You can obtain a residence permit for skilled workers with vocational training 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).

The Federal Employment Agency must approve the application before a residence permit is issued. The Federal Employment Agency verifies whether your working conditions correspond to those of comparable German employees, whether you are engaged in work for which your qualification qualifies you, and whether you have a domestic employment relationship.

If the residence permit is granted, it will be temporary. Its validity depends on your employment contract or the duration of the Federal Employment Agency’s approval. For permanent employment contracts, the residence permit for skilled workers is granted for a period of four years.

• You have a recognized and valid passport or passport substitute and—if required for entry—an appropriate visa.
• There are no grounds for your deportation.
• Your stay does not endanger or harm the interests of the Federal Republic of Germany.
• You have 

• a qualified vocational training from Germany or
• an equivalent foreign vocational qualification

• You hold a qualification that enables you to engage in skilled employment. This means that, in principle, you may also work in a related profession if there is a connection between your completed training and your intended occupation (for example, a baker may also work as a pastry chef).
• You have a job or a job offer
  . If you are 45 years of age or older, you must provide proof of an employment contract or a binding job offer with a specified minimum salary. The minimum salary must amount to 55 percent of the annual contribution assessment ceiling for the general pension insurance. This results in a minimum salary for the year 2020 of 45,540 euros annually. Even if this minimum salary is not met, a residence permit may be granted upon presentation of proof of adequate retirement benefits or in special cases (e.g., if there is a public interest in the employment).
  The amount of the contribution assessment ceiling is announced each year by the Federal Ministry of the Interior, Building, and Home Affairs in the Federal Gazette by December 31 of the previous year.
• The Federal Employment Agency has approved your employment (approval is generally obtained from the Foreigners’ Registration Office). For approval, your working conditions (particularly your salary) must be comparable to those of a German employee in the same position.
• If required, you must have a license to practice your profession.
• You can cover your living expenses and health insurance coverage from your income without relying on public benefits.

You must apply for a residence permit at the immigration office responsible for your place of residence. The process is as follows:

• Depending on the Foreigners’ Registration Office and the nature of your request, it may be possible to apply online. Check whether your Foreigners’ Registration Office offers the option to apply for a residence permit electronically.
• If you can only apply in person, schedule an appointment with the Foreigners’ Registration 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.
• Fees apply for the issuance of the residence permit. The timing and method of payment vary depending on the agency.

• Federal Government Portal for Foreign Skilled
  Workers https://www.make-it-in-germany.com/de/ueber-das-portal/kontakt/hotline/
• You can also get free advice on entry, residence, and employment from the “Work and Life in Germany Hotline” on the Federal Government’s portal for foreign skilled workers.
  Phone: 030 1815-1111
  Hours: Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

§ 18 of the Residence Act

Section 18a of the Residence Act

§ 39 of the Residence Act

• You should apply for a residence permit no later than eight weeks before your current visa or residence permit expires.
• The residence permit is issued for a limited period. Its validity depends on the term of your employment contract and the approval of the Federal Employment Agency.
• Appeal period: 1 month

about six to eight weeks

The immigration office responsible for the applicant's place of residence

• Valid passport
• Current biometric photo
• Original copy of your employment contract or a binding job offer (please use the nationwide standard form “Declaration of Employment” for this purpose)
• Original certificate of successfully completed vocational training
• If available, a decision confirming the equivalence of your foreign vocational qualification to a qualified vocational training program in Germany
• For regulated professions: Your professional license
• If required: License to practice your profession
• Proof of health insurance
• Current certificate of residence
• Rental agreement
   

In addition, if you have recently entered the country:

• A visa, if one was required for entry

and, in the case of a previous stay:

• Current residence permit or other documentation of the right of residence (e.g., temporary residence permit, tolerated stay)

Issuance of residence permit: EUR 100.00

Under certain circumstances, a reduction or exemption from fees may be considered.

• Forms: Declaration of Employment (standardized nationwide); additional agency-specific forms are available from your immigration office; in some cases, these are also available online
• Online procedures are possible in some cases
• Written form required: yes
• In-person appearance required: yes