Germany, the largest economy in Europe and an affluent country best known for its innovations in the engineering and automobile industries, is undoubtedly a sought-after destination to settle down post studies.
Giants like BMW, Volkswagen, Bosch, and Siemens all find their home in this great country. Besides these sectors, Germany also exports a substantial volume of pharmaceuticals and food to the world. So it’s only natural that students very often aspire to settle and find work in Germany after they graduate.Here’s learning more about the Germany post study work visa and its key aspects for those looking to build rewarding careers and lives in the country.
Students who complete their studies in Germany are eligible to work in the country following graduation. This time is in addition to the study period specified in your German Study Visa. To find work related to their education, students can apply for an extended 18-month Job Seeking Visa, popularly known as a post-study work visa. This extra 18-month period is known as a post-study work permit in Germany. During this duration, the candidates are free to work as much as they like and pursue any job to support themselves.
When you finish your studies in Germany, your German Student Visa will expire. Students should, however, apply for an 18-month post-study work visa before their student visa expires. Candidates should begin seeking work during their last semester because the 18-month extended work period starts as soon as they obtain their final exam results.
Documents Required for Application-
Passport
University Degree
Financial Proofs
Health Insurance
Time Period of Post Study Work Visa
Indian students can apply for and receive a Post Study work permit for 18 months to look for work that matches their skills, according to immigration laws.
It is crucial to analyze the possibility of obtaining a work visa compatible with a degree earned at a German university. While you can work any job to finance your stay in Germany during the visit, you must choose a job relevant to your studies; or you will be requested to leave Germany at the end of the 18 months.
Please note that the permit does not include a Student Visa for Germany, unlike in other countries. After completing your studies, you will need to apply for this document at a foreign nationals registration office in the area.
Germany welcomes immigrants through various government structured programs each year and has brilliant scope for finding the job of your dreams after completion of their studies in the country.
Here we will discuss all areas involved in attaining a Germany post-study work visa.
Types of Germany Post-Study Visas
There are two major categories of visas that the German government grants to immigrants. They further branch out into several sub-categories which are specific to the purpose of your stay and the nature of your employment. Let us take a look at all the types of post-study visas in Germany that apply to professionals seeking work.
Temporary/Limited Residence Permit
Temporary Residence Permit (while seeking a job): If you graduate from a German university, you enjoy a better status of acquiring a work visa compared to citizens of other non-EU nations.
Here are the conditions you must fulfil to qualify for this visa:
Proof of completion of the academic course (transcript/university degree).
Proof that you hold an active health insurance policy.
Proof of funds to support your cost of living while you look for a job.
This is for all those who have returned to their countries once they have finished their graduation and wish to go back to Germany to check out different avenues of work suitable for them. This visa is granted for a short period of time up to six months during which time, you can explore different possibilities, schedule informative interviews, and gain general insight about your area of work. However, it is important you note that this is a temporary visa, and you must apply for a permanent one the moment you have a notification of employment.
Below we have listed the requirements for qualifying for this visa:
Academic qualification from an established institution.
Resolve all financial issues such as a blocked bank account and secure a declaration of commitment.
Certificate proving your competency in the German language, the minimum requirement being Level B1.
You are required to apply for this visa while you are in your own country.
Once you receive an appointment letter from your employer you will immediately be required to apply for this visa. There are two kinds of this permit.
German Residence Permit – This allows foreign nationals who have secured a job in Germany to stay and work in the country for the time period stipulated in the contract of employment. You may renew this permit as many times as you want and as long as you maintain your employment status. This is beneficial to all those who wish to stay in Germany for a long period of time.
EU Blue Card – The EU Blue Card issued by Germany is a residence permit designed to attract highly qualified workers from non-EU countries. This is more advantageous to those who wish to work in other EU countries as well as it allows you to stay and work in Germany and the 25 other nations that are a member of the EU.
