Can I move to Germany without a job in 2021?

Thinking whether you can move to Germany without a job in 2021? Well, the answer is yes. You can.

With a winning combination of high growth on one hand and low unemployment on the other, Germany is the perfect place to be for a foreign worker.

Added to it are bonuses like free education along with safe working and living conditions.

If you are a skilled foreign worker thinking of settling down with your family in Deutschland, getting a German job seeker visa can be your first step in the right direction.

What is the German job seeker visa?

German job seeker visa is a long-term residency permit that lets you come to Germany for 6 months and look for a job from within the country itself. Appearing in person for a face-to-face interview is usually much better for all involved rather than conducting an interview digitally over the internet.

Do keep in mind that you cannot work on a Job Seeker Visa. The visa is intended only for the purpose of looking for a job.

If you do secure a job in Germany by the end of your 6 months’ visa validity, you will be given German work permit or Germany work visa that will enable you to continue living and working in the country.

If, on the other hand, you do not have a valid job offer by the end of your allotted duration of stay, you will be required to exit the country.

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Check your eligibility with our German Eligibility Check.

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What happens after I find employment?

If you find a job at the end of the allotted 6 months, you will be given the Germany work permit or Germany work visa and you can continue to live and work in Germany.

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For more details, read A comprehensive guide to German jobseeker visa application

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Will the changes to the Skilled Immigration Act affect job seeker visa?

Aimed at making it easier for skilled workers from various non-EU countries to come to Germany, the Skilled Workers Immigration Act came into force from March 2020.

It is estimated that around 2.5 million from EU countries are already working in Germany. Still, that is not enough to fill the shortage in the labor force. According to Angela Merkel, the Chancellor of Germany, “…that is why we also have to look for skilled workers from outside the European Union.”

With the Skilled Workers Immigration Act coming into force, the possibilities for the immigration of skilled workers will be further expanded. It is expected that it will be easier for skilled foreign workers that have non-academic or vocational training from many non-EU countries to migrate to Germany for work.

There will also be certain relaxations in the existing rules regarding the conditions for qualified professionals with university degrees.

From March 2020, professionals with a vocational training qualification can also go to Germany for looking for a job. The pre-condition, in this case, is that the foreign qualification must be recognized by the corresponding body in Germany.

Also, the person must have funds for supporting himself during the entire duration of stay. They must also have necessary skills in the German language – usually B-1 level in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

A prominent change to be introduced by the Skilled Workers Immigration Act is that during the time spent in Germany for job-hunting, you will also be allowed to work on a trial basis. You can work for a maximum of 10 hours per week on a trial basis while in Germany on a job seeker visa.

Before the Skilled Workers Immigration Act came into force, you could only look for a job on a job seeker visa. You were not allowed to take up any work as such.

With the option for trial work open now, Germany-based employers, as well as  foreign workers, will be able to find out if they are mutually suited to each other.

Germany is looking outside the EU for professionals

On December 16, 2019, a formal plan for the recruitment of non-EU workers was signed by the German government. A memorandum was adopted following a summit with union officials and business representatives.

This is an attempt by the German government to do away with the notorious German bureaucracy and making the country more appealing for foreign workers belonging to different parts of the world.

• In the memorandum, the following aspects were finalized:
• “Make it in Germany”, the informational portal of the German government, to play a more important role
• Companies to offer more jobs targeted at foreigners.
• Visa process to be speeded up so that workers can begin working sooner.
• Process of recognition of foreign qualifications and credentials to be made easier.
• Businesses to help new workers with (1) finding a place to live, (2) navigating bureaucracy, and (3) German language training.

The German government plans on a three-pronged approach for filling the gaps in the labor force:

(1) Helping unemployed people within Germany to become qualified for in-demand jobs

(2) Continuing with the recruitment of skilled workers from other EU member states

(3) Filling the remaining gaps with non-EU workers

What are the countries that Germany seeks to draw skilled foreign workers from?

As per Deutsche Well, the German government has been looking to draw people who qualify from India, Mexico, the Philippines, Brazil, and Vietnam, among others.

With the Skilled Workers Immigration Act coming into force in March 2020, Germany will undoubtedly become more attractive than ever for international workers from non-EU countries.

Moving to Germany to start your own business

You can move to Germany without a job if you intend to start your own business. You will need to apply for a residence permit and permission to start your business. You will need a self-employment visa if you are coming to Germany temporarily and for business purposes.

Before approving your visa, the authorities will check the feasibility of your business idea, review your business plan and your previous experience in business.

They will check if you have the capital to start your business and if your business has the potential to meet economic or regional needs in Germany. If your business is successful you can get unlimited extension for your residence permit.

 Germany offers many options to relocate without having a job. You can consider these options in 2021.

Get in touch with us today for more details!

We can also help you with your German language learning.