Once you’ve finished your studies in Germany, you may decide you’d like to stay in the country longer and start looking for somewhere to work. First, you will need to consider whether you’re eligible to look for work in Germany - especially if you’re an international student on a German student visa. (Luckily for you, the job opportunities in Germany after graduation are good and the chances of international students getting employment are pretty high!) In this guide, we’ll take you through all of your options as a newly-graduated international student and let you know the steps to work in Germany after graduation. This will include how you can get a working visa in Germany if you need one. How do I find a job in Germany after graduating? How long does it take to find a job in Germany after graduation? How to increase your chances of getting a job in Germany after graduation? Working in Germany after graduation for EU students Working in Germany after graduation for non-EU students Seeking work in Germany after returning to your home country Can I stay & work in Germany when I complete my studies? Yes. If you want to stay in Germany after you’ve graduated, you can. You’re making a good decision to stay in Germany after your studies as we have the largest economy in Europe - so there’s no better place to start your career! If you arefrom non-EU and non-EEA countries and currently hold a residence permit in Germany, you can apply to have it extended for a further 18 months, which should be enough time for you to find a job. During this time, you can also look for temporary jobs to earn money until you find something more permanent. If you want to start preparing for employment, it’s time to start getting all of your documents (qualifications, residence permits, etc.) ready as you'll be asked to submit these during the interview process. You should also start working on your resume/CV that will showcase your skills, previous experience, and qualifications to prospective employers. If you already know what company you want to work for, you can look for jobs directly on their website - most companies will have a ‘Careers’ or ‘Jobs’ section where new jobs will be posted. You can also find jobs on online portals where lots of different companies will post positions they’re recruiting for. These portals are great because you can filter the results to only show positions that are relevant to the field you want to work in and your qualifications. Here are the most popular job portals in Germany:Working in Germany after graduation
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How do I find a job in Germany after graduating?
If you’re studying with us at CBS, we also organise careers fairs on campus so our students can network directly with companies they may be interested in working for. We regularly invite experts from the business world to present their companies and tell their own success stories. First-hand. How often do you get the opportunity to meet a respected founder personality anyway? Career Events are there for you to broaden your horizons, get ideas for your own future and perhaps even find inspiration for a thesis.
In addition, we have our own job portal theCBS CareerCenter where you can directly apply for part-time and full-time positions in Germany and Europe. Our Career Service advises our students on which internships, companies, and departments at home or abroad best match their qualifications and career goals as well as when and how they should apply. We also assist our students in evaluating offers, optimizing application documents, and giving them plenty of tips to prepare for job interviews.
Check out 22 tips for living in Germany as an international student
How long does it take to find a job in Germany after graduation?
The time it takes to find a job in Germany will depend on your skills and qualifications, as well as how much demand there is for in your field at the time you’re applying.
Normally jobs like business, marketing, health care practitioners, engineers, and IT specialists are more in-demand, so if you’re applying to these roles you can expect to find a job quicker.
Even if you’re not applying for jobs in these fields, you shouldn’t need to worry too much. In Germany, we have an aging population so there are always plenty of companies looking for recent graduates to recruit.
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How to increase your chances of getting a job in Germany?
If you want to make yourself more attractive to employers and get a job quicker as an international student, having a degree from a German university will help increase your chances of employment. If you’re looking to start a degree, you can take a look at the wide range of English-taught undergrad and graduate study programmes that we offer at CBS.
It also helps if you can speak some German. Even though there are many English-speaking jobs in Germany, having some German language skills will set you apart from other applicants and increase your chances of getting employed.
Here are some tips to learn German fast
At CBS we focus our study programmes around future employment for our students by integrating language classes into all courses, to help them improve their German skills by the time they graduate. We also integrate business projects where students experience working with big German companies.
We also have a great careers service on campus that gives our students advice and support when trying to find a job.
Working in Germany after graduation for EU students
If you’re planning to get a job in Germany after graduation and you’re from the EU (or Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland), you don’t need to obtain a work permit in order to find employment.
