If you have successfully completed school or vocational training in Germany, you may be granted a residence permit for the purpose of seeking employment.

The residence permit will be issued to you for a limited period immediately following your previous training. An extension is possible if the maximum period of 12 months was not used up when the permit was first issued. If you do not find a job during this period, an extension is also excluded. You are then obliged to leave the federal territory.

This residence permit allows you to work without restriction.

You must already be in possession of a residence permit for the purpose of seeking employment after successfully completing school or vocational training in Germany, which has not yet expired after the maximum period of 12 months.

In addition, you must meet the general requirements for a residence permit. These are, in particular:

• a secure livelihood,
• a clear identity,
• possession of a valid national passport.

You can only apply for a residence permit in person at the immigration office responsible for your place of residence.

• You must submit the original copies of the required documents and pay the application fee.
• The immigration office will check whether the requirements for granting a residence permit are met.
• If all requirements are met, the immigration office will record your biometric data (photo, fingerprints) and order the electronic residence permit (eAT) from the Federal Printing Office.
• As soon as the eAT is ready, it will be handed over to you by the immigration office.

You can find further information on the German government's portal for skilled workers from abroad

https://www.make-it-in-germany.com/de/

Section 20(3)(3) and (4)(2) of the Act on the Residence, Employment, and Integration of Foreigners in the Federal Territory (Residence Act – AufenthG)

Section 8(1) AufenthG

• Appeal

Detailed information on how to lodge an appeal can be found in the notice rejecting your application.

• Administrative court action.

Application must be submitted before the current residence permit expires. It is recommended that you apply 4 to 6 weeks before your current residence permit expires. The residence permit is limited to 12 months, including any extension.

The processing time depends on the workload of the local immigration office responsible.

• Valid national passport
• Proof of secure livelihood (e.g., employment contract and pay slips, bank statements, declaration of commitment by a third party)
• Proof of health insurance
• Proof of qualifications (diploma, certificate, or confirmation from your training company or educational institution that you have successfully completed your training)
• 1 current biometric photo
• Please check with your local immigration office to see if you need to submit any additional documents.

• Fee: EUR 93.00 - EUR 96.00

• Online procedure possible: no
• Written form required: no
• Personal appearance required: yes