Note: There are lots of opportunities to work in Germany during and after studies, this is what attracts international students to come and study in Germany. International students from Non-EU countries can work part-time during their studies in Germany.
International students coming from Non – EU / EEA countries of origin can work in Germany after they complete their studies by extending their residence permit for up to 18 months. These 18 months begin as soon as you finish your final exams, so it would be best if you start looking for employment while you are still at university, or during your final semester. Keep in mind that during these 18 months, you can work whatever job you can in order to support yourself until you find full-time employment, and it does not necessarily have to be related to your field of study.
After you have obtained the extended residence permit, you utilize this 18 months to find employment in Germany you think is related to your field of study. During the time you are seeking your employment, you can take up any work you think is necessary in order to support yourself financially.
What should I do after I have found and Employment?
Once you find a job offer, with a minimum of 1 year contract, you should apply for an EU Blue Card. This the main residence permit for university graduates from Non – EU / EEA counties of origin candidates, who have graduated from German universities and would like to stay and work in Germany. In order to be eligible for the EU Blue Card, the candidate must meet certain prerequisites, such as having university/college degree and an employment contract with a company in Germany that pays at least 56400 Euros per year. In other occupations, where there is a shortage of skilled workers, the salary threshold is lower, approximately 43992 Euros per year.
The EU Blue Card is a residence permit that is usually for a period of 4 years. However, if the duration of the contract is shorter, German authorities will issue the EU Blue Card for that period of time, with an additional 3 months. In case the requirements are met, the card can be extended. After 33 months of residence in Germany, those who have an EU Blue Card can apply for a settlement permit, which allows them to permanently settle in Germany.
Documents required
- Passport
- Proof of graduation form a German University / College
- Proof of financial resources
- Proof of health insurance
Settlement in Germany after graduation
A settlement permit is a permanent residence permit for foreigners who have lived in Germany for a number of years. It authorizes them to live, work, and study, as well as bring their family members to Germany. Holders of an EU Blue Card will receive their settlement permit after 33 months in Germany, if they have met all the requirements. In order to qualify for requirements, applicant must be able to prove that he /she is employed, paid contributions, and have basic German language skills. EU Blue Card holders may also be eligible for the settlement permit in just 21 months, if they have a level B1 of German language proficiency.
After spending 8 years in Germany on settlement permit, applicant can acquire citizen through naturalization.
Can I work in Germany after I return to my home country?
If you have completed your higher education studies in Germany as an international student, and you have returned yo your home country, you can still find employment in Germany. In this case you will have to apply for job seeker visa, that allows you to enter Germany for a period of 6 months and find employment. However, in comparison to an extended residence permit, the job seeker visa does not make you eligible to work while you are looking for full-time employment. It means, you will have to provide proof that you have necessary financial means to support yourself.
Once you find an employment with a minimum 1 year contract, you can apply for an EU blue Card.
