Work & Settlement in Germany

The number of international students staying in Germany after graduation continues to increase. According to 2014 statistics by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), 50% of international students decide to remain in Germany for work. Germany is one of the countries with the lowest unemployment rate in Europe, offering abundant job opportunities across all sectors. As long as you hold a German university degree, securing employment in the country is generally not difficult. Moreover, the German government and society warmly welcome highly skilled international workers, especially in fields such as Pharmacy, Engineering, Information Technology, and Science.

Working after graduation

International students from non-EU countries are allowed to stay in Germany for up to 18 months after graduation to look for employment. Once you have completed your studies, you are required to apply for a new residence permit for the purpose of job seeking or employment.

The residence permit for job seeking allows you to remain in Germany for up to 18 months after graduation. The 18-month period typically begins on the last day of your academic program, provided that you have already contacted the Immigration and Residence Office to complete all required procedures and submit all necessary documents.

This is an ideal period to find a suitable full-time job. During your job search, you are allowed to take on any number of temporary or part-time jobs in order to support yourself financially while waiting for an official employment offer.

If the 18-month period ends and you have still not secured a suitable position, or if you studied in Germany under a sponsored scholarship program requiring you to return home after graduation but wish to return to Germany for employment, the Job Seeker Visa provides another opportunity. This visa allows you to return to Germany for six months to search for work in your qualified field. However, you are not permitted to work during this time and must demonstrate sufficient financial resources to support yourself for the entire six-month job search period. Once you secure a suitable job offer, you will need to change your residence status from “study” or “job seeker” to “employment.” Ideally, you should already have a work contract before scheduling an appointment with the Immigration Office. The case officer will review your employment contract, job responsibilities, contract duration, salary level, and assess whether the job corresponds appropriately to your qualifications and field of study.

Some tips for job searching in Germany

Start applying as early as possible – ideally in your final semester;
Ensure your application stands out;
Make full use of support from your university: career counseling, job fairs, networking events, etc;
Improve your German language skills. Even if your degree program is taught entirely in English, basic German proficiency is essential for long-term employment and everyday life. It also demonstrates your commitment to working in Germany;
Arrive early for interviews. Punctuality is highly valued in German culture;
Visit the interview location in advance to familiarize yourself with the route and avoid unexpected delays.

Useful job-search websites in Germany

Research Jobs in Germany: research-in-germany.org/careers
The Local: thelocal.de/jobs/
Stellenboersen: stellenboersen.de/

Settlement

To qualify for the EU Blue Card and remain in Germany for long-term employment after graduation, applicants must meet strict conditions. Beyond holding an excellent German university degree, the job must fall within one of Germany’s priority fields and offer a minimum annual salary of €49,600. Certain exceptions apply, and the German government offers more flexible requirements for professionals in Science, Mathematics, Engineering, IT, and Medicine, with a reduced minimum annual salary of €38,688.

Make it in Germany is an official government information platform founded by the Federal Ministry of Labour in cooperation with various German government agencies. Its aim is to attract global talent for long-term contribution to Germany’s workforce. Since its launch in 2012, it has attracted over two million users from 200 countries worldwide. The platform provides guidance on visa procedures, settlement options, and family immigration rules. A special Quick Check tool helps assess your eligibility for working and settling in Germany based on your qualifications.

Which professions are in high demand?

As Europe’s industrial hub, Germany continuously seeks engineers across all fields, IT specialists, and natural scientists. Healthcare positions such as doctors and nurses are also in high demand due to an aging population.

Below is a list of the 10 most in-demand job roles in Germany according to DEKRA Akademie 2018: