Germany's Rules for Foreign Students' Residence Permits

The German government has specified the conditions under which foreign students can stay in Germany on a student residence permit. Initially, these permits are valid for two years, with the possibility of a two-year renewal for students who have not completed their degrees within that timeframe.

International students are allowed to work up to 140 full days or 280 half days annually, or up to 20 hours per week during their studies, with no limit on part-time work. Graduates are not required to leave Germany immediately after completing their degrees; they can apply for a job-seeker residence permit under Section 20 (1) No. 1 of the Residence Act (AufenthG), which permits them to remain in Germany for up to 18 months while searching for skilled employment.

During this period, graduates may work in any occupation. Upon securing a qualified job, they can convert their residence permit into either a skilled worker residence permit or an EU Blue Card for a longer-term stay.