You can obtain a residence permit to seek employment for skilled workers if you have completed qualified vocational training in Germany. Qualified vocational training is defined as having completed vocational training in a state-recognized or similarly regulated occupation. The training must have lasted at least two years. If you completed your vocational training abroad, the equivalence of your qualification to German qualified vocational training must be determined by the responsible recognition authority (e.g., the Chamber of Industry and Commerce).

If you wish to work in a regulated profession, the required license to practice the profession must already have been granted or promised at the time the residence permit for job seeking is issued. Regulated professions are occupational activities whose entry into or practice is subject to legal or administrative requirements mandating the possession of specific professional qualifications. Professions regulated in Germany include, for example, physician, nurse, attorney, teacher, early childhood educator, or engineer.

If you are already residing in Germany, you may obtain a residence permit for job seeking if you previously held a residence permit for gainful employment or a residence permit for the purpose of an EU study-related internship.

With the residence permit for job seeking, you may engage in trial employment—for which your qualification qualifies you—for up to ten hours per week.

The residence permit is issued for up to six months.

• Valid passport or passport substitute
• Visa, if required for entry into Germany
• Current biometric photo
• Original certificate of successfully completed vocational training
• For foreign vocational qualifications: Notice confirming the equivalence of the foreign vocational qualification to a domestic vocational training program, if available
• For regulated professions: License to practice or notification of approval for issuance
• Proof of German language proficiency
• Proof of sufficient funds to support yourself (e.g., personal savings, blocked account, letter of financial commitment)
• Proof of health insurance
• Current certificate of residence registration

Issuance of a Residence Permit: EUR 100.00

Under certain conditions, a fee reduction or fee waiver may be granted.

Notes:

• 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 an electronic form of identification.
• The timing and method of fee collection and payment vary depending on the authority.

• Fee: 100.00 EUR
  Issuance of the residence permit