Post Study Work Visa Germany: Duration & Requirement for International Students

Germany boasts 5 educational institutions that rank within the top 100 of the QS World University Rankings 2025. What’s more? Ranked 15th on the World Peace Index 2024, the country has become home to over 42,997 Indian students in the 2023-24 academic year.

The thriving job market blooming with opportunities combined with stunning natural beauty, magnificent architecture, and a vibrant cultural scene makes studying in Germany a top choice among Indian students. 

But wait, that’s not all! Another compelling reason for Indian students to choose the hub of academic and research excellence is the availability of post-study work visa opportunities.

The visa is valid for 18 months. Its purpose is to help you transition from academic life to the professional world hassle-free, enabling you to acquire valuable work experience in your desired field. 

This guide will help you explore the eligibility criteria, steps on how to obtain a German work permit after a master’s, the application process and requirements, and numerous benefits of the post-study work visa in Germany. Keep reading for more!

Key Highlights

Here is a snapshot of all the essential aspects of the post study work visa in Germany, including eligibility requirements, visa duration, and application fees.

Key Highlights	Details
Germany Post Study Work Visa Duration	18 months
Cost of Post Study Work Visa in Germany	INR 6,780 (EUR 75)
Germany Post Study Work Visa Requirements and Eligibility	Must have completed a degree programme at a recognised German university Personal ID and Passport
Benefits of a Post Study Work Visa in Germany for International Students	Pathway to permanent residency access Career and job opportunities Improve language proficiency

What is the Purpose of a Post Study Work Visa in Germany?

Are you dreaming of pursuing a career at the forefront of innovation? Do you have the ambition to work for industry leaders like Siemens, Bosch, and BMW? If so, you can apply for a post study work visa in Germany. 

Indian students who have completed a full-time course in Germany are eligible to work in the country under the post study work visa guidelines. This period is in addition to the study duration specified in your German Study Visa. 

To find employment related to your field of study, you can apply for an extended 18-month job-seeking visa, commonly referred to as a post study work visa or a temporary residence permit. 

The 18-month timespan starts as soon as you officially graduate. This additional period offers a valuable opportunity for you to gain work experience without restrictions on the type of job you can apply for. 

It’s important to note that the job seeker visa in Germany is not a work permit itself. Rather, it provides the opportunity to apply for a work visa or residence permit once employment is secured. On the other hand, if you have found a suitable job, you can apply for a residence permit for qualified employment or an EU Blue Card. These permits allow you to stay in Germany while you work (more details in the upcoming sections).

Keep reading to explore how the post study work visa in Germany can open doors for highly stable job roles for you.

Top 4 Benefits of a Post Study Work Visa in Germany for International Students

Did you know that according to research by AECC, international students are significantly influenced by career prospects and post-study work rights when evaluating their study abroad options? 

About 1 in 6 surveyed students reported changing their destination preference in the past 12 months. Among those students, interest in Germany had increased by 36%, largely due to career prospects and post-study work rights.

Undoubtedly, the post study work visa in Germany offers numerous benefits that make it an attractive option for international students. 

Read on to explore some of the topmost advantages of a post study work visa in Germany for international students. 

1. It is Your Pathway to Permanent Residency Access

The 18-month post study work visa in Germany not only enables you to gain practical experience in your field of study but also serves as a crucial pathway to obtaining permanent residency.

Many students use this opportunity to establish themselves in the German job market and build professional connections, significantly contributing to the eligibility for permanent residency.

2. It Boosts Your Career and Creates Job Opportunities

As of April 2024, approximately 45.8 million individuals were employed in Germany. According to preliminary figures from the Federal Statistical Office (Destatis), the seasonally adjusted number of employed persons increased by 25,000 (+0.1%) compared to the previous month.

This number proves that there is a wide range of job opportunities, particularly in STEM fields. Applying for a post study work visa in Germany can therefore be advantageous, offering a promising start to careers in a strong economy.

