulated under European law in Regulation (EC) No. 1030/2002, but nationally in Annex D14 of the German Residence Ordinance (AufenthV) (residence permits pursuant to Section 4 Paragraph 1 Nos. 2 to 4 of the German Residence Act ).
If the job seeker visa is not issued as an electronic residence permit by the immigration authorities in Germany, but rather as a visa by German missions abroad, the template for the job seeker visa must comply with Regulation (EC) No. 1683/95 on a uniform visa format . This regulation has been transposed into German law by Section 59 of the Residence Ordinance (AufenthV ). The visa stamp is shown in Annex D13a of the Residence Ordinance .
Under “Remarks” (or on the supplementary sheet ), the following must be entered for a Job Seeker Visa: “Residence for job search” and “Section 20” or equivalent. Under “Remarks,” it must also be entered that employment is permitted without restrictions ( Section 4a Paragraph 3 Sentence 1 of the German Residence Act ). Furthermore, the substantive validity period of the Job Seeker Visa must be entered under “Remarks” if it differs from the formal validity period (e.g., due to an expiring passport (“Validity substantively valid until…”)). In some cases, further supplementary provisions are entered under “Remarks” at the discretion of the case worker (e.g., conditions for termination in the case of receiving social benefits).
Table of contents
1. What does a job seeker visa look like (image)?
2. Definition Job Seeker Visa
3. Who needs a job seeker visa?
4. Example Job Seeker Visa
5. Important information about the Job Seeker Visa
5.1 Duration of Job Seeker Visa
5.2 Job Seeker Visa Extension
5.3 Costs of a Job Seeker Visa
5.4 Job Seeker Visa Processing Time
5.5 Authority responsible for job seeker visas
6. Rights and opportunities Job Seeker Visa
6.1 Work permit with the Job Seeker Visa
6.2 Study, school, language course with the Job Seeker Visa
6.3 Family Reunification Job Seeker Visa
6.4 Travel and stays abroad with a Job Seeker Visa
6.5 Eligible group of persons: Job Seeker Visa
7. Requirements for a Job Seeker Visa
8. Required documents for Job Seeker Visa
9. Apply for a Job Seeker Visa online
10. Advantages of a Job Seeker Visa
11. Permanent residence permit with a Job Seeker Visa
11.1 Path from Job Seeker Visa to Permanent Residence Permit
11.2 Path from Job Seeker Visa to Naturalization
11.3 Next Steps Job Seeker Visa
12. Legal basis for the Job Seeker Visa
13. Important laws regarding the Job Seeker Visa
14. Important rulings on the Job Seeker Visa
15. Frequently Asked Questions about the Job Seeker Visa
16. Further information
16.1 Job Seeker Visa in other glossaries
16.2 Related Topics
16.3 Blog posts about the Job Seeker Visa
16.4 Glossary entries for the Job Seeker Visa
16.5 Sources and references for the Job Seeker Visa
Definition of Job Seeker Visa
The Job Seeker Visa according to Section 20 of the German Residence Act (AufenthG) (legally correct: residence permit for job searching following stays in Germany; also: Job Searching Visa/Graduate Visa/Postdoc Visa) is a temporary residence permit according to Section 4 Paragraph 1 Sentence 2 Number 2 of the German Residence Act for the purpose of residence and job searching in Germany. The term Job Seeker “Visa” is legally incorrect, as the residence permit for job searching can only be applied for following a stay in Germany. Therefore, the legally correct term should be Job Seeker “(Residence) Permit”. In common parlance, the Job Seeker Visa ( Section 20 of the German Residence Act , new version) is often used to refer to the Opportunity Card (Sections 20a, 20b of the German Residence Act), especially when the application is submitted from abroad.
The Job Seeker Visa is the best temporary residence permit available in Germany, as it has no further requirements (apart from a degree obtained in Germany and proof of sufficient means of subsistence ) and permits any employment (including self-employment and freelancing). Additionally, it can be granted for up to 18 months, which is comparatively long. This significant preferential treatment is a deliberate measure by the legislature due to the shortage of skilled workers .
