Aufenthaltserlaubnis zur Durchführung einer Qualifizierungsmaßnahme beantragen

You can obtain a residence permit to carry out a qualification measure if you would like to work in Germany but your professional qualification has not yet been fully recognized by the competent authority in Germany.

You can obtain a residence permit to undertake a qualification measure if a recognition procedure has been carried out at a body responsible for the recognition of professional qualifications in Germany and the recognition body has determined that the qualification measures are necessary for the

• recognition of your professional qualification (determination of equivalence to a domestic professional qualification) or
• for the granting of a license to practice the profession (access to the profession)

are required.

Qualification measures include adaptation and compensation measures in theoretical and practical form (internships in companies, theoretical courses, mixed forms), preparatory courses for examinations and language courses.
The residence permit for the recognition of foreign professional qualifications is a temporary residence permit. It is issued for the duration of the qualification measure, but for a maximum of 18 months.
With your residence permit to exercise foreign professional qualifications, you are allowed to work up to 10 hours per week independently of the qualification measure.

• valid passport
• Current biometric photo
• Visa, if required
• Deficiency notice from the recognition office
• Proof of at least sufficient German language skills at level A 2
• Proof of the intended qualification measure, further training plan if applicable
• Proof of livelihood
• Tenancy agreement
• Proof of your health insurance

• You have a recognized and valid passport or passport substitute and - if required for entry - an appropriate visa.
• There is no interest in deporting you.
• Your stay does not jeopardize or impair the interests of the Federal Republic of Germany.
• The authority responsible for recognizing your professional qualification in Germany has issued a decision stating that you lack the practical or theoretical knowledge or skills required to achieve full equivalence and that adaptation and compensation measures or further qualifications are required to establish the equivalence of your foreign professional qualification with a German professional qualification.

If you work in an occupation that is subject by law or administrative regulations to the possession of certain professional qualifications (e.g. doctors, nurses, lawyers, teachers, educators or engineers, so-called regulated professions), it must be clear from the notification that adaptation or compensation measures are required for the granting of the professional license.

• You have successfully registered for a corresponding qualification measure.
• The qualification measure is suitable to enable recognition of the professional qualification or access to the profession.
• You have at least A2 level German language skills.
• In the case of predominantly in-company vocational training, the Federal Employment Agency has approved the qualification measure if approval is not dispensable (approval is usually obtained from the Foreigners' Registration Office).
• Your livelihood is secured.

Issuing a residence permit: EUR 100.00

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

You must apply for a residence permit at the foreigners authority responsible for your place of residence. 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 Foreigners' Registration Office will arrange for the eAT card to be issued.
• After about six to eight weeks, you can collect the eAT card from the immigration office.
• The eAT card must always be collected in person.

Fees are charged for the issue of the residence permit. The time and form of payment vary depending on the authority.

about six to eight weeks

• You should apply for a residence permit at least eight weeks before your valid visa expires.
• Objection period: 1 month

• Residence permit for the purpose of vocational training; issuance for the implementation of a qualification measure
• Foreign nationals can obtain a residence permit to undertake a qualification measure if they wish to work in Germany but their professional qualification has not yet been fully recognized by the competent authority in Germany.
• The qualification measure must be suitable to enable the foreigner to obtain recognition of the professional qualification or access to the profession.
• In the case of a predominantly company-based qualification measure, the Federal Employment Agency must generally give its consent.
• Foreigners must have appropriate language skills for the qualification measure, which generally correspond to level A2.
• The residence permit entitles the holder to work up to ten hours per week independently of the qualification measure.
• The residence permit is issued for a limited period for the duration of the qualification measures, but for a maximum of 18 months.
• 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

• 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 'Hotline Working and Living in Germany' of the Federal Government's portal for skilled workers from abroad. Telephone: +49 30 1815-1111, service hours: Monday to Friday from 08:00 to 16:00

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

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