How to get to Germany and work as a qualified researcher
Find a suitable job as a qualified researcher in Germany
As we’ve already mentioned in the introduction, as a qualified researcher, you can easily get employed in Germany. You can search for a job online and apply online or search for a work contract in the country well before your arrival back.
Nevertheless, before you start the job-hunting process, here’re a few things that you need to know about getting back to Germany and finding a good opportunity as a qualified researcher:
Visa
Once you’re back to your home country after your doctoral course is complete, you’ll again require a visa to go back to Germany.
There are two visa categories for international researchers looking to enter Germany to join the country’s economic activity. The categories differ on the basis of the employment status of the individuals at the time of visa application.
Moreover, your duration of stay, type of employment, and residence permit in Germany will also vary based on your visa type.
Getting a suitable employment offer while you are in your home country
An opportunity for you to go back to Germany in search of a suitable work opportunity once you’re back to your home country is finding a job in Germany while you’re in your home country. A great way to search for a suitable offer is browsing for vacancies and job openings online.
In such scenarios, the job interviews, screening process, etc. are done using online tools such as Skype, e-mail, online chat, and more. Once you have a good job offer in hand matching your doctoral qualification, you can apply for a visa immediately.
As a qualified doctoral candidate, you’ll be required to apply for the EU Blue Card visa. To apply for this particular visa, you’ll have to get in touch with the Germany Embassy or Consulate in your home country and submit documents such as:
- Duly completed, checked, and signed visa application form
- Proof of your doctoral qualification in Germany
- Proof of the job offer such as your offer letter, remuneration details, etc. Minimum annual income requirement – 49600 EUR (for deficiency professions the requirement is 38,688 EUR)
- A valid passport
- Your updated Curriculum Vitae
- Proof of health insurance coverage
- Visa application fee receipt
There are several benefits that you’ll be entitled to as an EU Blue Card visa holder. For instance, the EU Blue Card visa enables you to apply for the permit of settlement after 33 months of showcasing a good employment record and German language skills belonging to level B1 – the Common European Standard for languages. Moreover, if you are able to prove your German language skills earlier, you can get the permit of settlement after 21 months of getting the EU Blue card visa.
Getting back to Germany to find a job
If you’re unable to find a suitable job related to your doctoral qualification while you are in your home country, you can return to Germany and get employed there. In such a scenario, you’ll have to apply for a job-seekers visa that will allow you 6 months to find suitable employment once you’re in Germany.
You’ll have to apply for the Job Seekers visa in your home country and submit documents such as:
- A valid passport
- Duly completed, checked, and signed application form
- Proof of your doctoral qualification in Germany
- An impactful cover letter to express the reason behind your travel back to Germany
- Your updated Curriculum Vitae
- Proof of secured residence/accommodation
- Proof of secured financial sources (a Sponsor in Germany or a Blocked Account in Germany)
- Proof of your marital status
- Visa application fee receipt
In case you’re able to find a suitable job within six months after getting the Job Seekers visa, your chances of getting a long-term work permit and residency permit can increase.
Finding a suitable job in Germany
Finding a suitable work offer demands smartness and quick action. Don’t waste time once you’re back in Germany. Search for jobs online and apply wherever possible. You can make the most of online employment portals such as Hotline working and living in Germany, Federal Employment Agency, Jarrco, Monster, EURES, Jobs in Germany, etc. Another alternative is to look for recruitment agencies in your home country that can help you find a suitable job in Germany.
Applying for a suitable job in Germany
Once you have a good offer in your hand, the next step you need to concentrate on is the application process. The job application process in Germany is no different from the job application process in other countries. The application process consists of several stages. The first thing you need to do is complete the application and submit. If you get selected among all the other applicants, you’ll get an invitation to sit for an examination. Once you clear the examination (written or online), you’ll be invited for a face to face interview.
The final round is negotiating on the annual package and signing an agreement.
Here’s a list of documents that you might be asked to present during the job application process:
- Your updated CV in the EUROPASS format
- A compelling cover letter
- Scanned copy of your doctoral qualification proof
- Scanned copy of your computer skills/technical skills certification
- German or English language proficiency certificate
The job contract
Once you clear the interview and get the final offer, the employer will discuss your job contract which contains different terms and conditions related to your job.
Some of the topics that are a part of the job contract are:
- Scope of work
- Your responsibilities as an employee
- Names of the parties involved
- Your probation period
- Your place of work
- Your salary level
- Your working hours, holidays, leaves
If you’re satisfied with the terms and conditions, you’ll be asked to sign the contract. Your employer will also sign the contract.