The Job Seeker Visa should not be confused with the Opportunity Card (Bechancenkarte) under Sections 20a and 20b of the German Residence Act (AufenthG), which replaced the former Job Seeker Visa in the 2024 reform (Section 20 AufenthG, old version). The current Job Seeker Visa has a significantly narrower scope compared to the Opportunity Card , as it is now only issued to foreigners who have obtained a vocational or academic qualification in Germany. Foreigners with foreign qualifications must therefore apply for the Opportunity Card instead of the Job Seeker Visa if they wish to stay in Germany to look for work.
Who needs a job seeker visa?
The Job Seeker Visa, according to Section 20 of the German Residence Act (AufenthG), is required by all foreigners who obtain a vocational or academic qualification in Germany and intend to remain in Germany afterward without an employment contract or fulfilling any other purpose of residence. Its scope of application is the same as that of the Opportunity Card , although the Job Seeker Visa under Section 20 of the Residence Act offers significantly better legal consequences (longer validity period and unlimited employment opportunities). The Job Seeker Visa can only be obtained immediately after graduation. Switching to a work visa and then back to a Job Seeker Visa is not possible (in this scenario, an Opportunity Card according to Sections 20a and 20b of the Residence Act would have to be applied for). For this reason, it is advisable to remain on a Job Seeker Visa after completing studies or training in Germany, even if employment is found. Switching to a work visa should only be considered after successfully completing the probationary period.
Example: A British student has completed his studies at a university in Germany. He is unsure whether he wants to work immediately or whether he would prefer to first complete an internship , a language course , or further studies. He therefore initially applies for a Job Seeker Visa in accordance with Section 20 of the German Residence Act (AufenthG ) in order to plan his next steps.
Important information for Job Seeker Visa
Duration Job Seeker Visa
The Job Seeker Visa is issued for a period of 18 months in accordance with Section 20 Paragraph 2 of the German Residence Act ( AufenthG). If the application is based on training as a healthcare assistant, the validity period is 12 months (Section 20 Paragraph 1 No. 5 AufenthG).
Job Seeker Visa Extension
Extending a Job Seeker Visa is not possible. However, many immigration offices allow a change from a Job Seeker Visa to an Opportunity Card , which permits a further stay of up to 12 months. It is unclear whether the possibility of combining a Job Seeker Visa and an Opportunity Card was intended by the legislature, which is why immigration offices handle this differently. If, after the Job Seeker Visa expires, a change to an Opportunity Card is not possible and there is no other valid reason for stay (such as an employment contract ), a further legal stay becomes difficult in practice. Often, foreigners in this situation have to leave Germany if they have not found a job after 18 months and lack the financial means for further studies and the necessary living expenses ( blocked account ).
Job Seeker Visa costs
The Job Seeker Visa costs €100 per year ( § 45 No. 1 AufenthV ). Changing the purpose of stay and subsequently reissuing a residence permit costs €98 (§ 45 No. 3 AufenthV). Legal fees, potential court costs , and translation and authentication costs are not included.
Job Seeker Visa processing time
The processing time for a job seeker visa is between two weeks and three months. However, the processing time depends on the issuing authority and the quality of the submitted documents. The processing time can be expedited if the application is well-prepared and the case worker is efficient and effective. The processing time for a job seeker visa is often crucial, as a stay of educational leave (especially under Section 16b of the German Residence Act (AufenthG ) for studies) does not permit full-time employment, and the applicant then relies on the timely issuance of a job seeker visa under Section 20 of the German Residence Act in order to be able to work . After three months of processing time for a job seeker visa, an action for failure to act can be filed ( Section 75 of the German Administrative Court Procedure Act (VwGO )).
Competent authority: Job Seeker Visa
The local immigration authorities are responsible for issuing job seeker visas ( § 71 para. 1 sentence 1 of the German Residence Act ). The competent authority for a residence permit is determined by the applicant's habitual residence ( § 3 para. 1 no. 3 a) of the German Administrative Procedure Act ). This is usually their place of residence. The competent immigration authority can be determined using the BAMF-NAvI database .
