Apply for a residence permit to be issued for the recognition of professional qualification on the basis of an agreement of the Federal Employment Agency

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You can obtain a residence permit for the recognition of your foreign professional qualification if you have been placed in employment in the health and care sector (e.g. as part of the "Triple Win" program for the placement of care workers) on the basis of an agreement between the Federal Employment Agency and the labor administration in your country of origin or in another selected sector on the basis of an agreement.

They do not have to pursue a recognition procedure in Germany before the residence permit is issued. This can also be started after arrival in Germany. The overall procedure required for this is regulated in the placement agreement.

The Federal Employment Agency must have approved the pursuit of employment in the intended occupational field. The approval of the Federal Employment Agency is granted for a limited period of one year. Approval can be granted for the pursuit of employment in both regulated and non-regulated occupations if certain requirements are met.

Regulated professions are those for whose access and exercise special professional qualifications had to be acquired, such as doctors, architects, pharmacists. To find out whether your profession is regulated in Germany, which laws govern it, and which office you should contact to check your qualifications, visit the information portal "Recognition in Germany" (see "Further information").

The Federal Employment Agency can grant its approval for employment in a regulated profession if the desired employment is closely related to the professional knowledge in the profession to be recognized after entry and other requirements are met (see "Requirements"). A close professional connection is given if, for example, you want to have your qualification as a health and pediatric nurse recognized and want to work as a nursing assistant during the recognition procedure.

The residence permit entitles you to work up to ten hours a week in an occupation that is independent of the professional qualification to be recognized.

The residence permit for the recognition of the professional qualification based on an agreement of the Federal Employment Agency is a temporary residence title. It is issued for one year.

Valid passport
Recent biometric photo
Visa, if required
Proof of livelihood
Proof of foreign professional qualification
Rental contract
Proof of health insurance
Professional license, if necessary
For regulated professions: Concrete job offer for a qualified employment in the profession to be recognized after entry
Proof of language skills (certificate)

You have a recognized and valid passport or passport replacement and - if required for entry - 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 have been placed in employment on the basis of a placement agreement between the Federal Employment Agency and the labor administration of your country of origin.
The Federal Employment Agency has consented to the pursuit of employment in the intended occupational field, if consent is required.

As a rule, the approval is obtained from the Foreigners' Registration Office. This can be granted if certain requirements are met.

If you want to work in a regulated profession , you must meet the following requirements:

- You can present a concrete job offer for qualified employment in the occupation to be recognized after entry.
- For the employment in the intended occupational field, a professional practice permit has already been issued, if required.
- You declare that, after entering Germany, you will carry out the procedure at the competent recognition office to establish the equivalence of your foreign professional qualification and, if necessary, to issue the professional practice permit.

If you want to work in a non-regulated profession, you must declare that you will carry out the procedure to establish the equivalence of your foreign professional qualification at the competent body after entering Germany.

You have the German language skills specified in the placement agreement, which generally correspond to level A2.

You can secure your livelihood and health insurance coverage without claiming public benefits.

Issuance of residence permit: EUR 100.00

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

The residence permit must be applied for at the aliens' registration office responsible for your place of residence. The procedure is as follows:

Depending on the foreigners authority and your concerns, it may be possible to apply via the Internet. Find out whether your foreigners authority offers electronic application for the residence permit.
If the application is only possible in person, make an appointment with the Aliens' Registration Office. During the appointment, your application will be received and your supporting documents will be checked (bring them with you to the appointment). For the production of an electronic residence permit (eATKarte) your fingerprints will be taken.
In the case of an electronic application, the Aliens' Registration Office will contact you after receiving your online application to arrange an appointment at the Aliens' Registration Office if necessary. During the appointment, your supporting documents will be checked (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 Aliens' Registration Office will arrange for the eAT card to be produced.
After about six to eight weeks, you can collect the eAT card from the Aliens' Registration Office.
The eAT card must always be collected in person.
Fees are charged for the issuance of the residence permit. The timing and form of payment vary depending on the authority.

about six to eight weeks

The residence permit should be applied for at least eight weeks before the expiry of your still valid visa.
Objection period: 1 month

Forms: You can obtain forms from your foreigners authority; these may also be available online.
Online procedure occasionally possible
Written form required: yes
Personal appearance required: yes

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.

Phone: 030 1815-1111

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