Aufenthaltserlaubnis zum Zweck der Erwerbstätigkeit Erteilung zum Zweck der Beschäftigung unabhängig von einer Qualifikation als Fachkraft

You can obtain a residence permit for the purpose of employment, irrespective of your qualification as a skilled worker, if you meet certain requirements.

The residence permit, regardless of the qualification as a skilled worker, can be issued for employment stays resulting from the provisions of the Employment Ordinance, e.g. for seasonal employment, for domestic workers, speciality cooks, professional drivers.

Nationals of certain countries, regardless of their personal qualifications, may also obtain a residence permit for the purpose of pursuing any employment if they meet other requirements. They are nationals of the following countries:

Andorra, Australia, Canada, Israel, Japan, Republic of Korea, Monaco, New Zealand, San Marino, USA (Section 26 (1) of the Employment Ordinance).

By the end of 2023, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia (Section 26 (2) of the Employment Ordinance, so-called Western Balkans Regulation).

It is not a prerequisite that you are a skilled worker within the meaning of the Residence Act, i.e. that you do not have to have a university degree or qualified vocational training.

The residence permit for the purpose of employment, regardless of the qualification as a skilled worker, is a temporary residence permit. The duration of the fixed-term contract depends on the duration of the employment contract or results from the provisions of the Employment Ordinance.

Before the residence permit is issued, the Federal Employment Agency must in principle approve the employment, unless it follows from the provisions of the Employment Ordinance that the approval of the Federal Employment Agency is not required.

• Valid passport
• Visa, if this was required for your entry into Germany
• Original of your employment contract or a binding offer of employment (please use the nationwide standard form Declaration of Employment Relationship )
• Current biometric photo
• Proof of health insurance
• Current certificate of registration
• Tenancy agreement

• You have a recognised and valid passport or passport replacement and - if this was required for entry - an appropriate visa.
• There is no interest in deportation against you.
• You have a job or a job offer.
  Professional drivers and nationals of Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Macedonia, Montenegro or Serbia who have reached the age of 45 must provide proof of an employment contract or a binding job offer with a certain minimum salary. The minimum salary must reach 55 percent of the annual contribution assessment ceiling in the general pension insurance. This results in a minimum salary for 2020 of 45,540 euros per year. Even if this minimum salary is not reached, a residence permit may be granted upon presentation of proof of adequate pension provision or in special cases (e.g. if there is a public interest in the employment).
  The amount of the income threshold is published for each year by the Federal Ministry of the Interior, for Construction and Home Affairs in the Federal Gazette by 31 December of the previous year (see further information).
• You can secure your livelihood and health insurance cover from your income without claiming public benefits.
• Your stay does not endanger or impair the interests of the Federal Republic of Germany.
• Further requirements may arise from the provisions of the Employment Ordinance.
• For further information on this, you can contact the competent foreigners authority.

• Issuance of a residence permit for the purpose of qualified employment irrespective of the qualification as a skilled worker: EUR 100.
• Under certain conditions, a fee reduction or fee exemption may be considered.

You must apply for a residence permit at the Foreigners' Registration Office responsible for your place of residence

• Depending on the Foreigners' Registration Office and your concerns, 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, please make an appointment with the Foreigners' Registration Office.
• During the appointment, your application will be accepted and your supporting documents will be checked (please bring them with you to the appointment). Your fingerprints will be taken for the issuance of the electronic residence permit (eAT card).
• In the case of an electronic application, the Foreigners' Registration Office will contact you after receipt of your online application to make an appointment for an interview at the Foreigners' Registration Office. During the appointment, your certificates will be checked (please bring them with you to the appointment) and your fingerprints will be taken for the issuance of the eA 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 pick up your eAT card at the Foreigners' Registration Office

about six to eight weeks

• Application for a residence permit for the purpose of employment, regardless of qualification as a skilled worker: no later than eight weeks before the expiry of your visa or residence permit that is still valid.
• Deadline for filing an action: 1 month

• Residence permit for the purpose of gainful employment Issued for the purpose of employment irrespective of qualification as a skilled worker.
• The residence permit irrespective of qualification as a skilled worker may be issued for employment purposes resulting from the provisions of the Employment Ordinance.
• Nationals of certain countries (Andorra, Australia, Israel, Japan, Canada, Republic of Korea, Monaco, New Zealand, San Marino, USA, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia) may also be admitted to any employment regardless of their qualification as a skilled worker.
• The residence permit for employment regardless of qualification as a skilled worker includes the "work permit".
• The residence permit is issued for a limited period of time.
• The period of validity depends on the duration of the employment contract or results from the provisions of the Employment Ordinance.
• Persons with a residence permit for the purpose of non-qualified employment may obtain a settlement permit after fulfilling certain conditions
• Spouses of persons with a residence permit to pursue employment regardless of qualification as a skilled worker are also entitled to a residence permit.
• Depending on the Foreigners' Registration Office and the issue, the application can be made via the Internet or only in person.
• A fee is charged for the issuance 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

• Forms: Declaration of employment relationship (uniform nationwide); further forms specific to the authorities can be obtained from your foreigners authority; these may also be offered online.
• Online procedure possible in some cases
• Written form required: yes
• Personal appearance required: yes