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
How can I work in Germany after graduation? ›
You do not need to have a work permit to work in Germany when you graduate, just like you did not need to have a student visa to study in the country like non-EU/EEA students.
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.
Can I work in Germany after my bachelors? ›After successful completion of a German university degree
If you have successfully completed your degree in Germany, your residence permit can be extended for up to 18 months in order for you to find a job that matches your qualifications. You may work during this time.
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.
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.
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.
Germany is a great place to find engineering and manufacturing jobs. The country has a strong economy and offers many opportunities in these fields. German companies are known for their high quality products, so if you're looking for a career in engineering or manufacturing, Germany is a great place to start.
Which degree 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.
Depending on the German federal state, level B1 or B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) is required.
Can I work in Germany if I speak English? ›In short: yes, there are English-speaking jobs in Germany.
Foreigners who look for jobs in tech startups or digital departments have a higher chance of finding work in Germany without speaking German.
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.
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.
How much does a work visa cost in Germany? ›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 much money student can 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 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.
What is the age limit to work in Germany? ›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.
How much bank balance is required for Germany work visa? ›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).
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 |
60.000 euros a year in Germany is considered a good gross salary as it is well above the average salary of 47.700 euros a year for the whole country. Most Germans who earn 60.000 euros or more are very happy with their salary.
Which city in Germany pays highest salary? ›Frankfurt am Main accounts for the largest average gross salary at €66,529, followed by Stuttgart (€66,174) and Munich (€65,164).
What salary is good in Germany? ›
After all, German salaries are among the highest in the EU. In Germany, the net monthly salary between 2,500 EUR and 3,000 EUR is good, and over 3,500 EUR is very good. The average gross wage in Germany in 2022 is 51,010 EUR or 31,386 EUR after-tax for a single person.
Why salary is low in Germany? ›Because a salary in Germany comprises more comprehensive social security and health insurance benefits than in most other countries in the world, half of which is paid by the employer so that the acutal cost of employing someone is about 25% higher than their salary.
What skills are in demand in Germany? ›- Software developers, architects, and programmers.
- Electronics engineers, electricians, and electrical fitters.
- Nurses.
- IT consultants and analysts.
- Economists and business management experts.
- Customer advisors and account managers.
Despite being the capital, Berlin is one of Germany's cheapest cities. Rental prices vary massively, but as a rule of thumb, the west remains much more expensive than the east. You can rent a one-bed flat in Berlin for €00 upwards.
Is IT very difficult to get a job in Germany? ›1- Is it easy to get a job in Germany? With a huge range of professional opportunities and roles throughout Germany, securing a job isn't as hard as it may be in other countries around the world.
Which subject is demandable in Germany? ›Which course is in demand in Germany? Engineering is by far the most popular and one of the best degrees to study in Germany, and it usually leads to an MS degree. Mechanical engineering, automotive engineering, and electrical engineering are among the engineering disciplines chosen by students.
What jobs make a lot of money in Germany? ›- Surgeons / Doctors. Salary Range: from 6,520 EUR to 22,500 EUR. ...
- Judges. Salary Range: from 5,480 EUR to 18,900 EUR. ...
- Lawyers. Salary Range: from 4,430 EUR to 15,300 EUR. ...
- Bank Managers. ...
- Chief Executive Officers. ...
- Chief Financial Officers. ...
- Orthodontists. ...
- College Professors.
Is it easy to get a job in Germany? All of this may sound like a lot of work, but it's usually fairly simple. And don't become downhearted. There are various areas where employers are desperate for motivated, well-qualified staff, and they don't care which country they come from.
Can I get a job in Germany as a fresher? ›You can get your perfect job in Germany by searching on the prominent portals online. The job markets in Germany provide direct appointments as well as apprenticeships and graduate schemes that include on-the-job training.
How many words are in A1 in German? ›The official German A1 vocabulary includes, according to the German Goethe Institut, 650 words – that's the bad news. Wow, that's a lot, you may think. The good news is: You're already on the way, and we're am here to help you.
Can I get work visa in Germany without ielts? ›
English language proficiency in the form of IELTS is not an eligibility requirement for work visas in Germany. However, having an IELTS certification will significantly increase your job opportunities.
Do German companies hire foreigners? ›Germany has the largest economy in Europe and the fifth-largest in the world, so there are plenty of jobs in Germany for foreigners with specialist skills, although casual work is also fairly easy to come by.
Which city in Germany has more job opportunities? ›Berlin - one of the economic hubs of the world
The capital city of Germany offers some of the best employment opportunities in Berlin. It is one of the economic hubs of the world and attracts a growing number of expats each year that come in search of better career options.
