Aufenthaltserlaubnis zur Arbeitsplatzsuche für Fachkräfte mit akademischer Ausbildung beantragen

As a specialist with academic training, you can obtain a residence permit to look for a job for a period of six months if you meet certain requirements.

You can obtain a residence permit for job search for professionals if you have a university degree. If you do not have a German university degree, your degree must either be recognised or comparable to a German university degree. You can recognise or establish comparability before you enter Germany (see further information).

If you are already in Germany, you can obtain a residence permit to look for a job if you were immediately in possession of a residence permit for gainful employment or a residence permit for the purpose of the study-related EU internship.

If you wish to work in a regulated profession, the required professional permit must have already been issued or promised when the residence permit for job search is issued.

Regulated professions are professional activities the taking-up or pursuit of which is subject by legislative, regulatory or administrative provisions to the possession of certain professional qualifications. Regulated professions in Germany are, for example, doctor, nurse, lawyer, teacher, educator or engineer.

With the residence permit for job search, you can take up a trial job, which the qualification qualifies you to exercise, for up to ten hours per week.

The residence permit is issued for up to six months.

• Valid passport or passport substitute
• Visa, if this was required for entry into Germany
• Current biometric photo
• Original certificate of successful completion of higher education
• For foreign university degrees: notification of recognition or comparability of the university degree, certificate evaluation of the Central Office for Foreign Education (ZAB) if available
• In the case of regulated professions: authorisation to practise a profession or a commitment to grant
• Proof of securing one's livelihood (e.g. equity, blocked account, declaration of commitment)
• Proof of your health insurance
• Current registration certificate
• Lease

In individual cases, the Foreigners' Registration Office may request further documents.

• You have a recognized and valid passport or passport substitute and, if this was required for entry into Germany - an appropriate visa.
• There is no interest in expulsion against you.
• Your stay does not endanger or impair the interests of the Federal Republic of Germany.
• You own
  - a German,
  - a recognised foreign or
  - a foreign university degree comparable to a German university degree
• The subject of your job search is employment as a specialist.
• If necessary, you have a professional license or a commitment to grant it.
• You can secure your livelihood and health insurance cover from your own resources without recourse to public services.

Issue of residence permit: EUR 100.00

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

Hints:

• Additional fees may apply for the issuance of the residence permit in the form of an electronic residence title, which can also be used as an electronic proof of identity.
• The timing and form of charging and payment vary depending on the authority.

The procedure is as follows:

• Depending on the immigration authority and concerns, it may be possible to apply via the Internet. Find out whether your immigration authority offers the electronic application for a residence permit.
• If the application is only possible in person, make an appointment with the Foreigners' Registration Office. During the appointment, your application will be received and your supporting documents will be checked (bring them with you to the appointment). Your fingerprints will be taken to produce an electronic residence permit (eATKarte).
• In the event of an electronic application, the Foreigners' Registration Office will contact you upon receipt of your online application in order to make an appointment at the Foreigners' Registration Office if necessary. During the appointment, your documents will be checked (bring them with you to the appointment) and your fingerprints will be taken for the production of the electronic residence title (eAT card).
• If your application is granted, the Foreigners' Registration Office will arrange for the eATKarte to be produced.
• After about six to eight weeks, you can pick up the eATKarte at the Foreigners' Registration Office.
• The eATKarte is always to be picked up personally.

about six to eight weeks

• The residence permit should be applied for no later than eight weeks before your visa or current residence permit expires.
• The residence permit is issued for a maximum of six months.
• Opposition period: one month

An appeal against a decision of the immigration authority may be lodged with the authority named in the decision within one month of notification of the decision. The objection may be filed in writing, in electronic form and for record.

If the objection is not complied with by the immigration authority, an action may be brought before the court named in the notice of objection.

• Residence permit for the purpose of gainful employment Job search issue for qualified professionals with academic training
• Foreigners who hold a German, a recognized foreign or a foreign university degree comparable to a German one can obtain a residence permit to look for a job.
• Foreign skilled workers who are already in Germany can obtain a residence permit to look for a job if they were immediately in possession of a residence permit for gainful employment or a residence permit for the purpose of the study-related EU internship.
• The residence permit entitles the holder to take up to ten hours of probationary employment per week, which the qualification qualifies the holder to exercise.
• The residence permit is issued for up to six months.
• Depending on the immigration authority and concerns, the application is possible via the Internet or in person.
• There is a fee for the issuance of the residence permit. The timing and form of payment vary depending on the authority.
• Responsible: the immigration authority responsible for the place of residence of the applicant

• Online procedures possible in some cases
• Written form required
• Personal appearance required