You can obtain a residence permit to seek employment as a skilled worker if you have completed a qualified vocational training program in Germany. A qualified vocational training program is defined as one in which you have completed training in a state-recognized or similarly regulated vocational field. The training must have lasted at least two years. If you completed your vocational training abroad, the equivalence of your qualification to a German, qualified vocational training program must be determined by the competent recognition authority (e.g., the Chamber of Industry and Commerce).
If you wish to work in a regulated profession, the required license to practice must already have been granted or promised at the time the residence permit for job seeking is issued. Regulated professions are occupational activities for which legal or administrative regulations require the possession of specific professional qualifications in order to take up or practice the profession. Professions regulated in Germany include, for example, physician, nurse, attorney, teacher, early childhood educator, or engineer.
If you are already residing in Germany, you can obtain a residence permit for job seeking if you previously held a residence permit for employment or a residence permit for the purpose of an EU study-related internship.
With the residence permit for job seeking, you may engage in trial employment—for which your qualification qualifies you—for up to ten hours per week.
The residence permit is issued for up to six months.
The process is as follows:
- Depending on the immigration office and the nature of your request, it may be possible to apply online. Check whether your immigration office offers the option to apply for a residence permit electronically.
- If applications can only be submitted in person, schedule an appointment with the immigration office. During the appointment, your application will be accepted and your supporting documents will be reviewed (be sure to bring them with you to the appointment). Your fingerprints will be taken to issue an electronic residence permit (eAT card).
- If you submit your application online, the Foreigners’ Registration Office will contact you after receiving your online application to schedule an appointment at the office, if necessary. During the appointment, your supporting documents will be reviewed (please bring them with you to the appointment) and your fingerprints will be taken to issue the electronic residence permit (eAT card).
- If your application is approved, the Foreigners’ Registration Office will arrange for the eAT card to be issued.
- After about six to eight weeks, you can pick up the eAT card at the Foreigners’ Registration Office.
- The eAT card must generally be picked up in person.
An appeal against a decision by the immigration authorities may be lodged with the authority named in the decision within one month of notification of the decision. The appeal may be lodged in writing, in electronic form, or for recording.
If the Foreigners' Registration Office does not grant the appeal, legal action may be taken before the court specified in the appeal decision.
about six to eight weeks.
The immigration office responsible for the applicant's place of residence
