Find a Job from India or Go to Germany and Find One?

Administrator (Abyaas)
Oct 16
3 min read

A Practical Guide for Indian Students and Professionals (2025 Update)

Introduction

If you’re an Indian student or working professional planning a career in Germany, one of the most common questions is

“Should I find a job while in India or go to Germany first and then look for one?”

Both options are possible, but they lead to very different journeys in terms of cost, security, and opportunity. This article will help you understand both routes clearly so you can make an informed choice based on your goals and background.

Choose Wisely : Job from India or Go to Germany

Option 1: Find a Job from India and Then Go

Who Is It For?

This option suits experienced professionals — engineers, IT specialists, nurses, and others who already have strong qualifications and possibly German language skills (B1 or higher).

The Process

Apply directly to German employers through trusted job portals such as:
- Make It in Germany
- EURES
- LinkedIn Germany
- StepStone.de
- Indeed.de
Once you receive a job offer, apply for a Work Visa or EU Blue Card at the German Embassy in India.

Visa Type :

Employment Visa or Blue Card

Issued for the duration of your employment contract
Renewable and convertible into permanent residency after 33 months (or 21 months with B1 German)

Benefits

Secure job before relocating
No blocked account needed
Employer usually helps with relocation
Spouse and family can join later under dependent visa

Limitations

German employers may prefer candidates already living in Germany
Getting interview calls from India can be challenging without German skills
Long visa processing time (2–5 months)

Option 2: Go to Germany First and Find a Job There

Who Is It For?

This option suits fresh graduates, semi-skilled professionals, or those exploring multiple career options before committing to a specific role.

The Process

Apply for either the Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte) or Job Seeker Visa at the German Embassy in India.
Travel to Germany and spend 6–12 months searching for suitable employment.
Attend interviews, job fairs, or short trial work (Probearbeit) to secure a position.

Visa Types

Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte): Stay up to 12 months; part-time work (20 hrs/week) allowed.
Job Seeker Visa: Stay up to 6 months; no part-time work permitted.

Benefits

More visibility and higher chances of interviews in Germany
Flexibility to meet employers in person
Part-time work helps cover living costs under Opportunity Card
Legal stay while job hunting

Limitations

Requires a blocked account of about €13,092 (≈ ₹11.8 lakh)
No guaranteed job
Must manage rent and living expenses independently
Basic German (A2–B1) still essential

Key Comparison: Which Route Fits You Best, Job from India or Go to Germany ?

Factor	Find Job from India	Go to Germany & Find Job
Investment	Low	High (Blocked Account)
Risk	Low	Moderate
Language Requirement	B1–B2	A2–B1
Visa Type	Work Visa / Blue Card	Opportunity Card / Job Seeker Visa
Work Rights	Full-time from day one	Part-time (20 hrs/week)
Best For	Experienced professionals	Freshers & explorers

Expert Insight from Abyaas Institute

At Abyaas Institute of Foreign Languages, we see both types of students:

Working professionals who aim to clear Goethe B1/B2 before applying for jobs from India.
Freshers and early graduates who use the Opportunity Card to enter Germany, improve fluency, and build connections locally.

Our recommendation:

If you have 2–3 years of experience and strong language skills → find a job from India. If you’re exploring or still building experience → go to Germany with an Opportunity Card.

Either way, your German language level will determine how far you go. A1–A2 helps you survive; B1–B2 helps you succeed.

Conclusion

Both paths can lead to success — the key difference lies in your preparation and language ability. If you’re ready to build a career in Germany, start early by learning German, understanding visa routes, and aligning your profile with Germany’s skill needs.

At Abyaas Institute of Foreign Languages, we help students and professionals prepare for Goethe A1–B2 exams, understand the Opportunity Card process, and confidently take their next step toward Germany.