Aufenthaltserlaubnis zum Zweck der Erwerbstätigkeit Erteilung zum Zwecke der Beschäftigung bei ausgeprägten berufspraktischen Kenntnissen

With distinctive practical professional knowledge in the field of information and communication technology, you can obtain a residence permit under certain conditions. However, a formal qualification is not required.

• You have a recognised and valid passport or passport substitute and - if required for entry - an appropriate visa.
• There is no interest in expulsion against you.
• Their stay does not endanger or impair the interests of the Federal Republic of Germany.
• You have worked in IT for at least three years within the last seven years.
• You have an employment contract or a binding job offer in the field of information and communication technology.
• Your salary will reach at least 60% of the contribution assessment ceiling in the pension insurance. In 2021, 60% corresponds to a gross minimum salary of EUR 4,260 per month or EUR 51,120 per year (limit applies to the entire federal territory). The amount of the contribution assessment ceiling is announced for each year by 31 December of the previous year by the Federal Ministry of the Interior, Building and Community in the Federal Gazette (see further information).
• You can secure your livelihood and health insurance coverage independently without using public services.
• You have sufficient knowledge of German. This corresponds to language level B1. In individual cases, the requirement of German language skills can be waived. If this requirement is to be waived in your case, you must apply for it and justify it.
• The Federal Employment Agency has approved the start of work (consent is usually obtained from the Foreigners' Registration Office). For approval, among other things, the following must be obtained: Their working conditions (in particular salary) must be comparable to those of a German employee in the same position.

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 (eAT card) 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 documents will be checked (please 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 Department 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 your valid visa or residence permit expires.
• The residence permit is issued for a limited period of time. The validity depends on the period of validity of your employment contract and the approval of the Federal Employment Agency.
• Objection period: 1 month

• Residence permit for the purpose of gainful employment, issued for the purpose of employment with distinctive practical professional knowledge.
• Foreign IT specialists can be allowed qualified employment in the field of information and communication technology, regardless of qualification, if they have worked in the IT field for at least three years in the last seven years and have thus acquired distinctive skills and knowledge of their job.
• The residence permit is issued for a limited period of time. The period of validity depends on the employment contract or the approval of the Federal Employment Agency.
• Under certain circumstances, the foreigners authority may require the IT specialist to attend an integration course.
• Depending on the foreigners authority and the request, the application can be made via the Internet or in person.
• A fee is charged for the issuance of the residence permit. The timing as well as the form of payment varies depending on the authority.
• Employers can apply to the Foreigners Authority for the accelerated procedure for skilled workers if they wish to hire an IT specialist from abroad.
• Responsible: the foreigners authority responsible for the applicant's place of residence; for the accelerated skilled worker procedure: Foreigners' authority at the place of business where the foreigner is to be employed, unless a central office has been set up for the procedure.

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

For the accelerated skilled worker procedure:

The foreigners authority at the place of business where the foreigner is to be employed, unless a central office has been set up to carry out the procedure

• Forms: Declaration of employment relationship (standardized nationwide); further authority-specific forms can be obtained from your foreigners authority, possibly also offered online
• Online procedure possible: occasionally
• Written form required: yes
• Personal appearance required: yes