Service Finder
Apply for a residence permit to look for a job after completing your studies
Service Description
As a foreign graduate of a German university, you can apply for a residence permit to look for a job following your studies.
The employment you are seeking must be one for which you are qualified on the basis of your qualifications. The desired gainful employment can also be self-employment.
This residence permit can be issued for up to 18 months. The residence permit only serves the one-time purpose of seeking employment and cannot be extended beyond this maximum period.
During the job search, any gainful employment is permitted and does not require a permit.
Process flow
- Find out whether your foreigners authority allows you to apply online or has a special application form.
- If the application can only be submitted in person, make an appointment at the Aliens' Registration Office. In the case of online application, the Aliens' Registration Office will contact you after receiving your application to schedule an appointment.
- During the appointment, your identity and documents will be checked (please bring your documents to the appointment, if possible in original).
- If your application is granted, your fingerprints will be taken for the production of a new electronic residence permit (eAT card). The Aliens' Registration Office will order the production of the eAT card from the Bundesdruckerei. After completion, you will receive information and can pick up the residence permit at the responsible office. The eAT card must always be collected in person.
- If your application is rejected, you will receive a rejection notice.
Who should I contact?
The immigration authority responsible for the applicant's place of residence.
Please contact the foreigners authority responsible for your place of residence.
Competent authority
The immigration authority responsible for the applicant's place of residence.
Requirements
- You have a recognized and valid identity document (for example, passport or passport substitute).
- You have a valid residence permit for the purpose of studying (§ 16b or § 16c of the Residence Act).
- You have successfully completed your studies in Germany and the period of validity of your residence permit will expire in the near future.
- You can secure your livelihood and health insurance coverage without claiming public benefits.
- There is no interest in deportation against you.
- Your stay does not endanger or impair the interests of the Federal Republic of Germany.
Which documents are required?
- Recognized and valid identity document (for example, passport or passport substitute).
- Visa, if it was required for entry into the country
- Current biometric photo in passport format (45 x 35 mm)
- Valid residence permit for the purpose of studies (§ 16b or § 16c of the Residence Act)
- Proof of successful completion of studies in Germany
- Proof of livelihood (e.g. employment contract, equity, blocked account, declaration of commitment)
- Proof of health insurance coverage
- Current certificate of registration
In individual cases, the Aliens Department may require less or further proof.
What are the fees?
Issuance of residence permit: EUR 100.00
Under certain conditions, a fee reduction or fee exemption may be considered.
Notes:
For the issuance of the residence permit in the form of the electronic residence title, which can also be used as an electronic proof of identity, additional fees may apply.
The time and the form of the fee collection as well as the payment vary depending on the authority.
What deadlines do I have to pay attention to?
- The residence permit should be applied for at least eight weeks before your visa or current residence permit expires.
- The residence permit is issued for a maximum of 18 months.
- Time limit for action: one month
Processing duration
It takes about 4 to 6 weeks for the Bundesdruckerei to produce the electronic residence permit.
Legal basis
Applications / forms
- An appeal against the decision of the Foreigners' Registration Office may be filed with the court specified in the decision.
Appeal
Online procedure possible in isolated cases
Written form required
Personal appearance required
What else should I know?
You can also obtain free advice on the topics of entry, residence and occupation from the hotline "Working and Living in Germany" from the Federal Government's portal for skilled workers from abroad.
Phone: 030 1815-1111
Service hours: Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Author
The text was automatically translated based on the German content.
Technically approved by
Thuringian Ministry for Migration, Justice and Consumer Protection
Professionally released on
20.01.2023
Source: Zuständigkeitsfinder Thüringen (Linie6Plus)