You’ll be in the same situation as German graduates when it comes to employment, working conditions, and taxes.
Working in Germany after graduation for non-EU students
If you want to find employment in Germany after your graduation and you’re not from an EU country, you don’t need to worry as there are a few different options you can choose from.
Your next steps will depend on whether you have a job offer from a German company at the time of your graduation.
We’ll take you through all of the different routes that are open to you, depending on your situation.
Graduating without a job offer
If you don’t have a job offer when you graduate, but still want to stay in Germany, you’ll need to extend your German residence permit. You’ll be allowed to extend this for a maximum of 18 months from the date of your final exam, which should give you plenty of time to find a job.
During the 18 months, you can also work any other job you’d like to get you by until you’re able to find permanent employment in the field of your studies.
To apply for an extension of your residence permit, you’ll need the following documents:
The visa extension form
ID and Passport
Passport photo
Proof of graduation from a German university
Proof of your finances
Proof of health insurance
Accommodation Contract
When you get a job offer in the field related to the field of your studies that you would like to accept, you should apply for a German residence permit orEU Blue Card(similar to the US Green Card). You can remain in Germany while your application is pending.
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Graduating with a job offer
Once you’ve been offered a job, with a minimum of a 1-year contract, you can apply for either an EU Blue Card, or a German residence permit.
What is the EU Blue Card?
The EU Blue Card is similar to the green card in the US. The EU Blue Card is a work- and residence permit for international students and professionals from non-EU/EEA countries.
To be eligible for an EU Blue Card you will need a degree from a German university and an employment contract with a company in Germany that pays at least €56,800 a year. In some fields that have a shortage of skilled workers, this may be €44,304 a year.
EU Blue Cards are normally issued for 4-year periods, but if your work contract is shorter than this, you will be issued a card for just the period of your contract - plus an additional 3 months.
How to apply for an EU Blue Card?
To obtain an EU Blue Card, you need to make an appointment at the Ausländerbehörde (immigration office) in your state and submit the following documents:
Copy of your passport
A recent passport-style photo of yourself
The application form
Declaration of Employment Relationship (which your employer fills out)
Employment contract or job offer
University certificate
Proof of residence in Germany
The Certificate of Evaluation (Zeugnisbewertung), if required
Occupation practice permit, if required
Proof of health insurance
When your application has been submitted, you have to wait for confirmation of your Blue Card before you start working.
Alternatively, if you find a job with a salary lower than €56,800, you can apply for a German residence permit, which would allow you to live and work only in Germany. Usually, it gets granted for 1 year with the possibility of extension if your situation doesn’t change.
When you apply for a temporary German residence permit, you have to state the reason you would like the permit (e.g. to work) and you will be allowed to do that, but you can’t engage with any activity outside of what your permit was granted for (that means that you can only work for the company stated in your work permit).
Most students will choose the EU Blue Card as it’s for a longer amount of time and will allow them to live and work not only in Germany but also in another EU state.
Once you’ve been a German resident for 33 months, you can then apply for a settlement permit which will let you settle permanently in Germany.
Seeking work in Germany after returning to your home country
If you’ve decided to go back home after graduation, you can still apply for jobs in Germany if you decide to come back. In this case, you can apply for a job seeker visa.
What is a job seeker visa?
A job seeker visa is a type of Germany work visa that allows people to stay in Germany for up to 6 months while they try to find employment.
What are the requirements to apply for a job seeker visa?
To be eligible for a job seeker visa, you must be over 18, have a degree from a German university, have 5 years of work experience in the field of your studies, proof of your financial stability, and travel or medical insurance for your entire stay in Germany.
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What are the required documents for a job seeker visa?
