A residence permit, regardless of whether the individual qualifies as a skilled worker, may be granted for employment-related stays that fall under the provisions of the Employment Regulation, e.g., for seasonal employment, domestic workers, specialty chefs, and professional drivers.
Nationals of certain countries may also receive a residence permit to engage in any type of employment, regardless of their personal qualifications, provided they meet additional requirements. This applies to nationals of the following countries:
- Andorra, Australia, Israel, Japan, Canada, the Republic of Korea, Monaco, New Zealand, San Marino, and the United States (Section 26(1) of the Employment Regulation)
- until the end of 2020, also: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Macedonia, Montenegro, and Serbia (Section 26(2) of the Employment Regulation, the so-called Western Balkans Regulation)
It is not a requirement that you be a skilled worker as defined by the Residence Act; in other words, you do not need to have a college degree or qualified vocational training.
The residence permit to engage in employment, regardless of whether you qualify as a skilled worker, is a temporary residence permit. The duration of the permit is based on the term of the employment contract or is determined by the provisions of the Employment Regulation.
Before the residence permit is issued, the Federal Employment Agency must generally approve the employment, unless the provisions of the Employment Regulation specify that the Agency’s approval is not required.
You must apply for a residence permit at the immigration office responsible for your place of residence
(in Brandenburg: at the immigration office of the district or independent city)
.
- Depending on the Foreigners’ Registration Office and the nature of your request, it may be possible to apply online. Check to see if 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 (please bring these with you to the appointment). Your fingerprints will be taken for the issuance of the electronic residence permit (eAT).
- If you submit your application online, the Foreigners’ Registration Office will contact you after receiving your online application to schedule an in-person appointment at the office. During the appointment, your supporting documents will be reviewed (please bring them with you to the appointment) and your fingerprints will be taken for the issuance of the eAT card.
- If your application is approved, the Foreigners’ Registration Office will arrange for the eAT card to be produced.
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After about six to eight weeks, you can pick up your eAT card at the Foreigners’ Registration Office.
Section 19c (1) of the Residence Act in conjunction with the Employment Regulation
The immigration office responsible for the applicant's place of residence
