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Germany job seeker visa after a master's: 18 months to find your first job
After you graduate from a German university, you can apply for a residence permit of up to 18 months to look for a job that matches your degree, and you are allowed to work while you search. Once you have a qualifying offer, you can move to the EU Blue Card, which in 2026 requires a gross salary of at least €50,700 a year, or €45,934.20 for shortage occupations and recent graduates.
Check my eligibilityJump to the FAQAt a glance
- Search period
- Up to 18 months
- Can you work?
- Yes, while you search
- Blue Card 2026 (general)
- €50,700 gross a year
- Blue Card 2026 (reduced)
- €45,934.20 gross a year
- You must show
- Your living costs are secured
How the 18-month permit works
German law lets graduates of German universities stay on after their studies to look for work. Germany's federal migration office states that you can obtain a residence permit of up to 18 months to find a job after completing your studies, provided you can prove your livelihood is secured, and that you may work during this period.
You apply to the local immigration office (Auslaenderbehoerde) in the city where you live, and it is wise to apply before your student residence permit expires. The job you look for should suit your academic qualification.
What you need to apply
- A completed degree from a German university, with the final certificate or official confirmation of completion.
- Proof that you can support yourself during the search, for example savings, a blocked-account balance or other documented funds.
- Valid health insurance.
- Passport, current residence permit and biometric photos, plus the application form and fee of your local office.
Requirements and fees vary by city, so check your local office's website and book an appointment early. Funding rules are covered in our blocked account guide.
Step-by-step plan for your 18 months
- Before graduation: update your CV, build a German-market LinkedIn profile and talk to your university career service.
- When your thesis is submitted: collect the official confirmation of your degree and book an immigration office appointment.
- Apply for the permit before your student permit expires so there is no gap in your status.
- Search actively: target roles linked to your degree, use company career pages, job boards and internships, and practise German even at basic level.
- Convert the offer: when you receive a qualifying offer, apply for an EU Blue Card or another work permit.
EU Blue Card salary thresholds for 2026
The EU Blue Card is the main route from job seeker to long-term work in Germany. You need a recognised university degree and a concrete job offer suited to your qualification, at or above the minimum salary.
| Category | 2026 minimum gross salary | Monthly equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| General threshold | €50,700 a year | €4,225 |
| Shortage occupations and recent graduates (graduated less than 3 years ago) | €45,934.20 a year | €3,827.85 |
Thresholds are the same in all German states. Some bonuses can count toward the salary if the contract specifies them without conditions. A lower-paid role may still qualify for another work permit, so ask the immigration office before you decline an offer.
From Blue Card to long-term settlement
Blue Card holders can apply for a settlement permit after a qualifying period. The period is commonly stated as around 27 months, or about 21 months with German language skills at B1 level, but the rules are updated, so confirm the current timeline with your immigration office. Learning German early pays off, because it speeds up settlement and opens more job options.
Planning tip: if you are choosing a master's now, pick a programme with strong employer links and an internship or thesis in industry. Browse our MS in Computer Science in Germany and MS in Data Science in Germany guides.
Planning a master's in Germany with a job in mind?
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Get my free eligibility checkAsk the AI counsellorFrequently asked questions
How long is the Germany job seeker visa after a master's degree?
Up to 18 months, for graduates of German universities who can show their living costs are secured.
Can I work while on the job seeker permit?
Yes. German authorities state that you may work during this period.
What is the EU Blue Card salary in 2026?
€50,700 gross a year for the general threshold, and €45,934.20 for shortage occupations and recent graduates who graduated less than three years ago.
Is the job seeker permit different from the Opportunity Card?
Yes. The job seeker permit is for German graduates and lasts up to 18 months. The Opportunity Card is a points-based permit of up to one year for people without a German degree.
When should I apply for the job seeker permit?
Before your student residence permit expires. Book your immigration office appointment as soon as your degree is confirmed.
Do I need to speak German to work in Germany?
Not always. Many English-language tech and research roles exist, but German helps you find more jobs and speeds up settlement.
Sources and how we verify
Facts on this page were checked in October 2026 against the official sources below and cross-checked with current university and immigration guidance. Fees, thresholds and deadlines change, so confirm the final figure on the official site before you pay or submit anything.