Post-study work routes compared across countries

Limits of this comparison

Information comes from country data (2026-10-25 and earlier); laws change often. A permit duration is not a job guarantee; afterwards you usually need another route such as a work permit. Check the official page for timing and conditions.

Verified durations

• Germany: up to 18 months after successfully completing studies (Residence Act s. 20).
• Finland: 2 years to look for work or start a business; apply up to 5 years after graduation; requires EUR 800 per month (EUR 19,200 for 2 years) (Migri, via search snippet).
• Netherlands: zoekjaar, 1 year, not extendable; needs an accredited Dutch degree within the last 3 years, or a degree from a listed foreign institution.
• Austria: one 12-month renewal of the student permit; then an employer-bound Red-White-Red Card for Graduates (up to 2 years; secondary-source detail).
• Belgium: 12-month orientation-year permit.
• France: 12 months for master's graduates (EU Immigration Portal).
• Italy: 9-12 months (Legislative Decree 286/1998 art. 39-bis.1); conversion to a work permit is possible if requirements are met.
• Hungary: up to 9 months, not extendable.
• Switzerland: 6-month permit to look for work; afterwards only in shortage sectors.
• Spain: switch to residence and work without a new visa (art. 190); the duration is not stated in the source read; development-cooperation scholarship holders are excluded.
• Sweden: up to 1 year after at least two semesters of study; fee SEK 1,500.
• Ireland: 12 months for level 8; level 9+ 12 plus 12 months (Stamp 1G).
• UK Graduate route: 2 years if applying on or before 31 December 2026; 18 months from 1 January 2027; 3 years for PhD graduates.
• Poland and Czechia: 9 months.
• Cyprus: one university page states up to 12 months of related work; the procedure was not read and is not verified.

Questions to ask

• Is the permit granted only once and straight after graduation? Can it be extended?
• Is there a financial requirement (for example Finland)? When does the period start?
• Which work-permit route applies when it ends, and what salary or occupation conditions come with it?
• If I hold a scholarship, can I use this route (excluded in Spain for development-cooperation scholarships)?

Checklist

• Did I check the application window on the official page of my target country?
• Do I have a plan for after the permit ends?
• Did I note the verification date?

This guide is general information. Dates, fees and requirements can change; verify official sources before applying.