Hi! I am new in the forum but found this site very helpful when I moved here (I've been reading without registering). As my work contract in Switzerland is about to end, I am considering the option to apply for a jobseeker visa for Germany. Anyone here with experience in applying for this type of visa in the past? How long does the process take?

You might want to check if there is a similar forum in Germany?

http://www.toytowngermany.com/

Thanks for the link :-) I will look into it.

I also read posts from another forum (in Germany) but most of them have experiences from other countries. I am taking a chance if someone here in Switzerland has actually applied for one (in the past or currently applying).

-bcol

You will not get one. Non-EU nationals don't qualify, in the same way they don't qualify here in Switzerland. See this link:

https://www.eurojobs.com/blog/2012/0...kpermit-rules/

In all cases, you need a firm job offer in hand to be considered.

I saw this link from the German embassy in Bern:

http://www.bern.diplo.de/contentblob...eekerVisum.pdf

This is not for permanent residency or working permit, just a visa so one can stay in Germany to look for a job (for max. 6 months). As far as I know non-EU citizens can apply for this, or am I wrong?

Yes, you can apply under that scheme.

What Swiss permit do you hold and is it tied to your employer? If it is, then it will end when your employment does and you won't have the permit required under the application conditions.

I have a B-Permit and it is tied to my employer. I do understand that it will expire when my contract expires. It's the reason why I am asking if anyone has applied for this visa so I will have an idea how long the application process takes and can plan accordingly.

I think it depends what country you're from (OECD or not), whether or not you have a German or equivalent degree, and also having sufficient funds to support yourself.

Unfortunately I can't find anything on an official German website, so here are a few links that cover a bit more:

http://www.internations.org/germany-...man-visa-15951

http://www.bluecard-eu.de/eu-blue-ca...y/working.html

http://www.expatica.com/de/employmen...ny_102718.html

3Wishes, Thank you! :-)

If you have obtained a Master's degree or a PhD at a university that's in top-200, and your degree is not more than 3 years old, then consider Netherlands. https://ind.nl/EN/individuals/reside...s/default.aspx

If you're in IT sector, there's also a kennis migrant scheme - which basically lets you start in within a week - from the day you sign an offer.

You will like Netherlands. It's highly tolerant country with exemplar policies on equality and integration for expats. I believe you'll feel a great positive change compared to Germany or Switzerland.

Makas, Thanks! I will take a look at this as this can be another option for me.