Checklist of documents you need to obtain a Germany job seeker visa:

 A valid passport (issued in the past 10 years and valid for at least 12

months after your scheduled return)
 A copy of your passport’s data page
 3 passport pictures based on biometric specifications
 A cover letter where you explain the objective of your visit, how you plan to
find employment, and your alternative career plans if you cannot find a job
 Diploma of your degree (or any other proof of academic qualification from a
German or non-German university) as well as any certificates of previous
work experience
 Your detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV)
 Proof of accommodation in Germany (where you will be staying during your
visit)
 Proof of financial means to cover the costs for the time of your stay in
Germany by showing one of the following documents:

 Verpflichtungserklärung (formal obligation letter)  by a sponsor

living in Germany
 Bank account statement, or
 Blocked bank account.
 Proof of personal status in your home country, such as birth certificate,
marriage certificate, and others (translated in English)
 Proof of your health insurance

In order to fulfill the requirements, you have to prepare two sets of these documents and
take them to your application centre.

Visa Photo Requirements

High quality photos are essential for use in biometric documents. It is essential to comply
with these requirements presented here so you can prepare you photo for the visa as
accurately as possible and avoid unnecessary delays.

FORMAT

When taking the photo for a visa make sure that your face takes 70 to 80 percent of the
whole photo. This corresponds to a height of 32 – 36mm. If your face measures less
than 27mm or more than 40mm on the photo than it will be rejected.
Don’t pose to close, too far or not in a centered position when taking a photo. The photo
must show only one person, no other persons or objects are acceptable. Avoid shadows
on the background of your photo as well.

FOCUS

Your photo must also have a sharp focus, be clear and have proper contrast. Make sure
the photo is not blurred, is too light or without enough contrast.

LIGHTNING

Take your photo with even lightning, it should not be too dark or too light. Shadows
across face, flash reflections or red eyes should be avoided.

BACKGROUND

Take your photo against a neutral gray color. If your face and hair are light-colored take
the picture against a medium-gray background. Take your photo against a light-gray
background if you have a darker face and hair.

PHOTO QUALITY

The photo must be printed on high-quality paper with a print resolution of at least 600dpi,
especially when taken with a digital camera. Your photo must be clean, with natural
colors, not pixelated or damaged in any way. Photos can be in black and white or color.

HEAD AND EYES

When taking the photo look directly at the camera and keep your eyes open. Be careful
not to cover your eyes with hair or glass frames. If you wear eyeglasses make sure not
to have flash reflections off the lenses on your photo and don’t wear tinted glasses or
sunglasses.

Hats or head covering are not permitted generally, but exception can be made in
particular for religious reasons. If a head covering is allowed than your face must be
visible from the chin to the forehead.

CHILDREN

For children aged 9 and under, you should follow these requirements:
The face should take up 50 – 80% of the photo. This means that the face from the
bottom of the chin to the crown (the top of the head, not the top of the hair) should
measure between 22 and 36mm.

You photos can be rejected only if the face measures less than 17mm or more than
40mm.