You can obtain a residence permit for skilled workers to look for work if you have a university degree. If you do not have a German university degree, your degree must either be recognized or comparable to a German university degree. You can have your degree recognized or its comparability assessed before you enter Germany (see further information).
If you are already in Germany, you can obtain a residence permit for job seekers if you were immediately prior to that in possession of a residence permit for gainful employment or a residence permit for the purpose of a study-related EU internship.
If you wish to work in a regulated profession, the necessary professional license must already have been granted or promised when the residence permit for job seekers is issued.
Regulated professions are professional activities whose commencement or practice is subject to legal or administrative regulations requiring certain professional qualifications. Professions regulated in Germany include doctors, nurses, lawyers, teachers, educators, and engineers.
With a residence permit for job seekers, you can engage in trial employment for which you are qualified for up to ten hours per week.
The residence permit is issued for up to six months.
The procedure is as follows:
- Depending on the immigration office and your request, 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 (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 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 immigration office.
- The eAT card must always be picked up in person.
An appeal against a decision by the immigration authorities may 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 recording.
If the Foreigners' Registration Office does not grant the appeal, legal action may be taken before the court specified in the appeal decision.
The immigration office responsible for the applicant's place of residence.
