Germany job seeker visa after a master's: how it works
The Germany job seeker visa after a master's is a residence permit to look for work. The official page gives it as: up to 18 months. If you find a qualifying job, the EU Blue Card sets a minimum salary. A permit to look for work gives you time, not a job, so check whether pay in your field can reach the Blue Card salary before you choose Germany.
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What does the official page say?
The official page names this permit for graduates from outside the EU. The table shows its length, with the source and the date we checked it.
| Item | Official figure or rule | Source and date |
|---|---|---|
| Residence permit to look for a job after completing studies in Germany | up to 18 months | make-it-in-germany.comChecked on |
Who qualifies for the job seeker permit?
The official page ties this permit to studies completed in Germany. It does not say how joint or double degrees are treated, so ask the university and the immigration office before you choose a split programme.
What changes the answer?
The EU Blue Card has a standard minimum salary and a lower one for shortage occupations. Both are for the year shown and can change from year to year, so check the year on the official page.
| Item | Official figure or rule | Source and date |
|---|---|---|
| EU Blue Card minimum gross salary 2026 | EUR 50,700 a year | make-it-in-germany.comChecked on |
| EU Blue Card minimum gross salary 2026, shortage occupations | EUR 45,934.20 a year | make-it-in-germany.comChecked on |
How much money must I show for the German student visa?
This is a separate figure from the job-search permit above. It is the proof of funds you give when you apply to study. The table shows the official figure for its year, with the source and the date we checked it.
| Item | Official figure or rule | Source and date |
|---|---|---|
| Proof of funds for a student visa (blocked account) | EUR 11,904 a yearApplies from 1 January 2026. Applies until 31 December 2026. Confirm on the official page | make-it-in-germany.comChecked on |
Confirm it on the official page
Read the current rule there before you apply.
Check the official page (make-it-in-germany.com)
More post-study work visa guides
Where do these facts come from?
- make-it-in-germany.com, checked on 7 October 2026
- make-it-in-germany.com, checked on 7 October 2026
- make-it-in-germany.com, checked on 7 October 2026
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