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
Table of Contents:
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 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 job in Germany on job seeker visa? ›But not everyone needs this type of visa to search for employment in Germany. You will find out the details in no time. 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 B2 enough to work in Germany? ›Working in Germany
If you´d like to work in Germany you´ll get by if your German is on level B1/B2 (online test). The certificate issued by GLS is recognized by many employers and even some universities in Germany.
Germany is a great place to work, and you will receive an 18-month visa to find full-time employment after your studies.
What is the easiest job to get in Germany? ›...
Top job openings in Germany:
- Nurses.
- Business managers.
- Account managers.
- Production assistants.
- Sales managers, representatives.
- Product managers.
- Architects.
- Civil engineers.
Depending on the German federal state, level B1 or B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) is required.
Which country gives work visa easily? ›South Korea. For native speakers of the English language, South Korea is one of the easiest countries to get a work visa to. This is because of its E2 teaching visa, which allows you to move to South Korea and teach English with only a bachelor's degree.
Which skill is high in demand in Germany? ›Mechanical Engineering
Mechanical Engineers have always been in high demand in Germany. And it's well-known fact that studying Mechanical Engineering in Germany is one of the most sought-after dreams for many international students. And there is a reason for this.
Proof of Funds: You must have sufficient funds to support your stay. It includes coverage of monthly expenses and health insurance. You must have at least 720 EUR (62,436.33 INR) per month.
Is German B1 enough for job? ›B1 is one of the central requirements for non-EU-citizens to start working in Germany directly. With B1 you also may apply for an apprenticeship in order to learn a German profession in Germany.
What is A1 A2 B1 B2 C1 C2 German? ›
The European Framework of Reference for Languages divides language ability into six levels (A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, C2). Level A1 is the beginner level, B1 and B2 are roughly intermediate level, C1 and C2 represent a good to perfect language mastery, which comes very close to a native speaker, especially in C2.
Can I reach German B2 in 3 months? ›B2 also takes around 3 months if you spend around 8 hours a week. P.S.: There are some people who are good at learning languages and remembering stuff who finished it all in 3-4 months. It all depends on how easy this comes to you and how much time you're spending on it.
Can I convert my student visa to work visa 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.
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.
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.
As of October 1st, 2022, the minimum wage in Germany is 12,00 euros per hour.
Which jobs are in shortage in Germany? ›The German government clarified that they are hoping to attract both academic and vocational skills. Other jobs listed on the government website that are listed as in-demand include physicians and scientists. A shortage of metallurgy workers and builders has previously been reported.
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.
Is working in Germany easy? ›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 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.
Which 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.
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.
Which country is hardest to get work visa? ›- China.
- Russia.
- Saudi Arabia.
- Bhutan.
- Pakistan.
- Nigeria.
- Turkmenistan.
- Iran.
- Iran.
- Turkmenistan.
- Chad.
- Bhutan.
- Saudi Arabia.
- Afghanistan.
- Somalia.
- North Korea.
- 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.
- Medicine and Dentistry.
- Law.
- Industrial Engineering.
- Engineering.
- Mathematics and Computer Science.
- Natural Sciences.
- Business and economics.
- Architecture.
The greatest demand in Germany is for the following professions: 1. Doctors. Doctors in private medical institutions have a high salary.
How much bank balance is required for Germany? ›As soon as your account is ready, you have to deposit at least 11.208 euros into it. Once you've arrived in Germany, you should make an appointment in a branch office of your bank.
Can I apply to German visa without job offer? ›If you are from Australia, Israel, Japan, Canada, South Korea, New Zealand or the USA, you do not need a work visa to enter Germany, nor do you need to have a job offer prior to entering Germany. But you do need to apply for a residence permit at the Foreigners' Office upon your arrival in Germany.
Can I take my family to Germany on job seeker visa? ›No, you cannot take your family along with you to Germany on a job seeker visa. After you get a job, you need to apply for a work permit.
Is German B1 difficult? ›
Hi, B1 is the beginning of the Intermediate level as a Deutsch speaker. So, by this time you should be able to carry out basic level conversations and form simple sentences since you would have already completed A2. B1 takes you further deeper in verbs and complex sentence structure.
How tough is German B1 exam? ›The listening exam was hard, not just for me but for the other people taking the exam as well. There was one text in particular where they had two girls chatting, and they sounded so similar that it was hard to work out who was who... and by the time I figured it out, I had already had to guess three or four questions.
