Aufenthaltserlaubnis zur Arbeitsplatzsuche für Fachkräfte mit akademischer Ausbildung beantragen

As a skilled worker with an academic qualification, you can obtain a residence permit to look for a job for a period of six months if you meet certain requirements.

You can obtain a residence permit to look for a job for skilled workers if you have a university degree. If you do not have a German university degree, your degree must either be recognized or be comparable to a German university degree. You can apply for recognition or assessment of comparability before you enter Germany (see further information).

If you are already in Germany, you can obtain a residence permit to look for a job if you were previously in possession of a residence permit for gainful employment or a residence permit for the purpose of an EU study-related internship.

If you wish to work in a regulated profession, the necessary professional license must already have been granted or approved when the residence permit for job-seeking purposes is issued.

Regulated professions are professional activities that are subject to the possession of certain professional qualifications by law or administrative regulations. In Germany, regulated professions are, for example, doctors, nurses, lawyers, teachers, educators or engineers.

With a residence permit to look for a job, you can take on a trial job for up to ten hours per week, provided you have the necessary qualifications.

The residence permit is issued for up to six months.

• Valid passport or passport substitute
• Visa, if this was required for entry into Germany
• Current biometric photo
• Original of the certificate of successfully completed university education
• for foreign university degrees: Notification of recognition or comparability of the university degree, certificate evaluation from the Central Office for Foreign Education (ZAB) if available
• for regulated professions: License to practice the profession or confirmation that it has been granted
• Proof of livelihood security (e.g. equity capital, blocked account, declaration of commitment)
• Proof of your health insurance
• current registration certificate
• rental agreement

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

• You have a recognized and valid passport or passport substitute and - if this was required for entry into Germany - 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.
• You possess
  • a German,
  • a recognized foreign degree or
  • a foreign university degree comparable to a German university degree.
• The subject of your job search is employment as a specialist.
• If necessary, you have a license to practice your profession or a confirmation that it will be granted.
• 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 a 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 should be applied for at least eight weeks before your visa or current residence permit expires.
• The residence permit is issued for a maximum of six months.
• 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; issued to qualified specialists with an academic education to look for a job
• Foreigners who hold a German, a recognized foreign or a foreign university degree that is comparable to a German one can obtain a residence permit for the purpose of seeking employment.
• Foreign skilled workers who are already in Germany can obtain a residence permit to look for a job if they were in possession of a residence permit for gainful employment or a residence permit for the purpose of an EU study-related internship immediately beforehand.
• The residence permit entitles the holder to carry out a trial employment for up to ten hours per week for which they are qualified.
• The residence permit is issued for up to six 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 authority responsible for the of the person making the application responsible immigration authority

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