How can I, as a foreign student, stay and work in Germany after completing my studies?
March 13, 2024 | 50,00 EUR | answered by Leonie Eiserfelder
Dear lawyer,
My name is Max Voigt and I am a foreign student here in Germany. I am currently in the last semester of my studies and I am very worried about what will happen after I graduate. My wish is to stay in Germany after my studies and work here.
I have heard that there are various options for foreign students to stay in Germany. For example, I have heard about the possibility of applying for a residence permit for job search. But I am wondering if this is really the right path for me and if there are other options that I should consider.
I am also concerned about whether my current visa will expire automatically after my studies or if I need to take any action to extend my stay in Germany. I definitely want to avoid being forced to leave the country after my studies.
Therefore, I would like to ask you what steps I need to take to stay in Germany and work here after my studies. What requirements do I need to meet and what documents do I need to provide? Are there any specific deadlines I need to be aware of? And what other options are there to extend my stay in Germany?
Thank you in advance for your help and support.
Sincerely,
Max Voigt
Dear Mr. Voigt,
Thank you for your inquiry regarding your stay after completing your studies in Germany. It is good that you are thinking early on about how to legally extend your stay here in order to remain and work in Germany after your studies.
One option that you have already mentioned is applying for a residence permit for job seeking. This permit allows you to stay in Germany for up to 18 months after your studies in order to find a suitable job. To obtain this permit, you must demonstrate that you are able to support yourself financially during this time. Additionally, you must prove that you are actively searching for jobs and making efforts to find a position that matches your studies.
Another option is applying for a residence permit for employment after your studies. This permit allows you to work in Germany if you have received a suitable job offer. It is important that the employment contract meets legal requirements and that you have sufficient knowledge of German to perform your job.
It is important to note that your visa will not be automatically extended after completing your studies. You must take action and apply for an extension of your stay. You should contact the Foreigners' Registration Office early on and submit all necessary documents. Possible documents may include your valid passport, your diploma, proof of health insurance, and potentially an employment contract.
There are also other ways to extend your stay in Germany, such as applying for a Blue Card EU for highly qualified professionals or a residence permit for humanitarian reasons. It is advisable to inform yourself early on about the various options and take appropriate steps in a timely manner.
I hope this information is helpful and answers your questions. If you need further assistance or more detailed information, I am happy to help.
Best regards,
Leonie Eiserfelder
Immigration Lawyer
