Applying for a residence permit for the recognition of professional qualifications during employment

You can obtain a residence permit for the recognition of foreign professional qualifications in order to compensate for the deficits of your professional qualification identified by the recognition office, also in the context of qualified employment in the desired profession.

They can obtain a residence permit for the recognition of a qualification measure if they intend to work in a non-regulated profession in order to compensate for the identified deficits in the context of qualified employment. Non-regulated professions are professions without specific government requirements for their exercise. This means that there is no professional license that would be necessary to work in the profession.

The Federal Employment Agency must approve the exercise of employment. As part of the approval, it checks, among other things, whether the employment is not under less favourable working conditions than the employment of comparable domestic employees.

The residence permit for the recognition of the professional qualification during employment is a temporary residence permit. It shall be granted for two years.

The foreigners' authority responsible for the applicant's place of residence

• Valid passport
• Current biometric photo
• Visa, if required
• Deficit decision of the recognition authority
• Proof of at least sufficient German language skills at level A 2 by presenting a language certificate
• Specific job offer (proof by the declaration of employment, see under "Further information")
• Proof of subsistence
• Lease
• Proof of your health insurance

• Forms: Forms can be obtained from your immigration office, if necessary they are also offered online
• Online procedures possible in some cases
• Written form required: yes
• Personal appearance required: yes

• You have a recognized and valid passport or passport substitute and, if required for entry - an appropriate visa.
• There is no interest in expulsion against you.
• Your stay does not endanger or impair the interests of the Federal Republic of Germany.
• The authority responsible for the recognition of your professional qualification in Germany has issued a notification stating that you lack skills, knowledge and abilities mainly in operational practice.
• You have at least German language skills at level A2
• A concrete job offer has been submitted.
• Your future employer has assured your employment contract that he will enable you to obtain professional recognition during your stay in Germany.
• The Federal Employment Agency has approved the exercise of employment (consent is usually obtained from the Foreigners' Registration Office).
• You can secure your livelihood and health insurance coverage without using public benefits.

The residence permit must be applied for at the immigration authority responsible for your place of residence. The procedure is as follows:

• Depending on the immigration authority and concerns, it may be possible to apply via the Internet. Find out whether your immigration authority offers the electronic application for a residence permit.
• If the application is only possible in person, make an appointment with the Foreigners' Registration Office. During the appointment, your application will be received and your supporting documents will be checked (bring them with you to the appointment). Your fingerprints will be taken to produce an electronic residence permit (eATKarte).
• In the event of an electronic application, the Foreigners' Registration Office will contact you upon receipt of your online application in order to make an appointment at the Foreigners' Registration Office if necessary. During the appointment, your documents will be checked (bring them with you to the appointment) and your fingerprints will be taken for the production of the electronic residence title (eAT card).
• If your application is granted, the Foreigners' Registration Office will arrange for the eATKarte to be produced.
• After about six to eight weeks, you can pick up the eATKarte at the Foreigners' Registration Office.
• The eATKarte is always to be picked up personally.
• Fees apply for the issuance of the residence permit. The timing and form of payment vary depending on the authority

• The residence permit should be applied for at least eight weeks before the expiry of your valid visa.
• Opposition period: 1 month

about six to eight weeks.

Issue of residence permit: EUR 100.00

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