Residence permit for the purpose of gainful employment Issue for the purpose of employment in qualified employment as a skilled worker with vocational training

As a skilled worker with vocational training, you can obtain a residence permit for qualified employment if you meet certain requirements.

You can obtain a residence permit for skilled workers with vocational training if you have completed qualified vocational training in Germany. A qualified vocational training exists if you have completed vocational training in a state-recognised or comparably regulated training occupation. The training period must have been at least two years. If you have completed your vocational training abroad, the equivalence of your qualification with the German, qualified vocational training must be determined by the responsible recognition body (e.g. the Chamber of Industry or Commerce).

Before the residence permit is issued, the Federal Employment Agency must agree. This Federal Employment Agency checks whether the working conditions correspond to those of comparable German employees, whether you are in employment for which your qualifications qualify you and whether you have a domestic employment relationship.

If the residence permit is issued, it is limited in time. The validity depends on your employment contract or the period of validity of the approval of the Federal Employment Agency. In the case of permanent employment contracts, the residence permit for skilled workers is issued for a period of four years.

Please contact the immigration authority responsible for the applicant's place of residence.

• Valid passport
• Current biometric photo
• Original of your employment contract or a binding job offer (please use the nationwide form Declaration of Employment Relationship)
• Original certificate of successfully completed vocational training
• If available, decision on the determination of the equivalence of the foreign professional qualification with a domestic qualified vocational training
• For regulated professions: your licence to practise
• If required: professional license
• Proof of your health insurance
• Current registration certificate
• Lease
   

In addition , if you have recently entered the country:

• Visa, if required for entry

as well as in case of a previous stay:

• Current residence title or other certificate of right of residence (e.g. Aufenthaltsgestattung, Duldung)

• Forms: Declaration of employment relationship (uniform throughout Germany)
• Further authority-specific forms can be obtained from your Foreigners' Registration Office, which may also be offered online
• Online procedure possible: Isolated
• 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.

You have:

• qualified vocational training in Germany or
• an equivalent foreign professional qualification
• a qualification that enables you to pursue qualified employment. This means that, in principle, you can also work in a related profession if there is a connection between your training and the intended activity (e.g. a baker can also work as a confectioner).

• You have a job or a job offer
• If you have reached the age of 45, you must prove an employment contract or a binding job offer with a certain minimum salary. The minimum salary must reach 55 percent of the annual contribution assessment ceiling in the general pension insurance. Even if this minimum salary is not reached, a residence permit may be issued on presentation of proof of adequate retirement provision or in special cases (e.g. if there is a public interest in employment).
  The amount of the contribution assessment ceiling is announced for each year by 31 December of the previous year by the Federal Ministry of the Interior, Building and Community in the Federal Gazette.
• The Federal Employment Agency has approved the commencement of work (consent is usually obtained from the Foreigners' Registration Office). For approval, inter alia, their working conditions (in particular salary) be comparable to those of a German employee in the same position.
• If required, you have a professional license.

Note: You can secure your livelihood and health insurance coverage from your income without using public benefits.

§ 18 Residence Act (AufenthG)

§ 18a Residence Act (AufenthG)

§ 39 Residence Act (AufenthG)

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 (eAT card).
• 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 eAT card to be produced.
• After about six to eight weeks, you can pick up the eAT card at the Foreigners' Registration Office.
• The eAT card must always be picked up in person.
• 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 or residence permit.
• The residence permit is issued for a limited period. The validity depends on the duration of your employment contract and the approval of the Federal Employment Agency.
• Opposition period: 1 month

about six to eight weeks

Under certain conditions, a fee reduction or exemption may be considered.: Fee 100,00 EUR