Federal Republic of Germany
Job Seeker visa (§20 AufenthG) processing time
1–3 months consular processing for the 6-month Job Seeker visa.
Typical window
4 weeks – 3 months
Government fees
€75 visa fee.
Last checked
20 April 2026
What drives the timeline
Job Seeker visa (§20 AufenthG) sits in the work unsponsored category. Typical duration: Up to 6 months, non-renewable.. Indicative government fees: €75 visa fee..
- Does not require a sponsor.
- Non-settlement route.
- Suited for: Applicants not meeting Chancenkarte points threshold but holding a qualifying degree, Workers with a clear target-employer pipeline.
Primary source
Make-it-in-Germany — Job-seeker visa
https://www.make-it-in-germany.com/en/visa-residence/types/job-seeker-visa
Frequently asked questions
How long does the Job Seeker visa (§20 AufenthG) take to process?
1–3 months consular processing for the 6-month Job Seeker visa. These figures come from Make-it-in-Germany — Job-seeker visa and were last verified on 2026-04-20. Always confirm on the primary source before acting.
Is there a priority or premium service that speeds this up?
Refer to the linked primary source for current priority / premium options; availability changes frequently and varies by consular post.
Can you guarantee my application will fall inside this window?
No. Processing times are indicative and depend on case complexity, biometrics scheduling, sponsor-side delays, source country, public-holiday calendars, and policy shifts. The linked source is the only authoritative reference on the day you apply.