Work visa in Germany: comparing options for 2025 graduates
Turning your dream of working in Germany after graduation into reality requires knowledge about the visa options available. In 2025, there are different paths for professionals who wish to remain or return to the country in search of opportunities. Understanding the key differences between these options can be crucial to the success of your international journey.
Visa extension for recent graduates: 18 months of opportunities
For international students completing their studies at a German university, there is excellent news. It is possible to apply for an extension of the student visa by up to 18 months to seek employment related to your area of training. This option was created specifically to facilitate graduates' transition to the German labor market.
The main advantage of this visa is the permission to work no time restrictions during the entire search period. This means that you can accept full-time jobs, which makes it much easier to cover living costs (estimated at €992 monthly in 2024) while looking for a permanent position in your area. For those who wish to expand their professional experiences, the program Study and Work in Germany offers full support in this important transition.
Chancenkarte: 12 months for qualified professionals
O Chancenkarte, introduced in June 2024, represents an interesting alternative for qualified professionals who have not studied in Germany. This visa allows a stay of up to 12 months to search for qualified employment in the country, with some important differences in relation to the extension for graduates.
To qualify for Chancenkarte, you need to meet specific requirements:
- Have a professional qualification (minimum 2 years) or a recognized university degree
- Demonstrate proficiency in German (minimum A1) or English (minimum B2)
- Earn at least 6 points in the system based on qualifications, languages, and other factors
- Prove financial means to support yourself during your stay
- Have valid health insurance in Germany
The main limitation of this visa compared to the extension for graduates is the work permit: with the Chancenkarte, you can only work part-time (maximum 20 hours a week), which may impact your ability to self-finance while searching for qualified employment.
Standard job search visa: 6 months without permission to work
For those who completed their studies in Germany, returned to the country of origin and wishes to return to look for a job, there is a standard job search visa option. This visa lasts 6 months and is intended solely for the search for professional opportunities.
The main feature of this visa is the absence of permission to work during its term. This means that you will need to prove sufficient financial means to remain in the country during the entire period not counting local income. In 2025, this represents approximately €992 per month, generally demonstrated through a blocked account (Sperrkonto) or financial guarantee.
This option is less advantageous than the previous ones due to the shorter period and the impossibility of supplementing income while seeking employment. However, it can be a valuable alternative for those who have already left Germany and want to return with a specific purpose of finding qualified work in the country.
Detailed comparison of visa options
Understanding the specific differences between visa options makes it easier to choose the alternative that best suits your profile and objectives. See the main characteristics of each one:
- 18-month extension for graduates:
- Duration: 18 months
- Work Permit: Unrestricted (full-time)
- Key requirements: German university degree, livelihood, health insurance
- Process: Relatively simple, with automatic approval if requirements are met
- Chancenkarte (12 months):
- Duration: 12 months
- Work permit: Part-time (maximum 20 hours per week)
- Key requirements: Scoring system (minimum 6 points), recognized qualification, language proficiency
- Process: More complex, requires proof of several factors
- Standard 6-month visa:
- Duration: 6 months
- Work Permit: Not Allowed
- Key requirements: Proof of financial means (€1,091/month in 2025)
- Process: Requires considerable financial planning
Important factors when choosing the ideal visa
German language proficiency is critical to maximizing your chances of success. Be Easy offers a exclusive program for learning German at home with a methodology that develops fluency up to 8 times faster than traditional methods. The program includes live classes with native teachers and certification recognized by German companies and institutions - a decisive differential for visa and hiring processes.
Another relevant aspect is the German labor market, which values qualified professionals, especially in technical areas, engineering, IT and health. Having qualifications in these areas can facilitate your professional integration regardless of the visa option chosen. The program University abroad may be an excellent way to achieve these qualifications at recognized German institutions.
Be Easy
A Be Easy specializes in advising Brazilians who wish to study and work in Germany, offering full support in choosing the visa that best suits their profile. Our team of specialists assists in the entire process, from the preparation of the documentation to the adaptation in the country. Contact us for a personalized consultation and discover how to turn your international career dream into reality!