You will have to prepare the following documents in order to get this permit:
Your university degree or an equivalent document.
Valid health insurance documents
German work contract stating that your payment can cover your cost of living in Germany.
EU card holders are required to have a minimum gross annual salary of € 43,056 to 55,200.
You can apply for an open-ended residence permit in Germany, subject to specific terms and if you have held the residence title for an uninterrupted period of five years. Unlimited residence titles may also be given before the completion of the five-year duration in some scenarios.
You can obtain the EU long-term residence permit in case you meet these conditions:
You have had a residence title for a minimum of five years.
You can ensure the economic subsistence of yourself and your family through income.
You have proper German knowledge (Level B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages or equivalent).
You have proper knowledge of the German legal and social systems, along with overall way of life.
You can provide suitable accommodation for yourself and family members.
There are no issues regarding order/public safety that may hinder the issuance of the residence permit.
There is also the settlement permit, which allows indefinite stays in Germany and stays up to 90 days in 180-day periods in other Schengen states. This is possible if you meet the conditions outlined above. The additional requirements may include contributions to a pension insurance scheme for 60 months at least and all the permits necessary to enable practicing your occupation in Germany in the long term. Recommended Read: How to settle in Germany from India
Who Can Apply
All foreign nationals who have a job appointment in the country and are wishing to seek a job or find a professional opportunity in Germany can apply for the visa. However, there are a few countries whose citizens are exempted from getting a visa to work in Germany. These countries are all the members of the EU, USA, Australia, Canada, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, and the Republic of Korea.
Here are some of the categories that are eligible to apply for a work visa in Germany:
Foreigners who are highly qualified as researchers and have the in-depth technical know-how.
Teachers and Professors in distinct positions at recognized institutions.
Managers and specialists transferring from the corporate background into a new position in Germany.
You can follow these step-by-step instructions to receive a German Visa post-study for work:
Receive a job appointment letter from an employer in Germany.
Understand the type and category of visa you require according to the job you got.
Do your research on the official websites of the German immigration department and find out where you can submit your application.
Arrange all the required documents and proofs noted in the instructions on the website.
Schedule an appointment with the immigration office/German Embassy
Make the fee payment for the German Employment Work visa
Appear for the interview and wait for a response.
List of places where you can apply for your German work visa:
German Embassy
German Consulate
Visa Application Centre
German Embassy/consulate in a neighbouring country in case there isn’t one in your country.
Key Points to Keep in Mind Before Applying:
Learn the local language –
Being proficient in the local language will give you an upper hand in acquiring a German visa. It is most often a prerequisite for applying to junior positions. Knowing German will open up a huge window of opportunity in comparison to your peers who do not speak the language. However, you might be able to do without it if you are seeking work in the IT/tech industry or wish to work for globally-oriented start-ups. You must keep in mind that a Level B1 certificate for the German Language is almost always required for getting a residence visa.
Internships are assets –
If you are a student studying at a German university and have decided to settle in the country after you graduate, it is highly advisable that you engage in as many internships as possible. This will not only introduce you to the way the German workplace works but also fetch you references and recommendations that will prove crucial in your plan to apply for a visa. Interning while studying will help you build a valuable network and accustom you to the local culture and way of life.
Vital Documents to keep handy –
You should have all your documents arranged and compiled to ensure that you do not go back and forth and lose valuable time.
Here are a few of them that are extremely important when planning a visa application:
Two completed and printed application forms.
Two passport-size current pictures of yourself.
Valid National passport.
Proof of residence.
Contract of Employment.
Proof of qualification
Curriculum Vitae
Qualification Proof
Cover Letter
Document stating clean criminal record
Receipt of visa fee payment.
The visa application process in Germany is a relatively easier one in comparison to the other countries in Europe and if you have all your documents in place, you can expect to obtain a residence permit within one to three months. The country has a number of unique cities and locations and exploring the breathtaking landscapes will be a delight for anyone. Germans are a friendly group of people with an extremely strong sense of work ethics and equal curiosity for modern ways of living. Settling in this beautiful country will elevate your quality of life and the first step in that direction would be to pursue a higher degree from a German university.