Also Read: List of Public Universities in Germany

3. It Improves Your Language Proficiency

According to the DAAD study, 86% of international students in Germany reported improving their intercultural skills during their stay, while 82% mentioned enhancing their language abilities. 

Additionally, 79% indicated gaining a better understanding of German and German culture, and 72% expressed gaining a deeper understanding of European and European culture. 

Undoubtedly, staying in Germany with a post study work visa offers the opportunity to learn the German language and culture, which is essential for securing meaningful employment. 

4. Access to Healthy German Work Culture

With a post study work visa In Germany, you can experience a work culture that emphasises the well-being of employees. The “German Work of Hours Act” safeguards workers’ rights and well-being. 

According to this, employees are limited to a maximum of 8 hours per day and 48 hours per week. Furthermore, you are entitled to at least 30 minutes of rest for every six hours worked, ensuring your overall health and productivity.

Eligibility Criteria to Apply for the Post Study Work Visa in Germany

Now that you know you can seek a job related to your studies after graduating if you wish to stay in Germany, understanding the eligibility criteria is crucial for securing your post-study work visa.

Read on to know the key eligibility criteria that must be met to obtain a post study work visa in Germany for 18 months.

• You must have completed a degree programme at a recognised German university. 
• Non-Indian nationals must present valid residence permits for India.
• Present proof of accommodation, such as rental contracts or hotel reservations.
• You must have good knowledge of the German language, which is usually assessed through standardised tests such as TestDaF or DSH.
• Present personal ID and passport. 

Please note that it is important to have a passport that is valid for the intended duration of your stay.

Once you obtain the post study work visa in Germany, you can utilise the 18 months to seek employment related to your field of study. During this period, you are permitted to take on any necessary work to support yourself financially while searching for suitable employment.

Germany Post Study Work Visa Requirements

Did you know: If you have completed your higher education studies in Germany as an international student and then returned to your home country, you can still apply for a job seeker visa to find employment in Germany? This visa permits you to enter Germany for a period of up to 6 months to search for employment.

However, unlike an extended residence permit of 18 months, the job seeker visa does not grant you the right to work during your job search period. 

You must fulfil certain fundamental requirements to obtain an 18-month post study work visa in Germany. 

Here are the key German post study work visa requirements. 

• Proof that you hold a health insurance policy. You have the option to purchase health insurance either from a private company in India or buy a policy from an insurance provider in Germany. Please note: Public health insurance costs in Germany range from INR 10.7K to INR 11.6K (€120 to €130) per month.
• Proof of funds to support your cost of living while you look for a job. You must demonstrate that you have approximately INR 83.7K (€934) per month, or INR 10L (€11,208) for the entire year, to cover expenses such as accommodation, food, insurance, transportation, and other essentials.
• Provide proof of having travel insurance with a minimum coverage of INR 26.8L (€30,000) for medical expenses.
• Submit evidence of any documentation, such as a CV and professional achievements, that demonstrates your relevant work experience for the German job seeker visa application.
• Passport photos must be submitted as per the guidelines specified by the German embassy. Please note that the number of photos required varies by embassy. You may need to submit up to 3 pictures.

When Should You Apply for a Post Study Work Visa?

As already mentioned, it is advisable to apply for a job seeker visa soon after completing your studies. Ideally, you should submit your application to the Foreigners’ Office 4 to 6 weeks before your student visa or student residence permit expires.

Germany Post Study Work Visa Duration

The immigration laws allow you to apply for an 18-month job seeker visa, during which you can look for any job while seeking contractual employment related to your field of study.

Additional Tip: Graduates with proficiency in German are often prioritised over those who do not. Therefore, during your university tenure, even if your studies are conducted in English, it’s beneficial to focus on improving your German language skills. 

Proficiency in German not only enhances your employment prospects but also helps you in obtaining a settlement permit more quickly. 

How to Apply for a Post Study Work Visa in Germany? 

Did you know that in 2023, 1,32,825 people applied for a German Schengen visa in India?

Feeling confident about pursuing a post-study work visa in Germany? Understanding what is expected of you as a visa applicant will enhance your chances of completing the process. 