Can I get to B1 German in 3 months? ›The German B1 level, also known as the intermediate level, It will take you at least 80 hours per week (a total of 4 weeks) to finish your German B1.
Is German B2 level easy? ›It is not at all difficult to pursue B2 level with graduation. I finished my C2 when I was in my second year of graduation. I used to take breaks for the courses only during my exam months and did not take admission during those times.
Is B2 level German fluent? ›B2 is the first level that means that you can speak really fluent and understand 80% of the situations that you find yourself in repeatedly. You can prepare yourself for the exam and even see a sample of the language level here.
Is C1 German Easy? ›It won't be hard, but it needs some time. Learning a language isn't rocket science, you don't need much logic in it. By practicing everyday and memorizing new words, you will feel your progress in less than 2 months. It will take about a year or so to reach C1 level.
How many hours is A1 in German? ›On average, it takes the following amount of time to achieve the next language level: A1: approx. 150 hours of lessons.
How do I pass a German test? ›- Strategies on how to pass the A1 German Language Test.
- Easily answer every part of the test.
- Avoid red flags on making a mistake.
- Write a letter fast and easy.
- Boost your knowledge in all parts of the test.
- Practice those exams skills as often as you can. ...
- Find your areas of weakness e.g. close questions in reading and spend a bit more time understanding how to approach the question.
- Keep reading – it teaches you so much and your English levels will improve.
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.
Is it easy to get a job in Germany for international students? ›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.
Do German companies hire international students? ›There are plenty of major companies in Germany that offer attractive student jobs in Germany for (international) students, and even universities provide ample work for students alongside their studies.
How many years can I stay in Germany after graduation? ›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.
Which is the cheapest city to live in Germany? ›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.
What jobs are needed in Germany right now? ›- IT Specialists.
- Scientists.
- Electrical Engineers.
- Data Scientists/Analysts.
- Nurses and Senior Care Workers.
- Software Developers.
- IT Consultants/Analysts.
- Mathematicians.
Berlin - one of the economic hubs of the world
The living costs in Berlin are higher than in other cities, however, the average salary is also significantly higher than in most German cities. Most companies in Berlin provide various employment benefits as well which helps to make life easier.
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.
Is getting a job in Germany Tough? ›Germany has one of the lowest unemployment rates in the European Union. The country has a very attractive job market for qualified workers as their highly competitive companies are always in need of well-trained employees. After officially completing your degree, you will have 18 months to find a job.
Can an average student get job in Germany? ›Can I work while studying in Germany? Studying and working is perfectly OK in Germany. However, there are limits to how many hours you can work before being required to pay full insurance contributions.
Which degree has more job opportunities in Germany? ›
Some engineering fields offer good career prospects, such as mechanical engineering, structural engineering, computer science engineering, electrical engineering, automotive engineering, and telecommunications.
Which profession has shortage in Germany? ›- Automotive Engineering.
- Computer Science Engineering.
- Electrical Engineering.
- Structural Engineering.
- Mechanical Engineering.
- Telecommunications.
- You'll have to tackle a lot of bureaucracy. ...
- Lack of digitalisation and modernisation. ...
- High tax and insurance contributions. ...
- Germans can seem unfriendly. ...
- The language barrier can be a struggle. ...
- It can be hard to find a place to live. ...
- Not everyone is a fan of the weather. ...
- Things have to be done a certain way.
A recent survey by American research institute Gallup has revealed that 40 percent of people working in Germany have been feeling stressed recently. For the “State of the Global Workplace 2022” report, more than 105.000 employees from 146 different countries were asked about their working life.
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 |
- Research scholars.
- Research assistants/academic assistants.
- Support staff.
- Teaching English as an English tutor.
- Industrial production assistants.
- Medicine and Dentistry.
- Law.
- Industrial Engineering.
- Engineering.
- Mathematics and Computer Science.
- Natural Sciences.
- Business and economics.
- Architecture.
According to the StepStone Salary Report 2021 (Stepstone Gehaltsreport 2021), the average gross salary in Germany amounts to €56,985. But most Germans consider a salary ranging between €64,253 and €81,503 a good salary.
What is the most common job in Germany? ›- Software developer and programmer.
- Electronics engineer, electrician.
- Healthcare worker and nurse.
- IT consultant, IT analyst.
- Economist, business administrator.
- Account manager, client consultant.
- Production assistant.
- Sales representative, sales assistant.