Top Reasons to Study in Germany
There are several compelling reasons to study in Germany, as you will find out below.
Globally-recognized qualifications- German educational degrees are highly regarded worldwide. These qualifications will help you break into the international labor market seamlessly, particularly if you study at reputed institutions.
Knowing a new language- Knowledge of German will help you gain a competitive edge in your professional sphere. There are several language courses that you can opt for at your university or elsewhere in Germany. At the same time, you can pursue your study program in English for maximum convenience.
Pocket-friendly education- One of the biggest advantages of studying in Germany is the lower cost of education in comparison to several other countries. Several German states do not require the payment of any tuition fees, with only semester contributions (nominal amounts) needed. This may range between 100-350 Euros each semester and is a lot less than what you can expect to pay at most institutions globally. Several universities also offer semester tickets which help you use public transportation for free in the area.
Better career prospects- German universities and higher education institutions emphasize on practical experience and hands-on learning. Some institutions offer dual work and study programs or systems helping you gain both vocational and bachelor’s qualifications. At the same time, study-oriented programs get you career-ready and enable you to apply for a residence permit to stay in the country for up to 18 months to find work. The economic sector is thriving in Germany and there are several leading companies who hire skilled and academically sound graduates.
Top-ranked universities- As per the QS World University Rankings for 2025, Germany has 50 universities in the list, with five in the top-100. This testifies to the country’s reputation as a global education hub.
MBA in Germany with upGrad Abroad
upGrad brings you the opportunity to pursue an MBA degree in Germany and save up to 10 lakh in total cost. In collaboration with the International University of Applied Science(IU), upGrad Abroad offers MBA in Germany, an 18-month degree program being offered in blended mode. To know more, get in touch with our counsellors.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Post-Study Work visa for Germany?
Post-study Work Visa is a permit given to international students studying in Germany which allows them an 18-month stay in the country to work or find a job after completion of their studies.
How to get a work visa in Germany?
You can file an application for a work visa or a job seeker visa if you are a foreign student in Germany. First, register your residence with the local Bürgeramt (Citizenship Registration Office), Buy health insurance, and then schedule an appointment with the Ausländerbehörde. Collect necessary supporting documents to submit your candidature for a work and residence permit at the Ausländerbehörde.
Is IELTS required for a German work permit?
IELTS is not required for a German work permit but you will be asked to show your proficiency in German language at some instances, depending upon the visa requirements.
How long can I stay in Germany after graduating?
After completing studies, the student visa expires. Therefore, students wanting to stay back in the country need to apply for a job search visa in Germany that offers temporary residence for up to 18 months. During this time, they can work part-time and find themselves a full-time job in their field of interest.
How much does a post-study work visa in Germany cost?
The cost for a post-study work visa in Germany for a duration of more than one year is €80. Whereas, students seeking to stay for less than one year under a temporary residence permit have to pay €50.
Can I work in Germany with a temporary residence permit?
Yes, it is possible to work in Germany with a temporary residence permit. You can either apply for a German Residence Permit or an EU Blue Card. The German Residence Permit is valid for the duration mentioned in the employment contract. On the other hand, the EU Blue Card allows foreign nationals of non-EU countries from STEM and IT backgrounds to work in Germany and other 25 EU states.
With over 12 years of experience in the education sector, Harjeet specializes in study abroad counseling and visa management. She has a proven ability to guide students through university applications and visa processes, ensuring strict adherence to immigration laws. Her leadership background includes managing and mentoring teams, conducting training, and overseeing recruitment. As a Visa Manager, Harjeet excels in leading teams to efficiently process visas for multiple countries, driving operational excellence, and fostering strong partnerships with visa processing vendors.
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