Hello,
I am a Russian citizen (Novosibirsk) who studied for a film degree in America and got my Masters in film from New York.
I am looking to move to Berlin and am taking intensive German classes currently to learn the language well.
I am just wondering how hard it will be to be approved for a work visa there in the arts? I understand that German and then EU members get preference over me by law so therefore, will it be difficult to get myself hired? I know that Berlin is a hub for the arts and so I could imagine people like me are not in shortage, especially since I don't have any work experience in the field to distinguish as I just earned my degree this year.
I know that since I am not a preferred nation, I will need to return to Russia to begin the visa process from home. I know this will take time –– will this be even more of a deterrent to a future employer when they could simply hire someone right away from either the Germany or EU and pay no money to do so immediately with zero paperwork?
I would also be interested in applying for the Job Seekers Visa.
1. Do you really need 3-5 years experience in your field to apply for it? I have read yes and I have also read no.
2. Can Germany decline your Job Seekers Visa request for a job that can easily be filled by Germans or EU members, one that is not on the whitelist, such as film/work in the arts? Or does your degree/intent not matter?
I know my two options would be a regular work visa and then a Blue Card, but I doubt I would meet the salary requirements for a Blue Card as an entry level, so I guess it leaves a regular work visa to hopefully work out.
Any opinions or experiences would be highly valued. Thank you!