International Students in the EU: A Playbook for Finding Your Next Job in Germany

You are reading Part 2 of a Three-part Blog Series where we will look at the visa and work permit rules for international students in France(Part 1), Germany(in this section), and the Netherlands(Part 3). Additionally, we will also discuss a few job search tips for each of these countries.

Looking for jobs in European countries can be overwhelming and takes more than just a degree from a well-known school or a killer resume that you spent hours creating. Add to that the complexities around visa, work permit, and not to forget — the language. Good for you, we at akiTalent are determined to set you up for success in your job search in the EU, especially if you are targeting purely English-speaking jobs in the region.

PART 2: GERMANY

Internships in Germany

An internship or a Praktikum like the Germans call it, is a period of practical work experience as it allows you to understand German work and business culture and gain useful skills for your career. International Placement Services or a ZAV consent letter from the Bundesagentur für Arbeit is a type of work permit that allows you to work in Germany. The company offering the internship must facilitate this for you. The internship visa is usually issued in accordance with the duration of your internship. If your internship duration is for 6 months, you will be issued a visa valid for exactly 6 months. However, the maximum validity of this visa is 12 months. Germany is among the very few countries which allow international students to work for up to 20 hours a week to help them cover the cost of their studies.

Stanley Morales | Pexels

You can be granted an internship in Germany if:

• The internship is related to a degree,
• The internship is part of a financially funded EU program or bilateral development cooperation, or
• If you, as a specialist or manager, are completing a scholarship that consists of public funds from the Federal Republic of Germany, the European Union, or international intergovernmental organizations.

If you are not from the European Union or the European Economic Area, you can work a total of 120 days per year or 240 half days annually. If these are exceeded, a permit is required by the foreign authority and the employment agency. Excepted from this rule are internships which are prescribed in the study regulations, the so-called compulsory internships.

Staying in Germany after Graduation and Finding a Job

Graduates from Non-EU countries have to extend their residence permit for up to 18 months after completing their graduation for the purpose of finding employment during which they are allowed to work.

Fauxels | Pexel

Recently, Germany has introduced the EU Blue Card, dedicated to Non-EU citizens, as proof of their legal stay in the country for the purpose of working. In order to qualify for the Blue Card, applicants are required to furnish proof in form of a university degree and have been offered a job that would provide minimum gross annual earnings of 55,200 euros (2020). The EU Blue Card also offers special privileges to immigrants and their families. After 33 months of residence, Blue Cardholders are eligible for a settlement permit. Applicants who can prove their German language skills may be granted a settlement permit after 21 months.

Germany is a great place to live in terms of affordability, safety, and mobility. There are many great companies for you here to kickstart your career with, as well as to be a part of a budding company by working for one of its many startups. Do you have a recognized university degree? Then check whether you meet the criteria for an EU Blue Card. This residence permit offers qualified specialists, particularly attractive opportunities.

Practical Job Search Tips and Advice for Non-EU Students in Germany

• If you graduated in any country outside of Germany whether EU or non-EU, you should check whether your qualification is recognized in Germany. For some professions, it is mandatory to have your qualification recognized. Many employers also explicitly require this recognition.
• In Germany, you usually send your application documents printed in a special application folder by post or as a collated PDF file via email.
• Needless to say that your application must have a cover letter along with your CV. In Germany, just as in France — applicants are often expected to include a photo of themselves (a professional headshot) in their CV.
• A new law Skilled Immigration Act in 2020 makes it easier for people from countries outside the European Union to work in Germany. It’s easier for skilled workers with vocational, non-academic training from non-EU countries to migrate to Germany in order to work. The new act enables foreigners who have successfully completed a vocational training course in Germany to receive a permanent settlement permit after two years, the same period applies to graduates.

Sam Lion | Pexels

• Keep an eye out on a dedicated English-speaking job portal like akiTalent. However, in your application, you must provide the information on the language competency levels, listing all the languages you are able to understand, speak, and write.
• Students in Germany can earn up to €450 per month tax-free. If you happen to earn more than this amount, you will receive an income tax number and have automatic tax deductions from your salary. Some organizations may withhold income tax despite the low income, but you can easily reclaim this sum after submitting your income tax statement.
• Students from non-EU countries who wish to work in Germany after graduating can extend their residence permit for up to 18 months to find work relating to their studies. For extending your residence permit, you’ll need the below documents:

1. Passport
2. A copy of your university degree or official document from your university confirming that you successfully completed your studies
3. Document proving you have a health insurance
4. Proof that you have enough means of supporting yourself financially

The 18 months begin as soon as you receive your final exam results, so you should start looking for employment during your final semester. In these 18 months, you can work as much as you like and take up any kind of employment to support yourself.

As soon as you’ve found a job role you’d like to accept, you should apply for a German residence permit or EU Blue Card. You can remain in Germany while your application is pending.

Did you find this information helpful? Check out more of such useful information and advice from akiTalent for other countries in the EU: France and the Netherlands. Don’t forget to follow us now and leave a clap if you found this useful!