Applying for a residence permit to seek employment for skilled workers with vocational training

The procedure is as follows:

• Depending on the foreigners authority and your request, it may be possible to apply online. Find out whether your foreigners authority offers electronic applications for residence permits.
• If you can only submit your application in person, please arrange an appointment with the Foreigners’ Registration 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 to issue an electronic residence permit (eAT card).
• If you submit your application electronically, the Foreigners’ Registration Office will contact you once your online application has been received to arrange an appointment at the office, if necessary. During the appointment, your supporting documents will be checked (please bring these 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 issued.
• After about six to eight weeks, you can collect your eAT card from the Foreigners’ Registration Office.
• As a general rule, the eAT card must be collected in person.

Contact the foreigners authority.

• You hold a recognised and valid passport or passport substitute and – where this was required for entry into Germany – a suitable visa.
• There is no interest in deporting you.
• Their stay does not jeopardise or impair the interests of the Federal Republic of Germany.
• You have
  - a recognised domestic vocational qualification or
  - an equivalent foreign vocational qualification
• You are looking for a job as a skilled worker.
• You have a command of German that is appropriate for the role you are applying for. As a general rule, a command of German at least at level B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages is required.

• Where necessary, you must hold a licence to practise or have been granted a commitment that one will be issued.
• You are able to support yourself and maintain your health insurance cover from your own resources without having to rely on state benefits.

• Valid passport or passport substitute
• A visa, if required for entry into Germany
• Current biometric photo
• Original certificate confirming the successful completion of vocational training
• In the case of foreign vocational qualifications: a decision confirming the equivalence of the foreign vocational qualification with a recognised domestic vocational qualification, where available
• For regulated professions: licence to practise or confirmation that a licence will be granted
• Proof of German language proficiency
• Evidence of sufficient means of support (e.g. personal funds, blocked account, declaration of financial commitment)
• Proof of your health insurance
• Current registration certificate

• Act on the Residence, Employment and Integration of Foreign Nationals in the Federal Territory (Residence Act – AufenthG) Section 20: Job-seeking by skilled workers

An appeal against a decision by the immigration authority can 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 the record.

If the foreigners authority does not grant the objection, an action can be brought before the court named in the objection notice.

• Online procedure occasionally possible
• Written form required
• Personal appearance required

• Residence permit for the purpose of gainful employment: issued to enable qualified professionals with vocational training to seek employment in Saxony-Anhalt

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