Like a student visa, you have to submit an application to the German embassy/consulate in your country with the following documents:
Printed and signed application forms
Copy of a valid passport
3 passport-format photos
Proof of health insurance
Proof of your finances (either in form of a blocked bank account or from a sponsor living in Germany)
Your CV and a cover letter
Diploma of your degree (or any other proof of academic qualification from a German or non-German university) as well as any certificates of previous work experience
Proof of accommodation in Germany
Confirmation of payment of visa fees (€75)
A Job Seeker Visa Germany cannot be extended over the 6 months. If you’re not able to find work within this time, you will, unfortunately, have to return home.
You are also not allowed to take on any employment while on a German Job Seeker Visa. Once you have found a job, you need to apply for a residence permit to gain employment.
Some companies may allow you to apply and go through the interview process without being in Germany. If this is the case, you can just apply for a residence permit or EU Blue Card once you have a job offer.
If you need to be in Germany to find a job, you should apply for a Job Seeker Visa which will allow you to stay in Germany for 6 months while looking for a job.
Check out all the reasons why Germany is the best place to study
Conclusion
If you have any questions about your future in Germany after graduating, please get in touch with our international office, career service or schedule an appointment with one of our friendly student advisors.
Check out all the regulations about working as an international student in Germany
Looking for an internship? Check out our complete guide on internships in Germany
Learn more about German student visas
FAQs
Is it easy to get a job in Germany after graduation? ›
Because the job market in Germany is widely open for international students, especially those who graduated with master's degrees, they have golden opportunities as the country has a desirable job market for qualified workers due to its highly competitive companies.
Is it easy to get job in Germany on job seeker visa? ›Obtaining a job seeker visa to Germany is not easy, you will have to be eligible and fulfil all the requirements and go through the application process with a lot of precision.
Is it easy to get job in Germany after bachelors? ›Germany is one of the top countries for expats to work in. You can find jobs in various industries, from IT and Finance to Science and Law. The employment rate has been steadily increasing over the past few years, making it a great time to look for a job.
Does Germany give work permit after study? ›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.
What is the minimum salary to get work permit in Germany? ›If you apply for a Blue Card, your salary must be at least 56,400€ per year (before taxes). If there is a shortage of skilled workers in your field, your salary must be at least 43,992€ per year. This list shows which fields have a shortage of skilled workers. If you can, find a job before you come to Germany.
What happens to student visa after graduation in Germany? ›The moment you complete your studies, your student visa also expires however students can get 18 months of work visa after obtaining your German university degree. You need apply for this permit before your student visa runs out otherwise you will need to return to your home country.
Which country gives work visa easily? ›Germany. Germany is an easy country to get a work visa because of its labor shortage.
Which job is easy in Germany? ›- Electronics Engineer.
- Computer Science, IT professionals and Software Developers.
- Mechanical Engineering.
- Account Managers / Business analysts.
- Civil Engineer / Architecht.
German embassies and consulates generally require that you provide a bank statement of an escrow/blocked account (Sperrkonto) with a balance of at least €720 for each month of the visa. For a six-month Job Seeker Visa, this is €4,320 (although this may vary depending on where you apply).
Which subject is best for job in Germany? ›- Medicine and Dentistry. A degree in the medical or dental field can be very rewarding. ...
- Computer science. ...
- Law. ...
- Business & Economics. ...
- Marketing. ...
- Industrial Engineering. ...
- Human resources. ...
- Final Thoughts.
What is the highest paying part-time job in Germany? ›
- Research scholars.
- Research assistants/academic assistants.
- Support staff.
- Teaching English as an English tutor.
- Industrial production assistants.
With an unemployment rate of only 3.1%, Germany provides an average salary of 76,000-103,000 EUR/year (INR 66,27,743 to 89,82,336 per year) for master graduates.
Do international students get jobs in Germany after graduation? ›Yes. After you have completed your studies you can stay in Germany while you are looking for a job. Students from non-EU and non-EEA countries who hold a residence permit can apply to have it extended for another 18 months while they search for a job in Germany.
