As a foreign graduate of a German university, you can apply for a residence permit to look for work after completing your studies.

The employment you are seeking must be a position for which you are qualified based on your education and training. The intended employment may also be self-employment.

This residence permit can be issued for up to 18 months. The residence permit is intended solely for the purpose of job search and cannot be extended beyond this maximum period.

While looking for work, any type of employment is permitted and does not require a permit.

• You have a recognized and valid identification document (such as a passport or passport substitute).
• You have a valid residence permit for the purpose of studying (Section 16b or Section 16c of the Residence Act).
• You have successfully completed your studies in Germany, and your residence permit is set to expire in the near future.
• You can support yourself and maintain health insurance coverage without relying on public assistance.
• There are no grounds for deportation against you.

Your presence in Germany does not endanger or harm the interests of the Federal Republic of Germany.

• Find out whether your immigration office allows you to submit your application online or provides a specific application form.
• If you can only submit your application in person, make an appointment at the immigration office. If you submit your application online, the immigration office will contact you after receiving your application to schedule an appointment.
• During the appointment, your identity and documents will be verified (please bring your documents to the appointment—originals if possible).
• If your application is approved, your fingerprints will be taken to produce a new electronic residence permit (eAT card). The Foreigners’ Registration Office will commission the Federal Printing Office to produce the eAT card. Once it is ready, you will be notified and can pick up your residence permit at the appropriate office. The eAT card must generally be picked up in person.
• If your application is denied, you will receive a notice of denial.

Federal Government Portal for Foreign Professionals, here: Career Opportunities After Graduation:

https://www.make-it-in-germany.com/de/studium-ausbildung/studieren-in-deutschland/perspektiven-danach

Information from the Federal Employment Agency on labor market access for people from abroad (including the Migration Check for Employees and the Fact Sheet on the Employment of Foreign Workers in Germany):

https://www.arbeitsagentur.de/fuer-menschen-aus-dem-ausland

Federal Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs:

https://www.bmas.de/DE/Arbeit/Arbeitsfoerderung/arbeitsfoerderung.html

Central Foreign and Specialized Placement Service (ZAV):

https://www.arbeitsagentur.de/vor-ort/zav/startseite

• Appeal against the decision of the Immigration Office
• Lawsuit before the court specified in the notice of decision on the appeal, if the appeal is denied

The application must be received by the Immigration Office no later than 8 before your current residence permit expires.

Validity period (for a fixed term): maximum 18

The residence permit is issued for a limited period of up to 18 months. Extension of the residence permit beyond this maximum period is not permitted.

It takes approximately 4 to 6 weeks for the Federal Printing Office to produce the electronic residence permit.

• A recognized and valid identity document (for example, a passport or passport substitute)
• Visa, if required for entry
• Current biometric passport-sized photo (45 x 35 mm)
• Valid residence permit for the purpose of studying (Section 16b or Section 16c of the Residence Act)
• Proof of successful completion of studies in Germany
• Proof of sufficient financial means to cover living expenses (e.g., employment contract, personal savings, blocked account, letter of financial support)
• Proof of health insurance coverage
• Current certificate of registration

In individual cases, the Foreigners’ Registration Office may require fewer or additional documents

Fee: 98.00 EUR

Note:

Additional fees may apply for the issuance of a residence permit in the form of an electronic residence permit, which can also be used as an electronic form of identification.

Forms available: No

Written form required: Yes

Informal application possible: No

Personal appearance required: Yes