Graduating as a foreign student in Germany: How to convert a student visa to a work permit in Germany?
Germany has a great and fairly cheap education system. No wonder that every year students from all over the world come to Germany for the purpose of studying. Especially in technical Universities you will find many students from abroad. However students who are not part of the EU or broader European economic area need a residence title to stay in Germany. The question arises what happens after graduation. Will my residence permit still be valid? And if so, for how long?
In our article we will explore the opportunities foreign students have after graduation to stay in Germany.
Enter the job market on your student visa
Students on a German student visa are generally permitted to work while studying. Until recently, the maximum work allowance was 120 days per year, equivalent to roughly six months of employment, as only working days are counted. However, with the update to German immigration policies in 2024, this limit has been increased to 140 days per year.
Your residence permit should clearly specify this allowance, often stated as something like: “unselbstständige Beschäftigung für 120 Tage im Jahr erlaubt” (employment for 120 days per year permitted). If you're unsure, it’s advisable to have your prospective employer review your residence permit before starting work.
The type of employment is typically not restricted, so starting in an entry-level position or junior role is usually fine. However, it’s crucial to ensure you don’t exceed the 120/140-day rule. Contact the Foreigners' Office to explore options such as applying for a Blue Card or a work-based residence permit as early as possible.
If you have not yet received your German degree, there’s no need to worry. Your educational institution can provide confirmation that you are enrolled and set to graduate soon. This document is typically accepted, as the issuance of the final degree certificate can take time.
2. Apply for a job-seeker visa
If you did not find a job and your student status is about to expire soon, you could try to apply for a job-seeker visa. This gives you the opportunity to stay in Germany and look for a job.
While being on a job-seeker visa you can typically stay in Germany for a period of 18 months. Within this timeframe you should be able to find a job that is in line with your qualifications. If 9 to 5 is not for you, you can also try to apply for a self-employed visa afterwards.
While not all job-seeker visas allow you to work, former students of German Universities can typically work while being on a job seeker visa. That means they are allowed to do internships or work part time to secure their livelihood. When you are at the Foreigner's Hall, always double-check what your visa allows you to do and what it does not.
Christine is a co-founder of Jetztpat. She was raised in the so-called Schwabenländle but fell in love with travelling to random places very early in life. After living in Japan and Taiwan for several years, she finally went back home to stay in the German beer capital (where she survives by drinking wine). If she is not watching her favorite Japanese Netflix show aggretsuko, you can find her Googling answers to the real questions in life.