I. The job search
5. Can I first work some time abroad and come back later with a visa for job search?
You need to apply for a job search permit immediately after your studies if you would like to have 18 months including the work permit. Nevertheless, with the job search permit , you may stay abroad for up to 6 months. After 6 months of absence, your residence permit gets void automatically.
Reentry for job search with a visa is possible at a later point in time, too. In this case, however, the job search stay is limited to 6 months without work permit during your stay.
It is at the discretion of the immigration/visa authorities to provide the job search permit. I.e. you do not have a legal right to get the job search permit in case you do not apply immediately after graduation.