Post Study Work Permits in Germany for Indian Students

Germany has long been a country is best known for its manufacturing sector, the excellent industrial growth and yes…free education. Though the education is not strictly free, it is by far one of the only few countries which treat all its students – whether national or international, with the same rules and regulations. As such, the cost of studying in Germany (combining the low or no tuition fee and living expenses) is one of the lowest in the top student destinations of the world. Furthermore, the excellent automotive and heavy machinery sector makes MS Colleges in Germany a top choice for Indian Students. But studying is all very well…every student who aspires to go abroad does so with a wish for finding a job on completion of the studies. The reasons can be many – to offset the heavy student loans or indeed to get an opportunity to make that country his/her home. Whatever be the case, post-study work permits are one of the most important deciding factors when selecting a country to study abroad. And Germany checks on this list too by giving you an easy access to residence permit to both searches for a job and stay on when you get one!

Time Period of Post Study Work Permit

While the EU nationals do not require any specific permission, students with Indian Passport would require applying for a Residence Permit after completion of their education from a German University. The Immigration Laws permit the students to apply for and get a Residence Permit of 18 months to look for a job as per their qualification!

It is important to understand the provision of finding a job commensurate with the qualification attained from a German University. What it means is that while you can take up any employment to support your stay in Germany during the visit, you would have to find a job related to your studies, failing which, you would be asked to leave Germany at the end of the 18 months.

What it means is that after you complete your master’s or bachelor’s or your doctorate, you can apply for and get a Residence Permit for 18 months. Please remember, unlike some countries, the permit does not come combined with the Student Visa for Germany. You would have to apply with the foreign nationals’ registration office in the vicinity after completion of your studies for this document.

Documents Required for Applying for a Post Study Work Permit

You can apply for a work permit immediately after passing your final exams. You would need to reach out to the local authority with the following documents

Your Passport

o While it is not specified, it is important to have a passport which would have the validity for the intended period. For instance, if you are applying in the month of April 2016, your passport should be valid till about September 2017.

Your University Degree or "Nachweis"

o "Nachweis" is an official document given by the University that clearly states that you have completed your course. This is usually the document submitted as the Degree may take longer.

o It is important to remember that the "Nachweis" must have the official stamp of the University.

Your Health Insurance

o You need a valid health insurance for both applying for a Student Visa and for the entire duration of your stay. This also includes the tenure of the post study work permit requests. Read more about the Health Insurance Requirements for International Students in Germany

Proof of Funds

o The country lets you stay on to search for a job but you have to prove that you can afford the stay. For this, you can provide a bank document with required funds or proof of a grant – if provided, to you.

o It is always advisable to check with the local authority about the exact amount of fund required to procure the Work Permit.

You can continue to stay in Germany and get a Residence Permit or even apply for an EU Blue Card as soon as you get a job which

Is related to your qualification
Pays you an annual gross salary of at least 49,600 euros
For students with qualifications in mathematics, IT, life sciences, engineering and doctors, the annual gross salary requirement is on 38,688 euros

So, if you are planning to study in Germany, be assured you would have ample opportunity to look for a job and find a suitable employment. Also, in case you have an offer of a job that relates to your qualification before you complete your education, you can directly apply for a Residence Permit or an EU Blue Card.

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