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to apply.

1. Check eligibility: Ensure your university degree is recognised in Germany and see that you fulfil all the necessary requirements mentioned in the eligibility requirement section. 
2. Find the application office: Locate the nearest German embassy or consulate where you’ll submit your visa application.
3. Schedule an appointment: Make an appointment with the embassy or consulate. This may take several weeks, so plan accordingly. 
4. Prepare documents: Collect all the necessary documents, ensuring they meet embassy requirements. 
5. Pay visa fee: Pay the visa fee and include the payment confirmation with your application. A German job seeker visa from India costs INR 6,780 (EUR 75). Please note that you may need to pay the fee in cash or via demand drafts, depending on the requirements of the German embassy or consulate in India.
6. Submit application: On the day of your appointment, attend an interview where you might be asked about your plans to work in Germany, how long you plan to stay, etc.
7. Await decision: If approved, collect your visa to enter Germany. You must expect a processing time of around 1 to 3 months. If denied, the embassy will notify you and explain the reason.

How to Get PR (Permanent Residency) in Germany?

By now, you are familiar with all aspects of the post study work visa in Germany, including its eligibility, duration, and requirements. If you’re now wondering, “What should I do after I find employment” or “How to obtain permanent residency (PR) in Germany”, this section is for you.

The German government grants two major categories of visas to immigrants, each branching out into several sub-categories according to the purpose of stay and nature of employment. While we’ve covered the first type — a temporary residence permit or job seeker visa, let’s now discuss the residence permit for qualified employment or an EU Blue Card.

Once you have secured a job you like with a minimum one-year contract, you should apply for an EU Blue Card. This is the primary residence permit for university graduates from non-EU countries (that is, all countries that are not members of the European Union) who have graduated from German universities and wish to continue working and residing in Germany.

Here is a comparison of the temporary residence permit and EU Blue Card to help you understand their differences. 

Point of Comparison	Temporary Residence Permit	EU Blue Card
Purpose	Allows non-EU graduates to live and work in the country for 18 months post-graduation.	Primary residence permit for university graduates from non-EU countries issued for 4 years.
Duration	18 months	Initially valid for 4 years, renewable or convertible to permanent residency
Cost	INR 6,780 (EUR 75)	Issued with a period of validity of up to one year: INR 8,950 (EUR 100).

What is the EU Blue Card?

Once you have been offered a job, you are required to convert your job-seeking visa to a permanent residence permit.

The EU Blue Card is issued for a period of 4 years. However, if the employment contract is shorter, the German authorities will issue the EU Blue Card for the duration of the contract, with an additional 3 months. If the requirements are met, the card can be extended.

Here are some important details about the EU Blue Card you should know.

• To qualify for the Blue Card, you must have a university degree and a job contract in Germany lasting at least six months. The job must offer a gross annual salary of at least INR 40L (€45,300).
• The minimum gross salary requirement is lower (approximately INR 36.7L (€41,041)) for occupations facing a shortage of skilled workers, like mining managers or childcare service managers. It is important to note that your employment must be approved by the Federal Employment Agency (BA).
• The same lower salary of INR 36.7L (€41,041) applies to university graduates within 3 years of graduating.

Please note: After residing in Germany for 33 months with an EU Blue Card, you can apply for a settlement permit. This permit enables you to settle permanently in Germany.

To Conclude

The post study work visa in Germany provides you with the flexibility to live and work in the country for up to 18 months. Moreover, it acts as a pathway to permanent residency.

With over 42,997 Indians already benefiting, Germany is a land of innovation and excellence in education. Whether you’re looking to kick-start your career, gain international work experience, or eventually settle in this academically and culturally rich country, this guide has everything you need to know.

The post study work visa in Germany could be your gateway to gaining valuable work experience in your field. So, why wait any longer? Apply now and take the first step toward turning your dreams into reality.

Contact our LeapScholar Team for more information on how and when to apply for a post study work visa in Germany. 

Frequently Asked Questions