Can I stay in Germany after graduating?
The short answer: Yes. After a successful degree in Germany you can get a residence permit to look for a job [1]. It is issued for up to 18 months and cannot be extended beyond that [1]. During that time you may take up any kind of work [2].
What do I need?
- A successful degree from a university in Germany, completed with a residence permit for study [1].
- Your living costs must be covered while you look for work [1].
- Talk to your foreigners authority in good time before your residence permit for study ends.
What can I do during the search?
- You may take up any form of work, also to pay for your living costs [2].
- The search is meant for a job that matches your qualification [2].
- Berlin, for example, also issues the permit to prepare founding a company or working as a freelancer [3].
Frequently asked questions
Can I extend the 18 months?
No. The law rules out any extension beyond 18 months [1].
Sources
- Residence Act (Aufenthaltsgesetz), section 20, retrieved 15 October 2026. https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/aufenthg_2004/__20.html
- Federal Office for Migration and Refugees, studying in Germany, retrieved 15 October 2026. https://www.bamf.de/EN/Themen/MigrationAufenthalt/ZuwandererDrittstaaten/Bildung/Studium/studium-node.html
- Landesamt für Einwanderung Berlin, residence for study (in German), retrieved 15 October 2026. https://www.berlin.de/einwanderung/aufenthalt/studium/
The ClioAI editorial team · Published 15 October 2026 · Last checked 15 October 2026
This text was written with AI assistance and reviewed by the ClioAI editorial team. How our texts are made (in German). Spotted a mistake? Write to kontakt@getclio.ai.
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This page gives a general overview and is not legal advice. Binding are the Residence Act and the decision of your foreigners authority.
