What’s the best European country for getting PR after completing a master’s as an international student?

Question

Hema A · Accepted Answer

If the goal is to settle long-term in Europe after a master&rsquo;s, Portugal stands out for its flexible PR pathway.

After graduation, students can apply for a job search visa or directly shift to a work-based residence if hired.
Portugal requires five years of continuous legal residence for permanent residency &mdash; and student years are counted, provided there&rsquo;s no gap in your legal status.
Even part-time work during studies is recognized under legal stay, which helps build the timeline.
The language requirement is low (A2 Portuguese), and integration rules are generally simpler than in countries like France or Germany.
The path to citizenship is also available after five years, making it faster than most EU countries.

Just make sure your permits are renewed on time and the stay is uninterrupted &mdash; Portugal is one of the most student-friendly PR options in Europe.

Divakshi Arora · Answer

Germany is widely considered one of the best European countries for getting PR after a master&rsquo;s. The process is clear, and the job market for international graduates is strong.
After completing a master&rsquo;s at a German university, you're eligible for an 18-month job seeker visa. Once employed, you can move to a work visa &mdash; either the Blue Card or a regular employment permit. With the Blue Card, you can apply for permanent residency (Niederlassungserlaubnis) in 33 months, or just 21 months if you reach B1-level German.
Keep in mind that the Blue Card has a minimum salary requirement, which changes annually (around &euro;45,000&ndash;&euro;50,000 depending on the field). Student years count only partially, so most of the residency requirement must be built post-study. Still, Germany&rsquo;s low tuition, strong economy, and structured path make it one of the best options for international students aiming for PR.