Applying for a residence permit to look for a job after completing your studies

If you have successfully completed your studies in Germany, you can apply for a residence permit for up to 18 months to find a job that matches your qualifications.

As a foreign graduate of a German university, you can apply for a residence permit to look for a job after completing your studies.

The job you are looking for does not necessarily have to be one for which you are qualified. The desired employment can also be self-employment.

This residence permit can be issued for up to 18 months. The residence permit is only for the one-off purpose of looking for work and cannot be extended beyond this maximum period.

During the job search, any gainful employment is permitted and does not require a permit.

The foreigners authority responsible for your place of residence

Please contact the foreigners authority responsible for your place of residence.

• Recognized and valid identity document (for example, passport or passport substitute)
• Current biometric photo in passport format (45 x 35 mm)
• Valid residence permit for the purpose of studying (§ 16b or § 16c of the Residence Act)
• Proof of successful completion of studies in Germany
• Proof of securing one's livelihood (e.g. employment contract, equity, blocked account, declaration of commitment)
• Proof of health insurance coverage
• Current registration certificate

In individual cases, the Foreigners' Registration Office may require less or further proof.

Forms available: Yes

Written form required: Yes

Informal application possible: No

Personal appearance required: Yes

• You have a recognized and valid identity document (for example, passport or passport substitute).
• You have a valid residence permit for the purpose of studying (§ 16b or § 16c of the Residence Act).
• You have successfully completed your studies in Germany and the validity period of your residence permit will expire in the near future.
• You can secure your livelihood and health insurance coverage without using public benefits.
• There is no interest in expulsion against you.
• Your stay does not endanger or impair the interests of the Federal Republic of Germany.

Action before the locally competent administrative court

• Find out whether your immigration authority allows you to submit your application online or has a special application form.
• If the application is only possible in person, make an appointment at the Foreigners' Registration Office. In the case of an online application, the Foreigners' Registration Office will contact you upon receipt of your application to make an appointment.
• During the appointment, your identity and documents will be checked (please bring your documents, preferably original, to the appointment).
• If your request is granted, your fingerprints will be taken for the production of a new electronic residence title (eATKarte). The Foreigners' Registration Office commissions Bundesdruckerei to produce the eAT card. After completion, you will receive information and can pick up the residence permit at the responsible office. The eAT card must always be picked up in person.
• If your application is rejected, you will receive a rejection notice.

The application should be received by the Aliens' Registration Office at least 8 weeks before your valid residence permit expires.

Period of validity (for a fixed period): maximum 18 months

The residence permit is issued for a maximum of 18 months. It is not possible to extend the residence permit beyond this maximum period.

The production of the electronic residence title by Bundesdruckerei takes about 4 to 6 weeks.

Fee 98,00 EUR (Information on cost composition can be found here)