Can I stay in Germany to work after graduating? The 18-month job-seeker permit
Short answer
Possibly, if you meet the conditions. After you finish a degree in Germany on a student permit, section 20 of the Residence Act (Aufenthaltsgesetz) provides for a residence permit of up to 18 months to look for work. It requires that your living costs are secured.
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What does the law allow after your degree?
Finish a degree in Germany on a student permit (section 16b or 16c) and section 20 of the Residence Act says you can be granted a residence permit to look for work.
The law attaches these conditions:
- You must have successfully completed your degree in Germany.
- Your living costs must be secured. This is a requirement for the permit.
- The permit is granted for up to 18 months.
- The law also ties the permit to work that foreigners are allowed to take up. Check the details with the Ausländerbehörde (foreigners' office).
Sources for this part1
How is this different from your student permit?
Your student permit is for studying. Section 16b grants it for full-time study at a university or a comparable institution once you are admitted.
It is normally issued for two years. It is extended if the purpose of the stay is not yet reached but can be reached in a reasonable time, and DAAD says the extension must be applied for in good time before it ends.
Section 20 is a separate provision, and its purpose is looking for work once you have finished. The law says it is granted to a graduate who meets the conditions above.
Should you mention this at the visa interview?
If the officer asks what you plan to do after your studies, you can say you want to look for work in Germany. Section 20 allows a permit of up to 18 months for that.
Say it only if it's true.
Sources for this part1
Reading the answer is the easy part. Say it out loud.
The officer will ask about this. Answer in your own words, then read what your answer missed. Your first practice interview is free.
Practise saying it out loudPeople also ask
What is the job-seeker permit for graduates in Germany?
Section 20 of the Residence Act provides a residence permit to look for work after you finish a degree in Germany. It is granted for up to 18 months. 1
How long can I stay in Germany to look for a job after my degree?
Section 20 of the Residence Act allows a permit of up to 18 months for job searching after a degree completed in Germany. 1
Do I need money to stay for the job search?
Yes. The law says the permit requires that your living costs are secured. 1
Sources
- 1Residence Act, section 20 (job seeking)OfficialGerman Federal Ministry of Justice · checked 29 Oct 2026
- 2Residence Act, section 16b (study)OfficialGerman Federal Ministry of Justice · checked 29 Oct 2026
- 3Residence Permit & Address RegistrationOfficialDAAD · checked 29 Oct 2026
Official is the embassy or a German government page. Applicant reports are what applicants say happened at their appointment. Secondary is everything else we checked.
General information, not legal advice. VisaRoom isn't connected to any embassy or government, and only the embassy decides on your visa. Something out of date? Tell us.