Germany
Working in Germany After a Degree: Official Rules Summarised
A summary of Make it in Germany's rules: the 18-month job search permit for German graduates, Opportunity Card points, and 2026 EU Blue Card salaries.
By the 47 Fellows team · Bachelor's · Master's · PhD · 4 min read ·
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In brief
This page summarises what the German government's portal for skilled workers, Make it in Germany, published on 20 October 2026 about working in Germany after a degree. It is general information, not advice on any person's case.
| Option (as described by Make it in Germany) | Who it is described for | Length | Job offer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Residence permit to look for work after graduating in Germany | Graduates of a German university or vocational qualification | Up to 18 months, not renewable | Not required |
| Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte) | People from outside the EU and EFTA looking for work in Germany | Up to 1 year | Not required |
| EU Blue Card | People with a university degree and a qualifying job | Contract length plus 6 months, up to 4 years | Required |
Rupee figures are our own approximate conversions at €1 ≈ PKR 310 (October 2026). Rules change, and the official pages are the final word.
Job search permit after graduating in Germany
Make it in Germany says:
- Graduates can get a residence permit valid for up to 18 months to look for qualified employment. It is not renewable.
- The application must be made before the study residence permit expires.
- During this time, holders may take up any type of job.
- Documents listed include proof of completed studies, proof of health insurance and proof of being able to support oneself. The page refers applicants to their local foreigners' authority for the exact documents.
- With a concrete job offer, a residence permit for qualified employment or an EU Blue Card can be applied for.
Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte)
Make it in Germany describes two ways to qualify:
1. A qualification fully recognised in Germany, or a German degree or vocational qualification. No points or language certificate are required.
2. At least 6 points, plus a degree or a vocational qualification of at least two years recognised in the country where it was obtained, and German at A1 or English at B2 level. Points listed on the page:
| Points | Criterion |
|---|---|
| 4 | Qualification partially recognised in Germany |
| 1 | Shortage occupation |
| 2 or 3 | Work experience after qualifying: 2 years in the last 5 (2 points), 5 years in the last 7 (3 points) |
| 1 to 3 | German: A2 (1), B1 (2), B2 or higher (3) |
| 1 | English at C1 or native level |
| 1 or 2 | Age: under 35 (2), 35 to 40 (1) |
| 1 | At least 6 months of legal stay in Germany in the last 5 years (not tourism or visits) |
| 1 | Spouse or partner also qualifies for an Opportunity Card |
Other points from the page:
- Proof of funds: a blocked account with at least €1,091 a month in 2026 (approx. PKR 338,000), or a formal declaration of commitment.
- Work allowed: part-time work of up to 20 hours a week, and trial work of up to two weeks per employer.
- Extension: up to two years if the holder has a job offer but cannot yet get a regular residence permit.
EU Blue Card
Minimum gross annual salaries for 2026, as published by Make it in Germany:
| Salary a year (gross) | |
|---|---|
| Standard | €50,700 |
| Shortage occupations | €45,934.20 (with Federal Employment Agency approval) |
| New entrants (last degree less than 3 years ago) | €45,934.20 (with Federal Employment Agency approval) |
The page also says the card is issued for the length of the employment contract plus six months, for up to four years, and that a settlement permit can be issued after 27 months with German at A1, or after 21 months with German at B1.
Official sources
- Make it in Germany, Opportunity Card and job seekers: https://www.make-it-in-germany.com/en/visa/kinds-of-visa/jobseekers
- Make it in Germany, EU Blue Card: https://www.make-it-in-germany.com/en/visa-residence/types/eu-blue-card
- Make it in Germany, after graduating in Germany: https://www.make-it-in-germany.com/en/study-training/study/prospects/employment
Related pages on 47 Fellows
- Study in Germany
- German scholarships for Pakistani students
- HEC degree attestation guide
- How to spot scams
Summary last compared with Make it in Germany on 20 October 2026.