What is the 18-month job-seeker visa after graduating in Germany?
Germany's 18-month Job Search Residence Permit, under Section 20, lets non-EU graduates of German universities stay and work any job while searching for career-level employment. The clock starts from your graduation date, cannot be extended, and converts into a work visa or Blue Card.
Your 18-month Job Search Residence Permit lets you stay in Germany after graduation with full, unrestricted work rights while you look for a role matching your degree. The countdown starts the day you receive your final results, not when your card is printed, and it cannot be extended. Once you land a qualifying offer, you convert straight into a work visa or Blue Card.
Key Features of the 18-Month Permit
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Duration | 18 months maximum, non-extendable |
| Clock Starts | Date of your final exam results or graduation certificate |
| Work Rights | Unlimited; full-time, part-time, or freelance |
| Conversion | Switches to Employment Visa or EU Blue Card without leaving Germany |
What You Need to Apply
- Proof of graduation from an accredited German university.
- Proof you can support yourself, through a blocked account, obligation letter, or employment contract.
- Continuous, valid health insurance coverage.
- A passport valid for the full permit duration.
My Advice
Apply for this permit at your local Auslanderbehorde the moment you get your final results, since the 18-month clock is already running by then. Take any job to cover living costs early on, but keep applying seriously for roles matching your degree, since only "qualified employment" lets you convert smoothly into a Blue Card.
How long can you stay and work after a German master's?
Post-study work rules are changing. Know what you will actually get.
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