Rights and opportunities Job Seeker Visa
Work permit Job Seeker Visa
The Job Seeker Visa grants unlimited rights to any type of employment ( § 4a para. 1 sentence 1 of the German Residence Act ). Therefore, with the Job Seeker Visa according to § 20 of the German Residence Act, both employment and self- employment are possible. This makes the Job Seeker Visa particularly attractive and even better than most work visas.
Studies , school , language course , job seeker visa
Attending university, school, and language courses is possible with any residence permit, including a job seeker visa. No separate permit is required.
Family reunification Job seeker visa
Family reunification with the holder of a job seeker visa is generally possible ( § 29 para. 1 no. 1 of the German Residence Act). The same applies to the reunification of minor children with the holder of a job seeker visa (see § 32 para. 1 no. 1 of the German Residence Act ). In practice, however, securing a livelihood is often difficult for all forms of family reunification with job seeker visa holders.
Travel and stays abroad Job Seeker Visa
Entry to and exit from Germany is straightforward with a Job Seeker Visa , as long as the visa is valid . A certificate of fictitious residence is required for travel with an expired Job Seeker Visa. Stays abroad of up to six months are permitted with a Job Seeker Visa ( § 51 para. 1 no. 7 AufenthG ).
Eligible group of people: Job seeker visa
According to Section 20 Paragraph 1 of the German Residence Act (AufenthG), all non-European foreigners (third-country nationals) who can secure their livelihood ( Section 5 Paragraph 1 No. 1 AufenthG ) and meet one of the following requirements are eligible to receive a Job Seeker Visa:
successful completion of a course of study in Germany ( § 16b or § 16c AufenthG )
successful completion of a research activity in Germany ( § 18d or § 18f AufenthG )
successful completion of a qualified vocational training in Germany ( § 16a AufenthG )
Successful completion of a qualification measure ( recognition partnership or deficiency notice ) in Germany ( § 16d AufenthG )
Successful completion of an assistant or helper training course in a state-recognized or similarly regulated training occupation in a health and nursing profession.
The respective educational programs must be completed immediately prior to applying for a Job Seeker Visa. It is not possible to switch to a different residence permit (e.g., Section 18a or 18b of the German Residence Act ) after completing an educational program and then apply for a Job Seeker Visa. European citizens do not require a Job Seeker Visa and cannot apply for one, as the German Residence Act does not apply to them ( Section 1 of the German Residence Act ).
Job Seeker Visa Requirements
The most important requirement for a job seeker visa is the successful completion of an educational program in Germany (see the list in Section 20 Paragraph 1 of the Residence Act ). Proof of sufficient means of subsistence is also of great importance, although this is often handled relatively leniently by immigration authorities, as Germany as a business location has a strong interest in retaining skilled workers (skills shortage).
The requirements for a Job Seeker Visa are therefore as follows:
Completion of an educational course within the meaning of Section 20 Paragraph 1 of the Residence Act immediately prior to applying for the Job Seeker Visa ( studies (Section 16b), vocational training (Section 16a), research (Section 18d), recognition ( Section 16f ), or nursing assistant training )
Holding a residence permit in accordance with Sections 16a, 16b, 16f, 18d, 18f of the German Residence Act (not required if completing medical assistant training in Germany before applying for the Job Seeker Visa)
Secure livelihood or financial resources ( § 5 para. 1 no. 1 AufenthG ) (ideally a blocked account or approximately €13,000 in the account; possibly a declaration of commitment or sustained support from the parents) as well as valid health insurance
Valid passport and verified identity (§ 5 para. 1 no. 1a, no. 3 Residence Act)
No ongoing investigations/no pending criminal proceedings against the applicant (see Section 79 Paragraph 2 of the Residence Act )
No grounds for deportation (no negative AZR/SIS/VIS entries ), no security risk, no criminal record (§ 5 para. 1 no. 2, no. 3 AufenthG) and no entry ban ( § 11 AufenthG )
No specific grounds for rejection ( § 10 AufenthG (previous asylum application)) and no grounds for expiry ( § 51 AufenthG ) exist.
