Aufenthaltserlaubnis zum Zweck der Beschäftigung für qualifizierte Geduldete beantragen

Tolerated foreigners can obtain a residence permit for employment if they meet certain requirements.

As a tolerated foreign national, you can obtain a residence permit for employment if you have completed qualified vocational training or a university degree in Germany. Qualified vocational training exists if you have completed vocational training in a state-recognized or comparable regulated occupation. The training must have lasted at least two years.

If you have obtained your university degree abroad, you can obtain a residence permit if your foreign degree has been legally recognized in Germany or is comparable to a German university degree. The Central Office for Foreign Education is responsible for the recognition of foreign university degrees in Germany. It is also necessary that you have been working for two years without interruption with your foreign university degree in an occupation appropriate to your degree. Employment is deemed appropriate if it usually requires an academic degree and the knowledge acquired with the university degree is at least partially or indirectly required. Shorter interruptions of employment, which should generally not exceed a total duration of three months, are harmless.

You can also obtain a residence permit if you have acquired your professional qualification abroad, have been in qualified employment for three years without interruption and have not been dependent on public funds (with the exception of benefits to cover the necessary costs of accommodation and heating) for your livelihood and that of your family members or other household members within the last year before applying for the residence permit. Qualified employment is deemed to exist if it is usually exercised by persons with skills, knowledge and abilities acquired in qualified vocational training or academic education. Shorter interruptions (up to three months) are generally harmless.

The residence permit is issued for a limited period for the duration of the employment. Holders of a tolerated stay permit for training will be granted a residence permit for two years if they wish to pursue employment that corresponds to the qualification acquired during vocational training.

• valid passport or passport substitute
• Current biometric photo
• Proof of completed education (e.g. university degree, certificates of completed vocational training)
• for foreign university degrees: Notification of recognition or comparability of the university degree, certificate assessment from the Central Office for Foreign Education (ZAB) if available
• Employment contract or the declaration of employment completed and signed by the employer
• If applicable, proof of previous employment (e.g. references, employment contracts)
• Proof of German language skills
• Proof of means of subsistence (e.g. equity capital, blocked account, declaration of commitment)
• Proof of your health insurance
• current registration certificate

In individual cases, the Immigration Office may request further documents.

• You have a recognized and valid passport or passport substitute.
• There is no interest in deporting you.
• Your stay does not endanger or impair the interests of the Federal Republic of Germany.
• You have in the federal territory
  • completed qualified vocational training in a state-recognized or comparable regulated training occupation or a university degree or
  • with a recognized foreign university degree or a foreign university degree comparable to a German one university degree for at least two years without interruption in employment that was appropriate to their degree or
  • have been in qualified employment for at least three years without interruption and have not been dependent on public funds in the last year, with the exception of benefits to cover the necessary costs of accommodation and heating.
• You have sufficient German language skills (B1).
• You can present a concrete job offer or a contract. The "Declaration of employment" serves as proof of the specific job offer.
• You have sufficient living space for yourself and your family.
• The Federal Employment Agency has approved your employment.
• You can cover your living expenses and health insurance from your own resources without claiming public benefits.

Issuing a residence permit: EUR 100.00

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

Please note:

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

The procedure is as follows:

• Depending on the foreigners authority and your request, it may be possible to apply via the Internet. Find out whether your foreigners authority offers electronic application for a residence permit.
• If you can only apply in person, make an appointment with the immigration office. During the appointment, your application will be accepted and your supporting documents checked (bring these with you to the appointment). Your fingerprints will be taken for the production of an electronic residence permit (eAT card).
• In the case of an electronic application, the Immigration Office will contact you after receiving your online application to arrange an appointment at the Immigration 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 approved, the Immigration Office will arrange for the eAT card to be issued.
• After around six to eight weeks, you can collect the eAT card from the immigration office.
• The eAT card must always be collected in person.

about six to eight weeks

• The residence permit is issued for a limited period for the duration of the employment. For holders of the Ausbildungsduldung, the residence permit is issued for two years.
• Objection period: one month

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

If the foreigners authority does not uphold the appeal, an action may be brought before the court named in the notice of appeal.

• Residence permit for the purpose of gainful employment; issue for qualified tolerated persons for the purpose of employment
• Tolerated foreigners who in Germany
  • have completed qualified vocational training in a state-recognized or comparable regulated training occupation or a university degree or
  • have held a recognized foreign university degree or a foreign university degree comparable to a German university degree for two years without interruption in employment commensurate with their degree or
  • have been in qualified employment for three years without interruption and have not been dependent on public funds within the last year with the exception of benefits to cover the necessary costs of accommodation and heating

may receive a residence permit for the purpose of employment.

• The foreign national must have at least sufficient knowledge of the German language (B1).
• The foreign national must provide proof of sufficient living space.
• The Federal Employment Agency must agree to the employment.
• The residence permit is issued for a limited period for the duration of the employment.
• For holders of the Ausbildungsduldung, the residence permit must be issued for two years.
• Depending on the foreigners authority and your request, you can apply online or in person.
• A fee is charged for the issue of the residence permit. The time and form of payment vary depending on the authority.
• Responsible: the foreigners authority responsible for the applicant's place of residence

You can also obtain free advice on the topics of entry, residence and employment from the "Working and Living in Germany Hotline" of the Federal Government's portal for skilled workers from abroad.

Telephone: +49 30 1815-1111
Service hours: Monday to Friday from 8:00 to 16:00

the foreigners authority responsible for the applicant's place of residence

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