Job Seeker Visa (Visum zur Arbeitsplatzsuche)

Germany · for applicants from Nigeria

Verified · 22 June 2026

A 6-month visa for qualified professionals to look for work in Germany, without points. Single-entry. Since the Opportunity Card launched (Jun 2024), many applicants prefer it (multi-entry, allows part-time work). Family reunion is not allowed during the search.

Rules last verified: 22 June 2026 · by Elizabeth O

At a glance

Embassy processing

Varies

Our turnaround

5–7 working days

Done-for-you Standard

Government fees

~£64

≈ ₦117,056

Why applications get refused

Degree not recognised

Degree not comparable on ANABIN / not assessed.

Fix: Confirm recognition before applying.

Funds insufficient

Cannot evidence ~6 months of support.

Fix: Fund the full period via a blocked account.

Document checklist

Required

Valid passport

When: "all"

Recognised degree certificates + ANABIN/ZAB

When: "all"

Proof of funds (blocked account)

When: "all"

Health insurance

When: "all"

Cover letter on job-search intentions

When: "recommended"

Application timeline

1. Prepare your application

Gather documents, draft supporting letters, complete forms

1–3 weeks

2. Rekoja review (if Done-for-you)

Specialist checks your file before you submit

5–7 working days

3. Submit online or at visa centre

Biometrics appointment may be required

1 day

4. Embassy decision

Standard processing. Priority options may be available.

Varies

All-in government fees

These are the fees you pay to the government, not Rekoja's service fee. Shown at the indicative exchange rate.

Mandatory

Job Seeker visa

£64

117,056

Total government fees

64

≈ ₦117,056

Proof of funds (must hold, not pay)

Funds for ~6 months

£5,601

10,244,229

Indicative. 1 GBP = 1829 NGN · 2026-08-03. Government fees change. Confirm on the official website before paying.

What a free chatbot cannot do

A free AI can tell you the rules. Rekoja does the harder part: we verify them against the official government source, prepare the actual application file, catch what gets people refused, and a specialist checks everything before you submit. We stand behind our work.

  • Rules verified against the official source, with the date
  • Document checklist built for your specific profile
  • The inconsistency check that catches what gets people refused
  • A human reviews your complete file before submission

Know your real chances for this route

Free, in about a minute. Your eligibility, gaps, and the all-in cost estimate. No signup to see the score.

Check your chances free →

The assessment pre-selects Germany and the work route for you. You can adjust before you run it.

Common questions about the Job Seeker Visa (Visum zur Arbeitsplatzsuche)

Sourced answers to the most-searched questions about this corridor are being verified and will appear here. Start the free assessment or ask the desk directly.

Real outcomes

100% approved

Based on 12 reported outcomes across all Rekoja cases. This is a look back at past cases, not a prediction. The embassy decides; past results do not guarantee future outcomes.

Prepare for the interview

Many work routes include an interview or credibility check. Done-for-you Premium includes a live interview-preparation session with a specialist: the questions officers actually ask on this route, practised with you before the real thing.

Preparation improves your readiness, not the decision. Practice, never a guarantee.

Related routes

Your crossing, done right.

Know exactly where you stand. Free, in about a minute. No signup to see your score.

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Not a visa decision or legal advice. Rules shown are as of the last verification date above. Immigration rules change. Confirm before filing. The embassy decides, not Rekoja.