The requirements for a Job Seeker Visa are proven with the appropriate documents (e.g., bank statements demonstrate sufficient financial resources ). The fulfillment of the requirements for a Job Seeker Visa in Germany is relatively rarely the subject of official or legal disputes, as immigration authorities generally apply this principle leniently.
Required documents for a Job Seeker Visa
The documents required for a Job Seeker Visa depend on the responsible immigration office . The required documents for the residence permit can vary from office to office and are usually listed on the immigration office's website. These documents are needed to prove that the legal requirements for a Job Seeker Visa are met.
Most immigration offices require at least the following documents for a job seeker visa :
Nachweis bestehende Aufenthaltserlaubnis: Kopie der aktuellen Aufenthaltserlaubnis (wenn keine medizinische Helferausbildung)
Nachweis Abschluss Bildungsgang/Forschung in Deutschland: Kopie der Urkunde über den erfolgreichen Abschluss des Bildungsgangs
Nachweis der Personaldaten und Antrag: Antragsformular für die Aufenthaltserlaubnis (wenn kein Online-Antrag möglich ist (abhängig von jeweiliger Ausländerbehörde))
Nachweis Identität und Staatsangehörigkeit: Passkopie oder Bild des Passes
Nachweis der legalen Ersteinreise: Kopie des Visums, das zur erstmaligen Einreise genutzt wurde (wenn keine visumfreie Einreise von Best-Friends-Staatsangehörigen nach § 41 AufenthV)
Nachweis des Wohnorts für Zuständigkeit der Ausländerbehörde: Meldebescheinigung gemäß § 18 BMG
Nachweis Lebensunterhaltssicherung (Wohnung): Mietvertrag mit Angabe der Größe der Wohnung und Nachweis Zahlung der Mietkosten (z.B. Bankauszüge); bei Eigentumswohnungen ist der Mietvertrag durch Grundbuchauszug und Kaufvertrag zu ersetzen
Nachweis Lebensunterhaltssicherung (Krankenversicherung): Krankenversicherungsbestätigung und falls vom Sachbearbeiter gefordert auch Leistungsbeschreibung und Bestätigung über ausreichenden Leistungsumfang der Krankenversicherung durch die BaFin
Nachweis Lebensunterhaltssicherung (Finanzielle Ressourcen täglicher Bedarf): Screenshot vom Bankauszug oder Bestätigung der Bank über Vermögen
Sonstige Formalia:
Nur bei Beantragung mit Bevollmächtigtem (z.B. Rechtsanwalt): Vollmacht
bei Beantragung als Visum in einem Land, das nicht das Heimatland ist: gültiger Aufenthaltstitel des jeweiligen Landes
Gebühren für den Aufenthaltstitel
Lichtbild (Passfoto) das den Normen der Verordnung (EG) Nr. 1683/95 entspricht; siehe dazu auch Musterbilder des Auswärtigen Amts
Abhängig von der Behörde: Datenschutzerklärung/Zustimmung zur Datenverarbeitung
Falls der Name des Ausländers in den vorgelegten Dokumenten vom Namen im Pass abweicht: Urkunde über die Namensänderung
The specific documents required in each individual case depend on the respective immigration office and the discretion of the responsible case worker. Therefore, a definitive list of documents is not possible. The necessary documents for the Job Seeker Visa can usually be found on the immigration office's website. If your immigration office does not provide the necessary information about the required documents on its website, you must inquire about the document requirements with your case worker. Alternatively, you can simply submit the documents listed above, as these are generally sufficient to demonstrate that you meet the legal requirements for a Job Seeker Visa (see also Document Requirements for the Job Seeker Visa in Berlin ).
