Registering as unemployed in Germany: Here’s how to do it online!

Registering as unemployed can be emotionally difficult. But there is nothing complicated about the process itself. Nevertheless, it’s worth keeping a few things in mind so that you don’t unnecessarily prolong your waiting period for unemployment benefits.

You can also register as a jobseeker in Germany online. The same applies to the registration as unemployed – you can also register online, but you have to bear in mind a few things. Here is what you need to know.

How do I register online as a jobseeker in Germany?

It is very simple. Go to the website of the Federal Employment Agency (Bundesagentur für Arbeit). Then you can simply register online as a jobseeker. Please note that registering as a jobseeker is not the same as registering as unemployed (see below).

Registration with the German job centre

To register online, you must first register. To do this, you must enter a user name and a password that you have previously made up. You can also register with an identity card that has an online identification function.

Here is what else you should pay attention to

You must register as a job seeker three months before your employment ends. This registration is important because it enables the German employment office to help you find a new job. If the best-case scenario comes true, you may be able to move smoothly from one job to another and avoid a break in your employment.

If you find out late that your employment has ended – for example, a month beforehand – you are obliged to register as a jobseeker with your local employment office within three days.

If you miss this deadline, you run the risk of a week’s grace period during which you will not be entitled to unemployment benefit.

How can I register online as unemployed in Germany?

You can do this on this website. But be careful: in order to receive unemployment benefits you need to confirm your identity. For this you need to go to your local employment office. You will receive an appointment when you register as unemployed.

However, if your employment office is closed for a long time, you can also confirm your identity online. This option was introduced during the coronavirus pandemic. To do so, you will need to complete a procedure called Selfie-Ident-Verfahren.

In order to proceed with the online identification procedure, you will need a letter from the employment office. You will receive this when you register as unemployed – whether online, in writing or by telephone on the freephone number 0800/4555500.

Can I make a claim for unemployment benefit online?

Yes, it is possible. On this website you can fill in your claim online. However, a prerequisite for claiming unemployment benefit is that your identity must first be verified.

All content published on the website is protected under German copyright law, Urheberrechtsgesetz (§ 52 ff UrhG).

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