Granting a residence permit for skilled workers with vocational training to look for a job

The procedure is as follows:

• Depending on the foreigners authority and your request, it may be possible to apply via the Internet. Find out whether your foreigners authority offers electronic application for a residence permit.
• If you can only apply in person, make an appointment with the immigration office. During the appointment, your application will be accepted and your supporting documents checked (bring these with you to the appointment). Your fingerprints will be taken for the production of an electronic residence permit (eAT card).
• In the case of an electronic application, the Immigration Office will contact you after receiving your online application to arrange an appointment at the Immigration 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 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 collect the eAT card from the immigration office.
• The eAT card must always be collected in person.

You can also obtain free advice on the topics of entry, residence and employment from the "Working and Living in Germany Hotline" of the Federal Government's portal for skilled workers from abroad

Telephone: 030 1815-1111

Service hours: Monday to Friday from 8:00 to 16:00

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

• You have a recognized and valid passport or passport substitute and - if this was necessary for entry into Germany - an appropriate visa.
• There is no interest in deporting you.
• Your stay does not jeopardize or impair the interests of the Federal Republic of Germany.
• You have
  - qualified vocational training in Germany or
  - an equivalent foreign professional qualification
• The purpose of your job search is employment as a skilled worker.
• You have German language skills appropriate to the job you are seeking. As a rule, German language skills of at least level B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages are required.

• If required, you have a license to practice your profession or a confirmation that it has been issued.
• You can cover your living expenses and health insurance from your own resources without claiming public benefits.

• Valid passport or passport substitute
• Visa, if this was required for entry into Germany
• Current biometric photo
• Original certificate of successfully completed vocational training
• In the case of foreign professional qualifications: notification of the equivalence of the foreign professional qualification with a domestic qualified professional qualification, if available
• For regulated professions: License to practice the profession or confirmation of issue
• Proof of German language skills
• Proof of livelihood security (e.g. equity capital, blocked account, declaration of commitment)
• Proof of your health insurance
• Current registration certificate

Issuing a residence permit: EUR 100.00

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

Please note:

• Additional fees may apply for the issuance of the residence permit in the form of an electronic residence permit, which can also be used as electronic proof of identity.
• The time and form of fee collection and payment vary depending on the authority.

• The residence permit should be applied for at least eight weeks before your visa or current residence permit expires.
• The residence permit is issued for a maximum of six months.
• Objection period: one month

about six to eight weeks.

• § Section 20 (1) Residence Act

An appeal against a decision by the immigration authority can be lodged with the authority named in the decision within one month of notification of the decision. The appeal may be lodged in writing, in electronic form or for the record.

If the foreigners authority does not comply with the objection, an action may be brought before the court named in the notice of objection.

• Online procedure occasionally possible
• Written form required
• Personal appearance required

26.02.2021