Can I apply to jobs in Germany with a Tourist Visa?

[lostineu]

I have a 4 year BA in teaching German and a certification in ESL. I am interested in moving to Berlin, Germany, but I'm not sure how to do this.

Is it possible to apply to jobs in Germany on a Tourist Visa?

What are the chances of obtaining an English teaching job or a job in general when I am not an EU citizen?

I heard that to obtain a work visa, a company must sponsor it for me. Can this entire process be completed within the 90 day Tourist Visa time period?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you.

[newperson]

The rules are different if you wish to teach English in a self-employed capacity. You can get a residence permit with working clearance through the Auslaenderbehoerde without any intercession bzw. interference from a school. Just be prepared to show sufficient savings, insurance and qualifications to pursue an independent path.

Being a salaried employee is *MUCH* harder. It will require a company to secure a work permit for you, which many are loathe to do for reasons of hassle and treasure. You also need to realise that they need to prove to the Arbeitsamt that your skills are so particular that they can't find anyone else in the EU/EEA who can do them.

If you're American (and I'm guessing you may be based on writing "Berlin, Germany"), you can enter Germany on a tourist visa and then switch to more permanent capacity in country. You might want to check out another forum: ToytownGermany. It's a ridiculous name, I grant you. However it's a solid resource for English-speaking expats for everything from visas to the other myriad vicissitudes of German life.

http://www.toytowngermany.com/forum/

Good luck.