Applying for a residence permit to look for work following the recognition of foreign professional qualifications
Service description
Once the equivalence of your foreign professional qualification has been established, or you have been granted authorisation to practise your profession, you may be granted a temporary residence permit to seek employment or take up self-employment immediately following your previous recognition procedure. This residence permit allows you to work without restriction.
Procedure
You can only apply for a residence permit in person at the Foreigners’ Registration Office responsible for your place of residence.
- You must submit the original copies of the required documents and pay the application fee.
- The Immigration Authority checks whether the conditions for granting the permit have been met.
- Once all the requirements have been met, the Foreigners’ Registration Office will record your biometric data (photograph, fingerprints) and order the electronic residence permit (eAT) from Bundesdruckerei GmbH.
- Once the eAT has been issued, it will be handed to you by the Foreigners’ Registration Office.
Who should I contact?
Please contact the relevant immigration authority.
Prerequisites
You already hold a residence permit for the purpose of the recognition procedure for a foreign professional qualification within Germany.
The other general conditions for the granting of a residence permit are, in particular:- a secure livelihood,
- a clear sense of identity,
- Possession of a valid national passport.
Which documents are required?
- Valid national passport
- Evidence of a secure means of support (for example, an employment contract and payslips, bank statements, or a declaration of commitment from a third party)
- Proof of health insurance
- Proof of qualification (qualification certificate, school report or certificate from your training organisation or educational institution confirming the successful completion of a vocational training programme)
- 1 recent biometric photograph
- Please check with your local immigration office to see whether you need to submit any further documents.
What deadlines do I have to observe?
Submit your application before your current residence permit expires. It is recommended that you attend an appointment 4 to 6 weeks before your current residence permit expires.
The residence permit is valid for a maximum of 12 months.
Processing time
The processing time depends on the workload at the relevant local immigration office.
Legal basis
Section 20(3)(4) of the Act on the Residence, Employment and Integration of Foreign Nationals in the Federal Territory (Residence Act – AufenthG)
Legal remedy
- Contradiction
You can find detailed information on how to lodge an appeal in the notice informing you that your application has been rejected.
- Administrative court proceedings.
Applications / Forms
- Personal appearance required: yes
Author
Forwarding service: Deep link to the original portal