Does German student visa get rejected? ›What are the chances of German student visa rejection? Ans. Despite having a 92% selection rate, German immigration officers might reject your visa based on the above-mentioned pointers. So ensure to avoid them regardless and not become a part of the Germany visa rejection rate percentage (8%.)
How long can I stay in Germany after my student visa expires? ›Extension of residence permit for study
The residence permit is usually issued or extended for a period of 2 years (though shorter periods of validity are available for guest students etc.), provided the course of study is still ongoing and the permitted period of study has not been exceeded.
There is no maximum age for an apprenticeship. As a German or a foreigner, you can apply for vocational training at practically any age. Traditionally, it is still common in Germany for apprentices to be of a younger age: most are between 15 and 25 years old.
What are the 4 types of visa? ›Which type of visa do you need? Probably one of the four main types: tourist, immigration, student, or work.
How long does it take to get a German work visa? ›Applications take about 1-3 months to be processed. After the application has been approved by the Aliens' Authority and –if applicable- by the Work Office (Arbeitsagentur), the Embassy or Consulate General will issue a residence permit in the form of a visa, which will include the authorization to work in Germany.
How much is work permit after study in Germany? ›During these 18 months, you are allowed to take up any type of job. Please note that this type of residence permit cannot be extended. The following requirements must be met in order to obtain a residence permit for 18 months: Proof of successfully completed studies.
Is it easy to get a job in Germany as a student? ›If you come from an EU/ EEA country, you do not need a work permit to get a job in Germany. And there's no limitation to how much you can work. However, if you work more than 20 hours/week then you are required to pay taxes to the German social security system.
How can I change my student visa to permanent residency in Germany? ›
- A completed application form. ...
- Valid national passport holding a valid residence permit.
- One biometric photograph.
- A copy of your degree or academic title. ...
- Evidence of employment for the past two years.
- Employment contract.
Lithuania. This country is the easiest one to get a Schengen visa. As per the reports, officials grant visas to almost 98.7% of applicants.
Which country in Europe is easiest to get a job? ›1. Germany. Germany has remained consistently at the top of many lists for the past three years, and rightly so. It sits at number 2 with one of the lowest unemployment rates in the whole of Europe, at 3.6%.
Which European country gives work visa easily? ›The Netherlands
They are also famed for being flexible with their work visas. Known as the 'Orientation visa', it allows permits for a non-EU citizen and has no restrictions. You can stay in the Netherlands and work for a year once you complete your graduation. You do not need to submit proof of sufficient funds.
According to this survey, skilled workers in the construction and skilled trades (349,275 jobs) and technical specialists (282,941 jobs) are currently the most in demand on the German labor market.
Which job is most demand in Germany? ›- Electronics Engineer.
- Computer Science, IT professionals and Software Developers.
- Mechanical Engineering.
- Account Managers / Business analysts.
- Civil Engineer / Architect.
Top jobs will be in the engineering, mechanical, electrical and IT fields. The healthcare sector will see more demand for nurses and caregivers, owing to the increase in the aging population in the country. Most job openings are expected in Southern and Eastern Germany.
How much does a German working visa cost? ›The cost for a German work permit (employment visa) is 75 EUR (90 USD). You will need to complete Germany's work permit visa (or employment permit) application form, called Antrag auf Erlaubnis einer Beschäftigung, and get a residence permit or Antrag auf Erteilung eines Aufenthaltstitels.
How can I convert my student visa to work permit in Germany? ›Staying in Germany after obtaining your degree
You are allowed to perform any job while searching for qualified employment. As soon as you have received a job offer, you can apply to have your residence permit for study purposes converted into a work permit for qualified professionals or into an EU Blue Card.
- Application form & declarations duly signed.
- Copy of your passport's data page (A4 size copy)
- Annexure for employment visa.
- Employment contract with a company in Germany.
- Deputation order from Indian employer confirming deputation, if applicable.
- Personal covering letter explaining the exact purpose and duration of stay.
