You can obtain a residence permit to undertake a qualification measure if a recognition procedure has been carried out by an authority in Germany responsible for the recognition of professional qualifications and the recognition authority has determined that the qualification measures are necessary for the recognition
of your professional qualification (determination of equivalence to a domestic professional qualification) or-
for the granting of a professional license (access to the profession)
. Qualification
measures include adaptation and compensation measures in theoretical and practical form (internships in a company, theoretical courses, mixed forms), preparatory courses for exams, and language courses.
The residence permit for the recognition of foreign professional qualifications is a temporary residence permit. It is issued for the duration of the qualification measure, but for a maximum of 18 months. With your residence permit for the
exercise of foreign professional qualifications, you may engage in employment unrelated to the qualification measure for up to 10 hours per week.
- You have a recognized and valid passport or passport substitute and, if required for entry, an appropriate visa.
- There is no reason for you to be deported.
- Your stay does not jeopardize or impair the interests of the Federal Republic of Germany.
- The authority responsible for recognizing your professional qualifications in Germany has determined that you lack the practical or theoretical knowledge or skills required to obtain full equivalence and that adaptation, compensation measures, or further qualifications are necessary to determine the equivalence of your foreign professional qualifications with a domestic professional qualification.
If you are engaged in an activity whose commencement or pursuit is subject to legal or administrative regulations requiring certain professional qualifications (e.g., doctors, nurses, lawyers, teachers, educators, or engineers, so-called regulated professions), the decision must state that adaptation or compensation measures are necessary for the granting of a license to practice the profession.
- You have successfully registered for a corresponding qualification measure.
- The qualification measure is suitable for enabling the recognition of professional qualifications or access to the profession.
- You have at least A2 level German language
skills. - In the case of predominantly company-based vocational training, the Federal Employment Agency has approved the qualification measure if approval is not dispensable (approval is usually obtained from the immigration office).
- Your livelihood is secure.
You must apply for a residence permit at the immigration office responsible for your place of residence. The procedure is as follows:
- Depending on the immigration office and your specific situation, it may be possible to apply online. Find out whether your immigration office offers electronic applications for residence permits.
- If the application can only be made in person, make an appointment with the immigration office. During the appointment, your application will be accepted and your supporting documents will be checked (please bring these with you to the appointment). Your fingerprints will be taken for the production of an electronic residence permit (eAT card).
- If you apply electronically, 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 supporting documents will be checked (please 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 immigration 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.
There are fees for issuing the residence permit. The timing and form of payment vary depending on the authority.
- Federal Government Portal for Skilled Workers from Abroad
https://www.make-it-in-germany.com/en/visa/kinds-of-visa/recognition/
(English)
- Central Office for Professional Recognition:
https://www.anerkennung-in-deutschland.de/html/en/pro/service-center.php
(English)
- Recognition in Germany:
https://www.anerkennung-in-deutschland.de/html/en/index.php
(English)
Section 16d (1) of the Residence Act
- The residence permit should be applied for at least eight weeks before your current visa expires.
- Appeal period: 1 month
The immigration office responsible for the applicant's place of residence
