Staying in Germany after graduation is possible for a limited time with a residence permit for job seekers. Under the Residence Act (Aufenthaltsgesetz, AufenthG), this permit can be granted for up to 18 months, which gives graduates time to look for work that fits their qualification. This guide explains who can apply, what the permit allows you to do and which deadlines and steps matter most.
Kurz beantwortet: After a successful degree in Germany, you can apply for a residence permit to look for work under § 20 AufenthG. The permit can be granted for up to 18 months. During this time you may work part-time without restrictions, according to the official portal Make it in Germany. Requirements such as proof of funds are set by your local immigration office. Stand: October 2026.
The key points in brief
- The job seeker permit is based on § 20 AufenthG and lasts up to 18 months.
- It is intended for people who have completed a degree in Germany and want to look for suitable work.
- The Make it in Germany portal says you may work part-time without restrictions while the permit is valid.
- The immigration office (Ausländerbehörde) decides on your application and sets the start and end dates.
- Your health insurance and your tax status can change when your student status ends, so plan these early.
- Apply before your current permit runs out, and ask the office what documents it expects.
What the job seeker permit under § 20 AufenthG allows
Section 20 of the Residence Act sets out residence permits for the search for employment. Paragraph 1 names the purpose: to look for work. Paragraph 2 specifies that for the graduate permit the residence permit is granted for up to 18 months. The statutory text on the official site did not show a version date when we checked it, so confirm the current wording before you rely on it.
The permit is meant for the search for a job that matches your qualification. It is not a general right to stay, and the immigration office can attach conditions. Make sure the office confirms in writing which activities are allowed.
Who can apply and when
The permit requires that you have completed a degree in Germany. The statutory text refers to the successful completion of a study programme in the federal territory. The Make it in Germany portal explains that the qualification must have been obtained in Germany. Because your situation may include a recognised vocational qualification or a special case, check the exact requirements with the office responsible for you.
Start your application well before your current permit ends. The office needs time to process it, and you should not rely on a short overlap.
Working during your job search
The Make it in Germany portal says you may work part-time without restrictions while you hold this permit. Many graduates combine a part-time job with the search for a suitable position. Keep the following 2026 figures in mind when you plan your income. They apply to any employment during the permit period, and the Mindestlohn applies to every employee.
| Item (2026) | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Statutory minimum wage (Mindestlohn) | 13.90 EUR gross per hour | BMAS, MiLoV5 |
| Mini-job limit (Minijob-Grenze) | 603 EUR per month | § 8 SGB IV |
| Basic allowance for income tax (Grundfreibetrag) | 12,348 EUR per year | § 32a EStG |
Rechenbeispiel, Annahme: you complete your degree on 31 March 2027 and the job seeker permit starts on 1 April 2027. An 18-month permit would then run until 30 September 2028. The actual dates are set by the immigration office, so use this only as a planning aid.
If you find a job that matches your qualification, ask the immigration office how the change affects your permit before you sign the contract. The rules for a work-based residence permit are separate from the job seeker permit and depend on the job, the employer and your qualification.
Health insurance and tax during the permit
Once you leave your student status, your health insurance rules can change. The rules depend on whether you are still in education, whether you have a job and how much you earn. Our guide on health insurance after graduation with the job seeker visa explains the main options. Check the rules with your health insurer before your student coverage ends, so there is no gap.
Income from part-time work during the permit is taxed like other employment income. Many people can receive a tax refund after filing a return, because the basic allowance and the employee flat-rate deduction (Arbeitnehmerpauschbetrag) reduce the taxable amount. The employee flat-rate deduction is 1,230 EUR per year in 2026 under § 9a EStG.
Frequently asked questions
Does the 18-month period start when I graduate?
The permit is granted by the immigration office, and it sets the start and end dates in your permit. Do not assume that the period begins on the day of your final exam. Ask the office to confirm the dates in writing when you apply.
Can I work while I look for a job?
According to the Make it in Germany portal, you may work part-time without restrictions during the permit period. Keep track of your hours and your income, and check the rules for mini-jobs and for social insurance if you take on several jobs.
What documents will the office ask for?
The portal we checked does not list all documents. Typical items include your degree certificate, proof of your current residence permit, a valid passport and, in many cases, proof that you can cover your living costs. Ask the office for its current checklist before you visit, because the requirements can change.
Can I extend the permit?
This depends on your circumstances and on the rules that apply when the permit ends. Ask the immigration office about options before the permit expires, and do not wait until the last week.
What you should do now
- Check the end date of your current residence permit and your planned graduation date.
- Ask your immigration office which documents it requires for the job seeker permit.
- Apply well before your current permit expires, and keep proof of the application.
- Plan your health insurance so that there is no gap between student coverage and new coverage.
- Keep records of your part-time earnings for your tax return.
Related articles
- Health Insurance After Graduation: Job Seeker Visa
- Health Insurance After Studies Without a Job: Options and Costs
- Part-Time Jobs and Taxes for Students in Germany
- Student Job 20-Hour Rule, Pension and Semester Breaks
Sources: Aufenthaltsgesetz § 20, gesetze-im-internet.de (retrieved October 2026), Make it in Germany, job seeker visa (retrieved October 2026), BMAS, Fünfte Mindestlohnanpassungsverordnung (Stand 2026), § 9a EStG, Arbeitnehmerpauschbetrag (Stand 2026).
Last updated: October 2026. This guide is general information, not individual advice.
