Applying for a residence permit to look for a job for professionals with academic training

You can also obtain free advice on the topics of entry, residence and employment from the "Hotline 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.

• You are in possession of a recognised 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 German,
  - a recognised foreign university degree or
  - a foreign university degree comparable to a German university degree
  
  
  
• The object of your job search is employment as a skilled worker.
• If required, you have a licence to practise your profession or a promise that this will be granted.
• You are able to secure your livelihood and health insurance cover from your own resources without claiming public benefits.

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

• Valid passport or passport replacement
• Visa, if this was required for entry into Germany
• Current biometric photo
• Original of the certificate of successfully completed university education
• In the case of foreign university degrees: Notification of recognition or comparability of the university degree, certificate evaluation by the Central Office for Foreign Education (ZAB) if available.
• For regulated professions: Licence to practise the profession or confirmation that this will be granted
• Evidence of the security of your livelihood (e.g. equity capital, blocked account, declaration of commitment)
• Proof of health insurance
• Current certificate of registration
• Tenancy agreement

In individual cases, the foreigners authority may request further documents

The procedure is as follows:

• Depending on the immigration office and the request, it may be possible to apply via the Internet. Find out whether your Foreigners' Registration Office 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 evidence will be checked (bring it with you to the appointment). Your fingerprints will be taken for the production of an electronic residence permit (eAT card).
• In the event of an electronic application, the Foreigners' Registration Office will contact you after 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 permit (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 residence permit should be applied for no later than eight weeks before the expiry of your visa or current residence permit.
• The residence permit is issued for a maximum of six months.
• Deadline for filing a complaint: one month

about six to eight weeks

• 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

• Section 20 (2) of the Residence Act

Administrative court action:
Detailed information on this can be found in the decision rejecting your application.