Germany Post Study Work Visa

You can check your eligibility and requirements for Germany post study work visa, officially known as the 18-month job-search residence permit, on the official German government website. It allows eligible international graduates to stay in Germany after completing their studies and look for employment. 

This route is available to eligible non-EU/EEA graduates who meet requirements such as completing their studies, having valid health insurance and showing enough funds. After finding qualified employment, they may switch to a Skilled Worker residence permit or EU Blue Card. 

This article explains the post study work visa Germany eligibility criteria, required documents, application process and costs. It also covers how graduates can search for jobs during the 18-month period and what happens after you find the right job in Germany. 

Who Can Apply for Germany Post Study Work Visa?

Germany post study work visa eligibility requirements are quite simple when you have studied in Germany. The main condition is to meet the requirements for the job-seeking residence permit and successfully complete your recognised higher education program. 

Eligible applicants for post work visa after study in Germany for Indian students include:

• Non-EU/EEA students who have successfully completed a recognised higher education programme in Germany.
• Graduates of a recognised German university with a bachelors degree. 
• Master’s degree graduates who have successfully completed a recognised Master’s programme in Germany.
• PhD graduates who have completed their doctoral studies at a recognised German institution.
• Vocational training graduates who have completed qualified vocational training in Germany.
• Graduates who have a valid residence status in Germany and apply for the job-seeking residence permit within the required time.
• Applicants who can afford to pay their own expenses and are covered by a valid health insurance.

It is not necessary for EU/EEA citizens and citizens of Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein to apply for this permit in order to live and work in Germany.

Germany Post Study Work Visa Requirements

Knowing the eligibility criteria of a student post study work visa in Germany is important before you apply. The basic requirements are linked to your completed studies, health insurance and ability to pay for your living costs.

Here are some of the major Germany post study work visa requirements:

1. Application form: Fill out the residence permit application form. Some cities, such as Berlin, Hamburg and Munich, also offer online applications.
2. Valid passport: You need a valid passport.
3. Biometric photo: Submit a recent photo that follows German passport photo rules.
4. Current residence permit: Submit your current German student residence permit or residence card.
5. Proof of graduation: Show that you have completed your studies. You can use your final degree certificate or a provisional certificate (Abschlussbescheinigung) from your university. You do not always have to wait for your final diploma.
6. Proof of money: You must show that you have enough money to pay for your living costs while looking for a job. Depending on the local rules, this may be around €992 per month or EUR 1,091 (approximately INR 1.20 lakh) per month. You can show your money through:
   1. A blocked account (Sperrkonto)
   2. An employment contract and payslips
   3. A Verpflichtungserklärung, which is a financial guarantee from someone living in Germany
7. Health insurance: You must have valid health insurance with no gap in coverage. Your student insurance may need to change after graduation, so check with your insurance provider.
8. Proof of address: You will need a Meldebescheinigung (proof of address) in Germany.
9. Rental documents: In addition, you might need your rental contract and Wohnungsgeberbestätigung (confirmation from your landlord). 

Other Important Points

Here are some other key points that need to be kept into consideration while applying for Germany post study work visa. 

• Apply before student permit expires: Begin process promptly after final exam results or graduation notification.
• Apply in Germany: Make an application with the Ausländerbehörde (German immigration office) in your locality.
• Stay for up to 18 months: The permit allows eligible graduates to stay in Germany for up to 18 months to look for a job. 
• You can work: You can work during this period while searching for a suitable long-term job.
• Fee: The application usually costs around EUR 75-100 (approximately INR 8,276-11,034), depending on the city.
• Processing time: The electronic residence card (eAT) may take around 4-6 weeks, but the actual time can vary.

Note: The exact Germany post study work visa requirements can vary between cities. Always check with your local Ausländerbehörde before applying.

If you want to know about other types of visas then you may have a look at:

• Germany Job Seeker Visa
• Germany Study Visa

Germany Post Study Work Visa Application Process

The application process for Germany post study work visa starts after you complete your studies. You should plan it early instead of waiting until your student residence permit is about to expire.

Here is the step by step breakdown on how you can apply for Germany post study work visa easily. 

Step 1: Complete Your Studies

First, you need to successfully complete your degree or higher education programme in Germany.

You will need proof of your completed studies when applying for the job-seeking residence permit.

Step 2: Collect the Required Documents

Prepare your important documents before starting the application. These may include:

• Passport
• Proof of completed studies
• Health insurance proof
• Proof of financial support
• Current residence permit
• Passport-size photographs, where required
• Application form and other local documents

Your local authority may ask for additional documents.

Step 3: Get in touch with the Local Ausländerbehörde

The Ausländerbehörde is the foreigners authority body for your area of residence.

Call the office you registered and find out how to apply. 

Contact the office where you are registered and check how you need to apply. Some authorities provide online applications, while others may use an appointment system.

Step 4: Submit Your Application

Submit your application and supporting documents before your student residence permit expires.

The application method and appointment process can differ between cities, so follow the instructions given by your local authority.

Step 5: Receive Your Residence Permit

If your application is approved, you can receive a residence permit for job seeking for up to 18 months.

This is the main Germany post study work visa duration for graduates who use this route. During this period, you can look for suitable employment in Germany. 

Step 6: Start Your Job Search

Once you have the permit, start applying for career opportunities in Germany that match your education and career goals.

One useful point is that during the job-search period, you are allowed to take up employment. The official German government website states that graduates can work in any occupation while looking for qualified employment. 

Germany Post Study Work Visa Cost

The cost of Germany post study work visa can depend on the local authority and the type of application. Since the application is for a residence permit, you should check the current fee with your local Ausländerbehörde before applying.

The following table includes estimated costs with the expenses that may occur during Germany post study work visa application.

The EUR 1,091 (approximately INR 1.20 lakh) per month is proof of financial support, not an application fee. If you already have an eligible employment contract, you may not need to deposit the full amount in a blocked account.