You may apply for a residence permit for employment if your employment serves a public interest, particularly a regional, economic, or labor market interest.

A residence permit for employment based on public interest is a special right of residence that is granted only in justified individual cases. A public interest in the employment can be established, for example,

• if there is a regional or supraregional public interest in an employer’s products or services, or if there is a shortage of certain goods or services at the employer’s location (regional interests). Reasons related to public services or local government policy may also play a role here.
• when significant investments are made and/or a substantial number of jobs are created or secured; if the establishment of the business is associated with a sustainable improvement in the sales or market opportunities of domestic companies, or if it involves the establishment of a manufacturing facility for technically advanced (future-proof) and/or particularly environmentally friendly products (economic interests).
• if the employment results in the preservation or creation of jobs (labor market policy interests).

An employer’s private-sector, business-related interest alone is not sufficient to establish a public interest in the employment.

You are not required to provide proof of qualifications. Nor is recognition of qualifications obtained abroad required.

Before a residence permit is issued, the Federal Employment Agency must give its approval. This agency also assesses whether there is a labor market policy interest. Approval is granted for a maximum of four years.

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.

Under certain circumstances, the Foreigners’ Registration Office may require you to participate in an integration course. This will then be noted on your residence permit. 

If you are an employer and wish to hire an employee from abroad for reasons of public interest, you may apply to the Foreigners’ Registration Office—on behalf of the foreign national—for the expedited skilled worker procedure, which can facilitate and accelerate their entry into the country.

• 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.
• There is a public interest—particularly a regional, economic, or labor market interest—in your employment.
• You have an employment contract or a binding job offer.
• The Federal Employment Agency has approved your employment (approval is typically obtained by 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, among other requirements.

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.

Section 19c(3) of the Residence Act

Section 39(3) of the Residence Act (AufenthG)

§ 35 of the Employment Regulation (BeschV) 

• 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 with jurisdiction over the applicant's place of residence

For the expedited skilled worker procedure:

The immigration office in the location of the business premises where the foreign national is to be employed, unless a central office has been established to administer the procedure

• Valid passport
• Original copy of your employment contract or a binding job offer (please use the nationally standardized form “Declaration of Employment” for this purpose)
• Current biometric photo
• Current certificate of residence
• Proof of health insurance
• Rental agreement
   

• In addition
• if you entered the country recently:

• Visa, if required for entry

and, in the case of a previous stay:

• Current residence permit or other proof of the right of residence (e.g., temporary residence permit, toleration)
• Additional documents are required to complete the expedited skilled worker procedure. Please contact the relevant immigration office for more information.

Issuance of a residence permit: EUR 100.00

Amendment of an existing residence permit to obtain a residence permit for the purpose of employment in the public interest (change of purpose): EUR 98.00

Under certain conditions, a fee reduction or exemption may be granted.

Note: The residence permit is issued as an electronic residence permit. The fee for reissuing the card is EUR 67.00

• 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