Applying for a residence permit to look for a job for professionals with academic training

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 accepted and your supporting documents will be checked (bring them 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 Aliens' Registration Office will contact you after receipt of your online application to arrange an appointment at the Aliens' Registration 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 granted, the Aliens' Registration Office 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.

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: 030 1815-1111

Service hours: Monday to Friday from 8:00 to 16:00

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

• You are in possession of a recognised and valid passport or passport replacement and, if this was required for entry into Germany - an appropriate visa.
• There is no interest in deportation against you.
• Your stay does not endanger or impair the interests of the Federal Republic of Germany.
• You possess
  - a German,
  - a recognised foreign university degree or
  - a foreign university degree comparable to a German university degree
  
  
  
• The object of your job search is employment as a skilled worker.
• If required, you have a licence to practise your profession or a promise that this will be granted.
• You are able to secure your livelihood and health insurance cover from your own resources without claiming public benefits.

• Valid passport or passport replacement
• Visa, if this was required for entry into Germany
• Current biometric photo
• Original of the certificate of successfully completed university education
• In the case of foreign university degrees: Notification of recognition or comparability of the university degree, certificate evaluation by the Central Office for Foreign Education (ZAB) if available.
• For regulated professions: Licence to practise the profession or confirmation that this will be granted
• Evidence of the security of your livelihood (e.g. equity capital, blocked account, declaration of commitment)
• Proof of health insurance
• Current certificate of registration
• Tenancy agreement

In individual cases, the foreigners authority may request further documents

Issue of residence permit: EUR 100.00

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

Notes:

• Additional fees may apply for the issuance of the residence permit in the form of the electronic residence title, which can also be used as electronic proof of identity.
• The time and form of charging and payment vary depending on the authority.

• 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

about six to eight weeks

• § 20 Abs. 2 Aufenthaltsgesetz

An appeal against a decision of the Aliens Department may be lodged with the authority named in the decision within one month of notification of the decision. The objection can be filed in writing, in electronic form and in writing.

If the objection is not upheld by the foreigners authority, an action may be brought before the court named in the notice of objection.

• Online procedure possible in some cases
• Written form required
• Personal appearance required

26.02.2021