Which degree is most valuable in Germany? ›
Medicine and Dentistry
Health is seen as one of the most important factors of having high well-being in any country. Because of that, medical occupations are the top paid degrees in Germany. A doctor or a dentist is expected to make the highest amount of money out of anyone with other degrees.
- BASF (industrial) - €76,684.
- Robert Bosch (industrial) - €75,675.
- Bayer AG (industrial) - €70,630.
- Commerzbank (banking) - €70,630.
- Daimler (auto-mobile) - €70,630.
- Deutsche Bank (banking) - €70,630.
- Continental (auto-mobile/supply) - €65,585.
- SAP (technology) - €65,000.
What is a good average salary in Germany in 2022? A good annual average salary in Germany is between €64,000 to €81,000. This gross salary (salary before taxes or social contributions) depends on your profession, industry, and education.
What does Germany pay per hour? ›The minimum wage has been revised in Germany, with effect from 01 July 2022. The minimum wage has increased from €9.82 to €10.45 per hour. Note: This minimum wage increase might not reflect the inflationary trends.
Can I have two jobs in Germany? ›Secondary employment is generally permitted in Germany and does not have to be approved by the 'main' employer. Secondary employment can take the following forms: another salaried employment relationship with another employer; or. a freelance employment relationship (self-employed secondary employment).
How much does a working student earn in Germany? ›You may earn up to 450 euros per month. With a minimum wage of 9.50 euros per hour (as of Jan. 2021), you have to work a maximum of around eleven hours per week or around 47 hours per month for this amount. As a full-time student, you do not have to pay taxes or social security contributions on this amount.
How much is trainee salary in Germany? ›1.499 € (EUR)/yr
The average management trainee gross salary in Germany is 41.985 € or an equivalent hourly rate of 20 €.
Yes, trainees do get a paycheck, however, most trainees earn less than entry-level employees during this period by earning a minimum wage. The general duration of a training position can last from about nine to 24 months. While the wage is low for trainees, it is nevertheless a temporary wage.
What is the salary for trainee? ›Trainee salary in India ranges between ₹ 0.6 Lakhs to ₹ 4.0 Lakhs with an average annual salary of ₹ 1.8 Lakhs. Salary estimates are based on 23.7k salaries received from Trainees.
Is it easy to find job in Germany after graduation? ›For many students, it quickly becomes clear that Germany is an attractive country to work in. You may have already come across many job offers and noticed that many companies are looking for skilled workers. Not only in the care or IT sector are numerous jobs available. You could work in many other sectors.
Is it easy to get jobs in Germany for international students? ›
Germany offers a number of job opportunities for foreign students. Especially the ones that seek a job after MS in Germany. Graduating from one of the top German Universities chances are that you will soon secure a high paying job. Finding the right job after completing Masters can be challenging.
Can I work more than 20 hours on a student visa in Germany? ›You can work up to 20 hours per week while studying. If you exceed this, you'll be required to pay into the German social security system, and there could be a negative impact on your studies. Non-EU/EEA students are also able to work in Germany alongside their studies, for 120 full days or 240 half days per year.
Which country rejected visa most? ›According to Schengen Visa Statistic 2021, the 4 countries with the highest rejection rates were: Sweden, Norway, France, and Denmark.
Is it difficult to get German visa? ›Applying for a Schengen Visa to travel to Germany is a relatively simple process. For longer stays for work, there is a more complex national process as you must meet more criteria to gain the right to be employed in the country.
Is there an interview for Germany student visa? ›In addition to simply getting into their university of choice, students must gather all the necessary paperwork for the German student visa application. Then, they must complete the study visa interview.
What is the fastest way to get a German visa? ›- Find out what kind of German visa you need.
- Check where you need to apply.
- Fulfil the German short-stay visa application form.
- Collect the statutory Germany visa requirements. ...
- Schedule a visa interview.
- Attend the interview at the appropriate German Embassy/Consulate/VAC.
