You can obtain a residence permit for skilled workers with vocational training if you have completed qualified vocational training in Germany. Qualified vocational training is defined as vocational training in a state-recognized or comparably regulated occupation.  The training must have lasted at least two years. If you completed your vocational training abroad, the equivalence of your qualification with German qualified vocational training must be determined by the competent recognition authority (e.g., the Chamber of Industry and Commerce).

The Federal Employment Agency must give its approval before the residence permit is issued. The Federal Employment Agency checks whether the working conditions correspond to those of comparable German employees, whether you are engaged in employment for which your qualification qualifies you, and whether you have a domestic employment relationship.

If the residence permit is granted, it will be temporary. Its validity depends on your employment contract or the period of validity of the approval from the Federal Employment Agency. In the case of permanent employment contracts, the residence permit for skilled workers is granted for a period of four years.

• You have a recognized and valid passport or passport substitute and, if required for entry, an appropriate visa.
• There are no grounds for your expulsion.
• Your stay does not jeopardize or impair the interests of the Federal Republic of Germany.
• You have 

• domestic vocational training or
• an equivalent foreign professional qualification

• You have a qualification that enables you to perform skilled employment. This means that you can also work in a related profession if there is a connection between your training and your intended occupation (e.g., a baker can also work as a pastry chef).
• You have a job or a job offer
  If you are over 45 years of age, you must provide proof of an employment contract or a binding job offer with a specific minimum salary. The minimum salary must be 55 percent of the annual contribution assessment ceiling in the general pension insurance scheme. This results in a minimum salary for 2020 of €45,540 per year. Even if this minimum salary is not reached, a residence permit may be granted upon presentation of proof of adequate pension provision or in special cases (e.g., if there is a public interest in the employment).
  The contribution assessment ceiling is announced each year by December 31 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 employment (approval is usually obtained from the immigration authorities). In order to obtain approval, your working conditions (in particular your salary) must be comparable to those of a German employee in the same position.
• If necessary, you have a professional license.
• You can cover your living expenses and health insurance from your income without claiming public benefits.

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 (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/de/ueber-das-portal/kontakt/hotline/
• You can also obtain free advice on entry, residence, and employment from the "Working and Living in Germany Hotline" on the German government's portal for skilled workers from abroad.
  Phone: 030
  1815-1111 Service hours: Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Section 18 Residence Act

Section 18a Residence Act

Section 39 Residence Act

• The residence permit should be applied for at least eight weeks before your current visa or residence permit expires.
• The residence permit is issued for a limited period. Its validity depends on the duration of your employment contract and the approval of the Federal Employment Agency.
• Appeal period: 1 month

about six to eight weeks

The immigration office responsible for the applicant's place of residence

• Valid passport
• Current biometric photo
• Original copy of your employment contract or a binding job offer (please use the standard nationwide form Declaration of Employment Relationship )
• Original certificate of successfully completed vocational training
• If available, notification of the equivalence of your foreign professional qualification with a domestic qualified vocational training
• For regulated professions: your professional license
• If necessary: Professional license
• Proof of your health insurance
• Current registration certificate
• Rental agreement
   

In addition if you have recently entered the country:

• Visa, if required for entry

and in the case of a previous stay:

• Current residence permit or other certificate of right of residence (e.g., temporary residence permit, tolerated stay)

Issuance of residence permit: EUR 100.00

Under certain circumstances, a reduction or exemption from fees may be considered.

• Forms: Declaration of employment (standardized nationwide); additional forms specific to your local authorities can be obtained from your immigration office; these may also be available online
• Online procedures possible in some cases
• Written form required: yes
• Personal appearance required: yes