Germany post-graduation jobseeker residence permit

People from outside the EU, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Iceland who have successfully completed studies in Germany and wish to remain there to look for work.

• Complete studies in Germany

  Provide proof that you successfully completed your studies in Germany.

  make-it-in-germany.com · checked 5 days agoSource

• Hold a valid study permit

  The Berlin guidance specifies a valid residence permit and, for graduates, successful completion of studies held under section 16b or 16c of the Residence Act. Apply for the new permit before the study permit expires.

  service.berlin.de · checked 5 days agoSource

• Cover your living costs

  Prove that you can secure your livelihood; the route guidance states no fixed amount.

  make-it-in-germany.com · checked 5 days agoSource

• Have health insurance

  Provide proof of health insurance cover. Berlin specifies German statutory health insurance or comparable private insurance; foreign health insurance is not sufficient for its application.

  service.berlin.de · checked 5 days agoSource

• Meet public safety conditions

  Berlin requires no indications that you pose a threat to public safety or order.

  service.berlin.de · checked 5 days agoSource

• Live in Berlin if applying thereSometimes needed

  To use Berlin's application service, your main residence must be in Berlin; a second residence there is insufficient.

  service.berlin.de · checked 5 days agoSource

• Berlin: electronic residence permitservice.berlin.de · checked 5 days agoSource€100 per person
• Berlin: residence permit issued as a sticker insteadservice.berlin.de · checked 5 days agoSource€56 per person
• Berlin: Turkish nationals under 24service.berlin.de · checked 5 days agoSource€27.60 per person
• Berlin: Turkish nationals aged 24 or overservice.berlin.de · checked 5 days agoSource€46 per person

1. Get ready

   • Complete your studies in Germany

     1 day after you arrive

     Obtain a degree certificate, transcript or confirmation from your higher education institution that you successfully completed your studies.

     You’ll need: Degree certificate, transcript or university confirmation

   • Check your study permit

     1 day after you arrive

     Apply for the new residence permit before your study permit expires.

     You’ll need: Current residence permit

   • Prepare proof of your living costs

     1 day after you arrive

     Gather evidence that your livelihood is secure, such as bank statements, a third-party declaration of commitment or a scholarship.

     You’ll need: Proof of secure livelihood

   • Prepare health insurance proof

     1 day after you arrive

     Gather proof of German statutory or comparable private health insurance for the Berlin application.

     You’ll need: Health insurance confirmation or card, Private insurer’s certificate, if applicable

   • Check the documents your authority needs

     1 day after you arrive

     Ask the competent foreigners authority which documents to submit; Berlin also lists passport copies and evidence of residence and housing costs.

     You’ll need: Passport copies, Proof of residence, Proof of housing costs

2. Apply

   • Apply to the foreigners authority

     1 day after you arrive

     Submit your application before your study permit expires; applicants using Berlin's service apply online and pay the fee before submitting.

     You’ll need: Application, Current residence permit, Supporting documents

   • Save your application confirmation

     1 day after you arrive

     If applying through Berlin's online service, save the PDF confirmation issued at the end of the application.

     You’ll need: Application confirmation PDF

3. Settle in

   • Attend your appointment

     1 day after you arrive

     If Berlin assesses your application positively and gives you an appointment, bring the originals of the required documents.

     You’ll need: Original supporting documents

A residence permit for qualified employment or an EU Blue Card if the graduate obtains a qualifying job offer.

• Radware Pagemake-it-in-germany.comOfficial
• Residence permit to seek for a job following a stay in Germany - Services - Service Berlin - Berlin.deservice.berlin.deOfficial

Japper is an AI immigration assistant. It gives general information from official sources, not legal advice, and it can be wrong. For your own case, ask a licensed advisor.