Germany Graduate Job Search Permit: 18 Months After Studying in Germany

Verification date for all rules, time limits, and thresholds below: 2026-08-31.

A graduate who successfully completes a course of study in Germany can receive a residence permit for up to 18 months to look for work if they prove that their livelihood is secured for that period, and may work while searching. Germany’s Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) states this in its official guidance for skilled workers with an academic education.

Can I work while using the 18-month residence permit?

Yes. BAMF says graduates may work during their job search and, in principle, can take any qualified employment.

That work permission should not be confused with obtaining an employment residence title after finding a job. For the employment residence route, BAMF requires a concrete job offer or an employment contract covering work that can be performed with the applicant’s academic qualification.

What are the conditions for obtaining an employment residence title?

BAMF identifies two important conditions:

1. Proof of the university degree. This can be a German university degree, a recognized foreign university degree, or a foreign university degree comparable to a German university degree.
2. Proof of employment. Submit a concrete job offer or an employment contract for a job that can be performed with that academic qualification.

Both conditions must be met. The cited BAMF passage does not state an application fee or processing time, so readers should not rely on an estimate or deadline that is not confirmed by the responsible authority.

How can I check recognition or comparability of a foreign degree?

For a foreign qualification, BAMF points to two information resources:

• The anabin database of the Standing Conference of Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs provides an overview of the equivalence of foreign academic degrees.
• The Working and Living in Germany hotline provides further information about the recognition and comparability of degrees. It also advises on the recognition of foreign vocational qualifications.

A degree does not necessarily have to be described only as formally recognized: BAMF also accepts a foreign university degree that is comparable to a German university degree as proof for the employment-residence condition described above.

Are there salary or pension conditions at age 45 or over?

For people aged 45 or over, when the relevant employment residence title is issued for the first time, the salary must correspond to at least 55 percent of the annual contribution assessment ceiling in the general pension insurance scheme. Alternatively, the applicant must provide proof of adequate pension provision.

The cited passage does not provide the euro value of that annual ceiling. The current official figure should therefore be checked before assessing eligibility.

Can I use the EU Blue Card instead?

The EU Blue Card is a subsequent employment route. BAMF states that someone who earns a certain minimum salary is legally entitled to be issued an EU Blue Card.

However, the cited guidance does not state the relevant minimum salary as a euro amount. A graduate who receives a job offer should check the current official salary threshold rather than rely on an older figure or assume that every offer qualifies.

What if my work in Germany ends before I find another job?

If your work in Germany has ended and you have not found subsequent employment, you may apply for a Chancenkarte (Opportunities Card) residence permit to look for work for up to one year.

BAMF advises contacting the immigration authority responsible for the place where you live in good time. The right to apply does not mean that issuance is automatic.

Are the one-year and 18-month periods different?

Yes. They apply to different circumstances:

Situation	BAMF guidance
No job was found before entering Germany	A graduate may come to Germany for up to one year to look for work
Studies in Germany were successfully completed and living funds are secured	A residence permit for up to 18 months may be available, with work permitted during the search
Work in Germany has ended without finding subsequent employment	The graduate may apply for a Chancenkarte for up to one year

The 18-month period is therefore tied to successful completion of studies in Germany and proof of sufficient living funds. It should not be confused with either the pre-entry job-search period or the later Chancenkarte route.

Which legal provisions does BAMF cite?

BAMF lists the following legal basis:

• Residence Act: Sections 4a, 18, 18b, and 20
• Employment Ordinance (BeschV): Section 26

This is general information. Confirm the current requirements with the German immigration authority responsible for your residence or the relevant German consulate before applying.

Sources

• BAMF – Skilled workers with an academic education

Frequently asked questions

Is the 18-month residence permit automatic?

No. BAMF conditions it on successfully completing studies in Germany and proving that your livelihood is secured for the period. The official wording is a permit for up to 18 months, not a guaranteed fixed term.

Am I allowed to work while searching for a job?

Yes. BAMF expressly says that graduates may work during the search and can, in principle, take any qualified employment.

Does a foreign degree have to be formally recognized?

For the employment-residence condition, BAMF accepts a recognized foreign university degree or a foreign university degree comparable to a German university degree. The anabin database and Working and Living in Germany hotline can help with the assessment.

What salary does the EU Blue Card require?

BAMF’s cited guidance refers to a certain minimum salary but does not state the euro amount in the relevant passage. Check the current official threshold before relying on Blue Card eligibility.

What can I do if my employment in Germany ends?

If you have not found subsequent employment, you may apply for a Chancenkarte residence permit for up to one year. BAMF advises contacting the competent local immigration authority in good time.