Apply for a Job Seeker Visa online
The Job Seeker Visa can be applied for online at the relevant immigration office. The links to the online Job Seeker Visa applications for the municipal immigration offices in the six largest cities are as follows:
When applying for a Job Seeker Visa online, it should be noted that numerous websites contain outdated information about the Job Seeker Visa according to the old version, and that some websites interpret the opportunity map as a Job Seeker Visa. However, this usually does not apply to the websites of the major immigration authorities.
Advantages of a Job Seeker Visa
A job seeker visa has the following advantages:
Staying in Germany and entering Germany is possible.
Studying or taking a language course is possible in Germany.
Working in Germany is possible (the Job Seeker Visa is one of the best temporary residence permits for working).
It enables job searching on-site. You can personally interview companies, which significantly increases your chances.
The family may be brought to Germany under certain circumstances.
Long-term residency prospects ( permanent residence permit and naturalization ) if a job is found.
From Job Seeker Visa to Permanent Residence Permit
Converting a job seeker visa into a permanent residence permit is practically irrelevant, as the required prior residence periods are usually not yet fulfilled after an educational stay in Germany, and pension insurance contributions are generally not made during such a stay (which is a prerequisite for a permanent residence permit, see Section 9 Paragraph 2 Sentence 1 No. 3 of the German Residence Act ). Applying for an EU long-term residence permit from within a job seeker visa is also irrelevant, as an EU long-term residence permit cannot be applied for if an extension of the residence permit is excluded ( Section 9a Paragraph 3 No. 5 b) of the German Residence Act ). This is the case for job seeker visas according to Section 20 Paragraph 2 Sentence 4 of the German Residence Act .
From Job Seeker Visa to Naturalization
Naturalization is not possible with a Job Seeker Visa , as Section 20 of the Residence Act (AufenthG) is excluded in Section 10 Paragraph 1 Sentence 1 Number 3 of the Nationality Act (StAG). Contrary to a widespread misconception, this does not mean that the time spent with this visa does not count towards the naturalization period . The time spent does count; that is, a change to a different residence permit (e.g., a work visa ) is simply required before naturalization.
Next steps Job Seeker Visa
If you wish to apply for a Job Seeker Visa in Germany, you should first ensure that your educational institution issues your graduation certificate. This certificate is a necessary document for the visa application. It is also crucial that you can demonstrate sufficient financial resources to support yourself. If you meet the requirements for the Job Seeker Visa , you will need to consult the website of the immigration office to find out what other documents are required and how to submit the application (e.g., online). Our lawyers will be happy to advise you on the specific requirements and assist you with your application. → Book an appointment
Legal basis for Job Seeker Visa
The legal basis for the Job Seeker Visa is Section 20 of the Residence Act (AufenthG ) as amended (after the 2024 reform). Sections 20a and 20b do not provide a legal basis for the Job Seeker Visa, as they address the Opportunity Card , and the Job Seeker Visa is something different from the Opportunity Card (even though both residence permits have the same purpose of residence: job search). The additional three months granted for job searching after termination of employment ( Section 18, Paragraph 3 of the Residence Act ) are sometimes also referred to as a Job Seeker Visa (though this is rather uncommon).
Important laws regarding the Job Seeker Visa
The most important laws regarding the Job Seeker Visa are the following:
Key rulings on the Job Seeker Visa
The most important rulings regarding residence permits are the following:
A residence permit for job seeking can only be granted once, even if further studies were undertaken after the initial grant ( VG Aachen, decision of 02.12.2013 - 4 L 217/13 ).
Frequently Asked Questions about the Job Seeker Visa
What is a job opportunity visa in Germany?
There is no such thing as a "job opportunity visa." The term "job opportunity visa" is a hybrid of "job seeker visa" (Section 20 of the German Residence Act) and "opportunity card" (Section 20a of the German Residence Act). However, these are distinct residence permits with different requirements and legal consequences.
What is a jobseeker visa?
