You can apply for a residence permit for employment if your employment is in the public interest, particularly in terms of regional economic or labor market policy.

A residence permit for employment based on public interest is a special right of residence that is only granted in justified individual cases. Public interest in employment can be justified, for example,

• if there is a regional or supraregional public interest in an employer's products or services, or if there is a shortage of certain goods or services at the employer's location (regional interests). Supply or local political reasons may also play a role here.
• if significant investments and/or a significant number of jobs are created or secured; if the establishment of the company is associated with a sustainable improvement in the sales or market opportunities of domestic companies or if it involves the establishment of a manufacturing plant for technically high-quality (future-proof) and/or particularly environmentally friendly products (economic interests).
• if jobs are preserved or created as a result of the employment (labor market policy interests).

The private economic and operational interests of an employer alone are not sufficient to justify a public interest in the employment.

You do not need to provide proof of qualifications. Recognition of your qualifications acquired abroad is also not required.

The Federal Employment Agency must give its approval before the residence permit is issued. The Federal Employment Agency also checks whether there is an interest in terms of labor market policy. Approval is granted for a maximum of four years.

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.

Under certain circumstances, the immigration office may require you to participate in an integration course. This will then be noted on your residence permit. 

If you are an employer and would like to hire an employee from abroad for reasons of public interest, you can apply to the Foreigners' Registration Office on behalf of the foreigner for the accelerated skilled worker procedure, which can facilitate and speed up their entry into the country.

• 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.
• There is a public interest in your employment, in particular a regional, economic, or labor market policy interest.
• You have an employment contract or a binding job offer.
• The Federal Employment Agency has approved your employment (approval is usually obtained from the immigration authorities). Among other things, your working conditions (in particular your salary) must be comparable to those of a German employee in the same position in order for approval to be granted.

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 "Hotline Working and Living in Germany" 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 19c (3) of the Residence Act

Section 39 (3) Residence Act (AufenthG)

Section 35 Employment Regulation (BeschV) 

• 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

For the accelerated skilled worker procedure:

Foreigners' registration office at the location of the place of business where the foreign national is to be employed, unless a central office has been set up to carry out the procedure

• Valid passport
• Original copy of your employment contract or a binding job offer (please use the standard nationwide form Declaration of Employment Relationship )
• Current biometric photo
• Current registration certificate
• Proof of health insurance
• 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)
• Further documents are required to carry out the accelerated skilled worker procedure. Please contact the relevant immigration office for more information.

Issuance of residence permit: EUR 100.00

Amendment of an existing residence permit to obtain a residence permit for the purpose of employment in the public interest (change of purpose): EUR 98.00

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

Note: The residence permit is issued as an electronic residence title. The fee for reissuing the card is EUR 67.00.

• 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