§ 20 of the Aufenthaltsgesetz (AufenthG) provides a dedicated 6-month visa for qualified non-EU nationals who want to find work in Germany before committing to the full skilled-worker permit process. The Fachkräfteeinwanderungsgesetz reform of November 2023 expanded eligibility to include holders of state-recognised foreign vocational qualifications, alongside the existing university-degree track.
Who qualifies
The § 20 job seeker visa is available to: - Holders of a German university degree or a comparably-recognised foreign university degree (assessed via the ANABIN database or the IQ qualification recognition network) - Holders of a state-recognised foreign vocational qualification comparable to a German Berufsausbildung — this category was added by the November 2023 FEG reform - Applicants who can demonstrate sufficient financial means to support themselves during the 6-month stay (no employment income is permitted during the search period)
Duration and restrictions
The visa is issued for 6 months and is non-extendable. During validity: - Employment — including part-time or trial employment — is not permitted - The visa authorises job search activities only: interviews, professional networking, company visits, and trial workdays (Probearbeit as defined by Bundesagentur für Arbeit guidance) - Self-employment is not permitted
Qualification recognition
The § 20 visa does not require prior formal recognition of a foreign qualification. A foreign degree must be plausibly comparable to a German reference qualification — assessed by the consulate at the application stage — but the formal recognition procedure does not need to be completed before entry. Upon securing an employment offer, the recognition process would typically proceed in parallel with the work permit application under the Anerkennungspartnerschaft framework (§ 20b AufenthG).
Transition to employment
Once the applicant secures a qualifying employment offer within the 6-month period, they must — unlike under the Chancenkarte — leave Germany and apply for the appropriate work permit from their country of residence. In-country permit transition is not available under § 20 in the standard case. The applicable work permit on re-entry would typically be a Fachkräftevisum (§ 18a or § 18b) or EU Blue Card (§ 18g), depending on qualification level and salary.
Distinction from the Chancenkarte
Both § 20 and § 20a AufenthG address job searching in Germany for non-EU nationals, but differ materially: - § 20 prohibits employment; § 20a permits up to 20 hours per week - § 20 requires a qualifying credential; § 20a uses a points threshold - § 20 requires departure before taking up employment; § 20a allows in-country transition - § 20a carries a validity of 12–24 months; § 20 is fixed at 6 months
For applicants who want flexibility and the ability to begin work during the search phase, the Chancenkarte (§ 20a) is typically the stronger option if they meet the points threshold.