German Job-Seeker Visa Guidance

I am preparing to pursue Germany’s Job-Seeker Visa and want absolute clarity on whether I meet every eligibility requirement before I start gathering paperwork or booking appointments. Your task is to compile a concise, up-to-date guide focused exclusively on the German programme’s eligibility criteria.

Please include:
• A point-by-point breakdown of each official requirement (education, work experience, financial proof, insurance, accommodation, etc.) with the exact wording used by German authorities and a plain-English explanation beside it.
• Accepted proofs for every requirement, highlighting the most commonly approved documents and any known pitfalls.
• Recent rule changes or regional variations (for example, differences between consulates).
• Links to primary sources: Federal Foreign Office pages, embassy checklists, and the relevant sections of the AufenthaltG or associated regulations.
• A quick self-assessment checklist I can tick through to confirm readiness.

I will consider the job complete once I can run through the checklist and verify each supporting document against the official references you provide.