A full-time job in Germany usually comprises between 35 and 40 hours each week. You may not work more than 48 hours each week ac- cording to the German Working Hours Act. This may be in- creased to 60 hours each week if the average working hours of 8 hours each workday are not exceeded within a period of six months.
What is the most respected job in Germany? ›- Doctors. Doctors in private medical institutions have a high salary. ...
- IT specialists. Today, IT professionals are popular in almost all European countries. ...
- Engineers. ...
- Lawyers. ...
- Economists and top managers. ...
- Handymen. ...
- Cleaning. ...
- Care for the elderly.
If a qualified job is not yet available at the time of graduation, graduates can be granted a residence permit to seek employment §20 (3) no. 1 AufenthG (German Residence Act) in Germany. This entitles them to stay in Germany for up to 18 months.
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%.)
What is B1 level German? ›The Goethe-Zertifikat B1 is a German exam for young people and adults. It certifies that candidates are independent users of the German language and corresponds to the third level (B1) on the six-level scale of competence laid down in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
Can I bring my family to Germany on work permit? ›If your family members are from another non-EU country, they have to apply for a permit at the German Embassy in their home country. If your family members are from an EU/EEA country, they do not need a visa or residence permit at all. They can simply move to Germany with you and register their stay.
How long is a German work visa valid? ›What opportunities does a work visa offer? A visa or a residence permit for the purpose of obtaining qualified employment is issued for a maximum of four years. If a work contract has a shorter duration, a residence permit shall be issued for the duration of the contract.
Who can sponsor me in Germany? ›
Your host must be a legal resident in Germany.
If they're a foreign resident in Germany, they must have a valid residence or settlement permit, or another residence permit. The validity of such a residence permit should be beyond the period of your visit.
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.
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.
How much do part time jobs pay in Germany? ›The average part-time salary in Germany is 22,856 EUR per year or 11.72 EUR per hour.
Can German work visa be rejected? ›If you apply for a Germany Schengen visa, you are expected to submit proof that you have the necessary funds to cover your stay as well as your return. If you could not prove you have enough financial resources, the German visa officers will reject your visa application.
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.
Is a German visa easy to get? 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.
Can I work in Germany with a foreign degree? ›In these cases the approval of the Federal Employment Agency is required. Since 1 August 2012 foreign graduates with a German or other recognized university degree or a foreign degree comparable to a German degree will be eligible to enter Germany to seek employment.
Can I work in Germany with Indian degree? ›If you have a university degree that is accepted in Germany you just need a job that pays good – and after working here for 33 months you will get a permanent residency permit.
Which subject is best for job in Germany? ›- Medicine and Dentistry. ...
- Law. ...
- Industrial Engineering. ...
- Engineering: ...
- Business Management: ...
- Humanities: ...
- Maths and Computer Sciences: ...
- Fine and Applied Arts:
How can I get 2 year PR in Germany? ›
International students who have graduated from a German university can also secure permanent residency after two years of holding a work-related permit. EU Blue card: The EU Blue Card is a residence permit valid for up to four years. It is for foreigners who have a job offer in Germany and meet specific requirements.
How can I get permanent residency after graduation in Germany? ›To qualify for this settlement permit, you must have worked in Germany for at least two years after graduation. Furthermore, the job must have matched your academic qualification received in Germany. Following graduation, you must have held a residence permit for work, self-employment, or an EU Blue Card.
Is ielts required for Germany work permit? ›English language proficiency in the form of IELTS is not an eligibility requirement for work visas in Germany. However, having an IELTS certification will significantly increase your job opportunities.
What is the easiest way to get a job in Germany? ›Job Board (Stellensuche) of the Federal Employment Agency
The BA's Stellensuche (job board) is Germany's largest online portal for jobs. You can look for jobs and enter your personal applicant profile so that German companies are able to see it and can therefore contact you directly if they are interested.
60.000 euros a year in Germany is considered a good gross salary as it is well above the average salary of 47.700 euros a year for the whole country.
Is German difficult for Indians? ›As per English-speaking people, German language is one of the easiest languages to learn and also the second most spoken foreign language in Europe. You can attend German language classes in Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, or any other well-developed city.
Is Germany PR easy for Indian? ›Germany PR process for Indian is quite simple and can be done through the following steps: Make an appointment with the German Immigration Office for the purpose of a PR application Germany. Pick up the application form and go through it carefully. Make sure you have all the required documents.
Is it hard for Indians to get a job in Germany? ›Germany is the highest job provider country with an unemployment rate of 3.9%. So, Germany can offer you high-profile jobs if you are qualified and possess the relevant skills and knowledge. If you seek employment in Germany then you must apply for a job when you are studying at a university.