If you have been convicted of nearly any crime as a noncitizen, there is a very good chance that the government will attempt to deport you, especially if your visa has also expired and you no longer have legal status in the United States.
What is Type D visa for Germany? ›A D-Visa for employment enables you to travel to Germany and apply for a residence permit with the local immigration office (“Ausländerbehörde”) or pursue an economic activity during the validity of the visa.
Is it easy to get a job in Germany as a student? ›If you come from an EU/ EEA country, you do not need a work permit to get a job in Germany. And there's no limitation to how much you can work. However, if you work more than 20 hours/week then you are required to pay taxes to the German social security system.
Can we get a job in Germany after Masters? ›Yes, International students can get jobs in Germany after completing their masters provided they fulfill all the requirements and documentation.
How much can I earn in Germany as a student? ›
You may earn up to 450 euros per month. With a minimum wage of 9.50 euros per hour (as of Jan. 2021), you have to work a maximum of around eleven hours per week or around 47 hours per month for this amount. As a full-time student, you do not have to pay taxes or social security contributions on this amount.
How much is salary in Germany? ›According to Statista, in 2021, the average gross annual salary in Germany was 47.700 euros a year, or 3.975 euros a month. The numbers above are for all of Germany. However, the average gross salary will depend greatly on your location, professional experience, education, size of the company, and gender.
How much do Germany pay per hour? ›| Date | Minimum wage (gross) |
|---|---|
| January 1 - June 30, 2021 | 9,50 euros per hour |
| July 1 - December 31, 2021 | 9,60 euros per hour |
| January 1 - June 30, 2022 | 9,82 euros per hour |
| July 1, 2022 onwards | 10,45 euros per hour |
- Medicine and Dentistry. Doctors and dentists are valuable professionals throughout the entire world. ...
- Law. Lawyers are also highly important. ...
- Industrial Engineering. ...
- Engineering. ...
- Mathematics and Computer Science. ...
- Natural Sciences. ...
- Business and Economics. ...
- Architecture.
- Research scholars.
- Research assistants/academic assistants.
- Support staff.
- Teaching English as an English tutor.
- Industrial production assistants.
Some engineering fields offer good career prospects, such as mechanical engineering, structural engineering, computer science engineering, electrical engineering, automotive engineering, and telecommunications.
Which course has more job opportunities in Germany? ›In Germany, graduates have the best chances of getting a job in the STEM fields: Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, as well as Medicine and Nursing. All professions from these disciplines are included in the shortage list of occupations in the German job market.
Is it easy to get a job in Germany as an international student? ›Working while studying in Germany is actually what many students opt for during their studies, considering that finding employment in Germany is fairly simple. Moreover, international students are also allowed to work, although a limited number of hours, while pursuing a degree in Germany.
What is not allowed in Germany? ›Chemical weapons. Biological weapons. Nuclear weapons except for U.S. nuclear weapons stationed in Germany.
How long does a student visa last in Germany? ›Prospective student visas are valid for three months and can be extended by six months if you are accepted to a higher education institution or enrol in a foundation course or a preparatory German language course within this period.
How long can I stay in Germany after my student visa expires? ›
Extension of residence permit for study
The residence permit is usually issued or extended for a period of 2 years (though shorter periods of validity are available for guest students etc.), provided the course of study is still ongoing and the permitted period of study has not been exceeded.
- Waitress.
- Backer.
- Dental Assistant.
- Call Center Agent.
- Receptionist.
- Chef/Cook.
- Salesperson/Customer Advisor in Retail.
- Cashier.
...
Which region has the highest cost of living in Germany?
| Rent | |
| Munich | 1,094.30€ -1 |
| Berlin | 795.90€ – 4 |
| Hamburg | 838.94€ – 3 |
| Frankfurt | 868.91€ – 2 |
It's a progressive tax: if you earn more, you pay a bigger percentage of your income. If you earn less than 10,347€ per year, you don't pay income tax. The median income tax rate is around 18%. The maximum income tax rate is 45%1.