How to Get a Germany Job Seekers Residence Permit
Getting German residency is a surprisingly easy process. They offer a number of easy-to-obtain residence permits that can be used to better find blue-card sponsoring work and put you on a path to permanent residency. This wiki covers the job-seekers permit. There are also freelancing permits for skilled workers, and artists (Berlin only) which follow a similar process, but will require first obtaining a few additional local services - German health insurance, and a German bank account for example - that will not be required if your purpose is purely job seeking.
Disclaimer: this wiki reflects my own personal experience making this application, and may not be comprehensive. It is always a good idea to double check anything you read on the internet regarding immigration, including this wiki, with immigration lawyers and consular officials.
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Prerequisites
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Figure out how you can support yourself for up to six months
While on the job seekers permit, you cannot work either on your own or for a company. You will need to either support yourself off savings, or have a local sponsor who will sign a document called a “Verpflichtungserklärung” (obligation letter) which states that they will be financially responsible for you. This will be a requirement in your application. -
Learn some German
It is also strongly recommended to already have a solid foundation in the German language (B1 or better) unless you work in a field that operates primarily in English. (Software Engineering, for example.) Even in that case, learning a little bit, even just a 'Können wir Englisch sprechen?' would be likely appreciated before going to the Ausländerbehörde where many of the staff may only speak German. -
Have a plan
How will you find a job? Do you have contacts in Germany already? If you do not, how do you plan to make them? It will help in your application if you have already figured this out in advance. -
Check your eligibility
While this permit seems to be open to all nationalities, only a few are able to get it without a concurrent long-term Schengen area visa. If you are a national of Australia, Canada, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, the Republic of Korea and the United States of America you will not need any additional visa - this permit will just supercede and replace your class C Schengen visa. All other (non-EU) nationalities will need a concurrent long-stay visa.
Prepare Your Application
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Letter of Intent
Basically a cover letter stating why you want to come to German, how you plan to succeed in your job search. Make it as specific and concise as possible. There is a recommendation below for the translation service I used and I highly recommend them. -
CV
Standard CV advice applies here - focus on relevant experience and measurable deliverables. -
Evidence of Financial Security
Bank account statements, investment account statements, the Verpflichtungserklärung letter described above, or anything else that can demonstrate your ability to support yourself for up to six months. -
Health Insurance Certificate
This is one area where a job-seekers permit is easier than the others as travel insurance is acceptable. Make sure your insurance is valid for the duration of your intended stay as they will only issue a permit through its expiry or you will only be issued a residence permit for its duration. -
Proof of a Recognised Degree in Germany
A Bachelors degree or five-year equivalent is required to make an application. Look up your college to see if it is recognised on Anabin. Click on 'Institutionen' on the left, then the 'Suchen' tab, and fill in your school's information. Look for the status column. If your school's status is H+ then the school and its degrees are recognised by Germany. If it is H+/- then it will be a judgement call by the approver. If it is H- then it is not recognised and you will be unable to apply. Print this page out and include it in your application. You will need to also include some proof of graduation. A signed letter from my college simply stating that was adequate.
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Address Registration (Anmeldung)
Applicable only if you are making your application while already in Germany. (How to register.) -
Recent Biometric Photo
See the requirements here. -
Application Form
Download the Aufenthaltstitel-Erteilung form for your language here. -
Get Translations
Get at least your intent letter, CV, and educational certification translated into German. I had a great experience with Red Tape Translation and highly recommend them. -
Your Passport
Duh.
All done! Not that bad as far as residency paperwork goes:
Applying
While I recommend applying from outside Germany, I did not do that and have no advice on that process. Applying from within means dealing with either Ausländerbehördes or local Bürgeramts, both of which can be rather tedious. In Berlin there is only a single Ausländerbehörde, where the lines can be rather extreme. Other cities (Cologne for instance) can process this paperwork at local Bürgeramt offices. The bureaucratic waits can be a bit lower there. Overall, it will vary from location to location.
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Make an appointment
If you are already in Germany, and know about 5-6 weeks in advance that you want to apply for this, and have 5-6 weeks remaining on your current visa, then this is the best way to go. If you do not have enough remaining time on your current resident permit it will be extended through your appointment date. Be sure to carry proof of this once you have passed the date printed in your passport in case it gets inspected. You can schedule an appointment here.- Warning: Class C Schengen visas (which include tourist visas) cannot be extended for any non-extraordinary or emergency medical reasons. If you are approaching your 90-day limit then you will have to either leave the Schengen area to make your application, or attempt a walk in appointment described below.
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Walk in
Not recommended. The schedule for this is rather limited (only three days per week), and you will need to arrive at the office very early - at least 90 minutes before opening - to secure a good place in line (in freezing cold weather right now too). Then you will have to wait several hours after taking a number, and possibly getting a dirty look, until they are able to squeeze you in between those who took out appointments. There is no guarantee that you will be seen, and if you do not speak German, there is no guarantee you will see someone who speaks English. Attempt at your own risk, and be prepared to try multiple times if necessary. To be extra safe, translators from Red Tape Translation can be hired on an hourly rate to help you through the processes if needed.
If you followed the instructions above, you should not have any problems - enjoy your new residence permit!
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