Working in Germany after graduation: Complete guide for international students
Do you dream of building your international career in Germany after completing your studies? This is excellent news: students from countries outside the European Union have the opportunity to stay and work in the country for up to 18 months after graduation. This period is a valuable bridge between academic life and a consolidated career in one of the most prosperous markets in Europe.
The 18-month period for searching for a job
After completing your studies at a German university through the program Study and Work in Germany, you have the right to request an extension of your residence permit for up to 18 months. This period is specifically aimed at finding employment related to their area of training. It should be noted that this deadline begins to run immediately after the completion of your final exams, not the graduation ceremony or receipt of the official diploma.
Therefore, we strongly recommend that you start looking for a job while you are still at university, preferably during your last semester. Many German companies offer trainee programs and vacancies for recent graduates that can be an excellent entry point into the labor market. Advance planning is critical, as those 18 months can pass quickly as you adapt to the German professional market.
Requirements for extending a residence permit
To obtain the extension of your residence permit and take advantage of these 18 months of job search, you will need to submit a series of documents to the German immigration authorities. The process is relatively simple, but requires attention to detail and proper preparation of the necessary documents.
The main documents required to apply for the extension include:
- Personal identification document and passport valid, with a current visa still in force
- Proof of graduation from a German university (diploma or official certificate)
- Proof of financial resources sufficient to remain during the search period
- Proof of health insurance valid in Germany for the entire requested period
- Request form duly completed (available at the immigration office)
- Proof of residence In the city where you are applying for the permit
- Administrative fee (the amount varies by city, normally between €50 and €110)
Types of work allowed during the search period
During your 18-month residence permit to search for employment, you have considerable flexibility as to the jobs you can pursue. Unlike the study period, when there were limitations on working hours, after graduation you can work full time in any field, while seeking a permanent position related to your academic background.
This flexibility is a great advantage, as it allows you to financially support yourself while searching for the ideal job. You can act as a freelancer, accept temporary jobs, or even work in areas unrelated to your training. The German government understands that finding the first qualified job can take time and therefore offers this possibility so that you can support yourself during the search process. When you find a position related to your field of study, you can apply for the conversion of your residence permit to a long-term work permit or even EU Blue Card, depending on your qualification and salary.
Steps to find a job in Germany
Knowing the correct strategies for seeking employment can make all the difference in your professional success in the country. In addition to technical knowledge, the command of the German language is a significant differential, even in international companies.
Following a strategic plan can accelerate your entry into the labor market:
- Improve your German curriculum (Lebenslauf): The European format is different from the Brazilian format, generally more concise and with a professional photo. Adapt it to local expectations.
- Develop your language skills: Even in positions that require English, knowledge of German is valued. Invest in intensive courses during the search period.
- Expand your network of contacts: Attend networking events, career fairs, and professional groups. In Germany, many vacancies are filled through referrals.
- Use specialized platforms: Sites like Xing, LinkedIn, StepStone, and Indeed are widely used for recruitment in Germany.
- Get ready for different selection processes: Interviews in Germany tend to be more direct and focused on technical skills, with less emphasis on soft skills than in Brazil.
Advantages of working in Germany after graduation
Build the start of your professional career in Germany after completing your studies at a University abroad offers exceptional benefits. After two years of working legally, you may qualify for permanent residence, and after a few more years, for German citizenship. The international experience in your curriculum will be highly valued, whether you decide to remain in Germany or choose to return to Brazil or work in another country later.
Financial planning during the transition period
The period between graduation and the first job in your field requires careful financial planning. It is advisable to save during your studies to have a financial reserve that covers at least three to six months of expenses. Remember that to obtain the extension of the residence permit, you will need to prove sufficient resources to maintain, generally around €853 per month (2025 value).
The cost of living in Germany varies significantly between cities. While Munich and Frankfurt are among the most expensive, cities like Leipzig, Dresden, and some in the Ruhr region offer a more affordable cost of living. Consider starting your career in mid-sized cities, where competition for vacancies may be lower and the cost of living lower.
Blocked account and health insurance: essential requirements for students
In addition to tax identification numbers, another fundamental requirement for international students in Germany is Blocked Account (Stubborn). This special account serves as financial proof required by the German government to obtain a student visa.
In 2025, the minimum amount required for a Blocked Account is €11,904, which will be released in monthly installments of €992 upon arrival in the country. This system has two main functions: to guarantee to the German authorities that you are able to support yourself and to help you manage your resources in a controlled manner during the initial adjustment period. This account must be opened before applying for a visa, through authorized banks such as Expatrio and Fintiba, which offer simplified and fully online processes for international students.
Equally important is the Health insurance, an indispensable legal requirement to study in Germany. The German system offers two main modalities:
- Public Insurance (GKV): Recommended for students up to 30 years old, with a fixed monthly fee of around €120. It offers comprehensive coverage, including unlimited appointments, hospitalizations, medications, and exams.
- Private insurance (PKV): Mandatory for students over 30 years old, with prices starting at €34.50. It offers greater flexibility, priority care, and the possibility of choosing specific doctors.
The combination of Blocked Account, health insurance and appropriate tax documentation forms the necessary basis to legally establish your student life in Germany. Planning these three elements in advance will ensure a smooth transition without bureaucratic setbacks.
Be Easy
A Be Easy helps you turn your international career dream in Germany into reality. Our specialized team offers complete guidance on the residence permit extension process, resume preparation in German format, and job search strategies. Contact us to plan each stage of your academic and professional journey in Germany, ensuring a bright future in one of the most promising markets in Europe.
