Apply for residence permit for job search for skilled workers with vocational training

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You can obtain a residence permit to seek employment for skilled workers if you have completed qualified vocational training in Germany. Qualified vocational training exists if you have completed vocational training in a state-recognized or comparably regulated training occupation. The duration of the training must have been at least two years. If you have completed your vocational training abroad, the equivalence of your qualification with the German, qualified vocational training must be determined by the responsible recognition body (e.g. the Chamber of Industry or Commerce).

If you wish to pursue employment in a regulated profession, the required professional practice permit must already have been granted or promised at the time the residence title is issued for the purpose of seeking employment. Regulated professions are professional activities whose admission or exercise is tied by legal or administrative regulations to the possession of certain professional qualifications. In Germany, regulated professions are, for example, doctor, nurse, lawyer, teacher, educator or engineer.

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

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

The residence permit is issued for up to six months.

§ 20 Abs. 1 Aufenthaltsgesetz

Valid passport or passport replacement
Visa, if this was required for entry into Germany
Current biometric photo
Original of the certificate of successfully completed professional training
In the case of foreign professional qualifications: notification of the determination of equivalence of the foreign professional qualification with a domestic qualified professional qualification, if available.
For regulated professions: Permit to practice the profession or promise of issuance
Proof of German language skills
Evidence of livelihood security (e.g. equity capital, blocked account, declaration of commitment)
Proof of health insurance
Current certificate of registration

You are in possession of a recognized and valid passport or passport replacement and - if this was required for entry into Germany - an appropriate visa.
There is no interest in deportation against you.
Your stay does not endanger or impair the interests of the Federal Republic of Germany.
You possess
- a domestic qualified vocational training or
- an equivalent foreign professional qualification
The object of your job search is employment as a skilled worker.
You have German language skills that correspond to the desired occupation. As a rule, German language skills of at least level B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages are required here.

If required, you have a professional practice permit or a promise that it will be issued.
You are able to secure your livelihood and health insurance cover from your own resources without claiming public benefits.

Issuance of residence permit: EUR 100.00

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

Notes:

For the issuance of the residence permit in the form of the electronic residence title, which can also be used as an electronic proof of identity, additional fees may be charged.
The time and the form of the fee collection as well as the payment vary depending on the authority.

Fee: 100,00 EUR
Payment in advance: no

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 (eAT card).
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 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.

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.

An action may be brought before the competent administrative court against a negative decision of the immigration authority.

A preliminary procedure (opposition) does not take place in Lower Saxony.

Detailed information can be found in the rejection decision.

Online procedure possible in isolated cases
Written form required
Personal appearance required

Portal of the Federal Government for skilled workers from abroad

https://www.make-it-in-germany.com/de/ueber-das-portal/kontakt/hotline/

Information portal of the Federal Government on the recognition of foreign professional qualifications:

https://www.anerkennung-in-deutschland.de/html/de/index.php

You can also obtain free advice on the topics of entry, residence and occupation from the "Hotline Arbeiten und Leben in Deutschland" (Working and Living in Germany) from the Federal Government's portal for skilled workers from abroad

Telephone: 030 1815-1111

Service hours: Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.