After graduating from a German university, international students can apply for an 18-month job-seeking visa (Aufenthaltserlaubnis zur Arbeitsplatzsuche). This visa allows you to stay in Germany after graduation to look for full-time employment related to your field of study. This guide explains eligibility, required documents, how to apply, and what you can—and cannot—do during this period.
What Is the 18-Month Job Seeking Visa?
The job-seeking visa gives graduates:
• up to 18 months to find qualified employment
• permission to work any job (including non-qualified work) during the search
• the opportunity to switch to a work visa (or Blue Card) once they receive an offer
This is one of the most valuable benefits of studying in Germany.
Who Is Eligible?
You qualify if you:
• graduated from a German university (Bachelor, Master, or PhD)
• have received your official degree certificate (or confirmation of graduation)
• currently hold a valid student residence permit
• can prove sufficient financial resources
• have valid health insurance
Students from universities of applied sciences (Fachhochschule) and private universities are also eligible.
Required Documents for the Application
Although requirements vary slightly by city, you typically need:
• passport
• biometric passport photos
• current residence permit
• degree certificate or official confirmation of graduation
• proof of health insurance (public or private)
• proof of financial resources, such as:
• bank statements
• job contract (mini-job or part-time)
• blocked account (Sperrkonto)
• rental contract or proof of address (Meldebescheinigung)
• application form (available on your city’s immigration office website)
• fee: usually €100
How to Apply (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Book an Appointment
Visit your local Ausländerbehörde website.
Appointments can take weeks or months, so book early.
Step 2: Gather All Required Documents
Ensure copies + originals are ready.
Step 3: Attend the Appointment
Bring all documents.
They may ask about:
• your field of study
• your job search strategy
• your living situation
• your financial stability
Step 4: Receive Temporary Permission (Fiktionsbescheinigung)
If processing takes time, you may receive a Fiktionsbescheinigung that allows you to stay and work until the residence card arrives.
Step 5: Receive Your Residence Permit
Your new residence card typically arrives in 4–8 weeks.
What You Can Do With the Job Seeking Visa
✔ Work Any Job (Full-Time or Part-Time)
You can work:
• student jobs
• minijobs
• part-time jobs
• full-time jobs (even unrelated to your degree)
This gives you financial flexibility during your search.
✔ Stay in Germany up to 18 Months
The countdown begins the day you officially graduate (not the day you apply).
✔ Apply for Full-Time Qualified Positions
Once you receive a qualified job offer, you can switch to:
• EU Blue Card
• Skilled Worker Visa
• ICT Visa
• Regular employment visa
✔ Attend Job Interviews & Career Events
You can travel inside Germany freely for job-related activities.
What You Cannot Do
✘ You cannot extend the 18 months beyond the limit
Once the 18 months are over, extension is not possible.
✘ You cannot leave Germany for long periods
Long absences may cause the visa to become invalid.
✘ You cannot study full-time on this visa
The purpose is job searching, not full study programs.
✘ You cannot switch fields completely
Your qualified job must be related to your degree when applying for the next visa (Blue Card or skilled worker visa).
Tips for a Successful Job Search During the Visa Period
• start applying before you graduate
• update your CV to German standards
• build a strong LinkedIn profile
• check job portals daily (LinkedIn, Indeed, StepStone)
• attend university career fairs
• get recommendation letters from professors
• enroll in German language courses (highly recommended)
Financial Tip
If you work full-time during the search period, do not earn too little—your salary can affect future visa options like the Blue Card.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
• waiting too long to apply
• not having proof of financial resources
• missing health insurance documents
• misunderstanding that the 18 months start after graduation, not after approval
• assuming any job qualifies you for the Blue Card (it must match your field)
• traveling too long outside Germany
• not checking local immigration requirements
Summary
The 18-month job-seeking visa allows graduates of German universities to:
• remain in Germany
• work freely
• search for qualified employment
• transition to work visas like the Blue Card
To make the most of this opportunity:
• gather documents early
• maintain valid insurance
• stay financially stable
• begin job applications before graduation
With good preparation, the 18-month period is more than enough to secure a strong job offer and continue your future in Germany.