The Job Seeker Visa is a residence permit for job seekers in Germany (§ 20 AufenthG). It can also be granted without a confirmed employment contract if the applicant holds a degree from a German educational institution and can demonstrate sufficient financial resources to support themselves. Applicants with a degree from abroad must apply for the Skilled Workers Opportunity Card instead of the Job Seeker Visa.
Is it possible to work with a job-seeking visa?
Yes, the jobseeker visa for German graduates (graduate visa) or the visa for job seeking entitles the holder to unlimited employment (including self-employment). However, this does not apply to the Opportunity Card (§ 20a AufenthG). With the Opportunity Card, one can only work 20 hours per week.
Job Seeker Visa in other glossaries
The term “Job Seeker Visa” can also be found in the following glossaries:
Sources and references for the Job Seeker Visa
( Government resources and literature )
[3] BeckOK AuslR/Breidenbach, 46th ed. 1.10.2024, AufenthG § 20 Rn. 1-9
[4] BeckOK MigR/Hänsle, 24th ed. 1.1.2026, AufenthG § 20 Rn. 1-9
[5] Bergmann/Dienelt/Samel/Broscheit, Commentary on Immigration Law, 15th ed. 2025, Residence Act § 20
[6] Erbs/Kohlhaas/Hadamitzky/Senge, Strafrechtliche Nebengesetze (AufenthG), 259th ed. October 2025, § 20 para. 1-3
[7] NK-AuslR/Leuschner, 3rd ed. 2023, AufenthG § 20
[8] Dippe in Huber/Mantel, Residence Act/Asylum Act, 4th ed. 2025, Residence Act § 20
[9] MüKoStGB/Gericke, 4th ed. 2022, AufenthG § 20
[10] Frings in Fasselt/Schellhorn, Handbook of Social Law Advice - HSRB | §26 Migrants Rn. 352-358 | 7th edition, 3rd edition 2025, mm) Residence permit for job search for skilled workers according to §§ 20, 20a, 20b AufenthG
[11] Ponert/Weizsäcker in v. Harbou/Weizsäcker Immigration Law | § 3 Migration for the purpose of study and vocational training para. 53 | 3rd edition 2025, 4. Employment during the job search after completion of studies or training
[12] Eichenhofer in Huber/Eichenhofer/Endres de Oliveira, AufenthaltsR | Part 1. Residence Act | 2nd edition 2025, 15. Residence permit for skilled workers for the purpose of job seeking (§ 20 AufenthG), opportunity card and points system (§§ 20a, 20b AufenthG)
[13] Breidenbach in Kluth/Hornung/Koch, Immigration Law Handbook | § 4 Residence (Requirements, Purposes of Residence, Integration) para. 539 | 4th edition 2025, 11. Job search for skilled workers pursuant to § 20 Residence Act
[14] Klaus in Timmermann/Uznanski/Mävers/Klaus, Employment of foreign workers | Rn. 1590 | 2nd edition 2026, pp) Stay for the purpose of job search
[15] Lisken/Denninger/Bäcker, Handbook of Police Law, 8th ed. 2026, Chapter 8, para. 55
Marx in Marx, Residence, Asylum and Refugee Law | §3 Labor Migration | 8th Edition 2023, V. Residence Permit for Job Search for Skilled Workers (§ 20 Residence Act)
[16] Mastmann/Offer in Dörig MigrationsR-HdB | § 5 Residence Act Rn. 200 | 3rd edition 2024, 8. Job search following stays in Germany (§ 20 Residence Act)
[17] Thomé in Thomé, Guide to SGB II/SGB XII | 81 Non-German nationals (third-country nationals and EU citizens) Rn. 41-45 | 32nd edition 2023, 1.2.3 Non-German nationals whose right of residence is solely for the purpose of seeking employment
[18] Sade: The “search” in immigration law, article by Sade, ZAR 2023, 371
The Regulation on the Access of Foreign University Graduates to the Labor Market (University Graduates Access Regulation - HSchulAbsZugV) of 2007, reference to the article by Michael Maier-Borst in ZAR 2008, 126, LSK 2008, 250688
Last updated: February 18, 2026
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