Applying for a residence permit to take an examination for the recognition of a foreign professional qualification

Source: BUS Rheinland-Pfalz

If your foreign professional qualification cannot yet be recognized in Germany and only requires you to take an examination for recognition, you can obtain a residence permit simply for taking the examination.

The term "examination" covers examinations that are required to determine the equivalence of the foreign professional qualification with a domestic professional qualification and in a profession regulated in Germany for the granting of authorization to practice the profession or for the granting of authorization to use a professional title. This includes language and technical language examinations. It is also possible to take several examinations.

If you are to attend an examination preparation course before taking the examination, you can obtain a residence permit for a qualification measure for the recognition of foreign professional qualifications.

You must prove your language skills to the immigration authority if proof of language skills is not the subject of your examination.

The residence permit to take an examination for the recognition of a foreign professional qualification does notentitle you to pursue gainful employment.

The residence permit to take an examination for the recognition of a foreign professional qualification is a temporary residence permit. It is issued for the duration of the examination procedure. This covers the period from taking the examination to the announcement of the examination result or until the competent authority issues a decision concluding the procedure.

You must apply for a residence permit at the foreigners authority responsible for your place of residence. 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 Foreigners' Registration Office will arrange for the eAT card to be issued.
After about six to eight weeks, you can collect the eAT card from the immigration office.
The eAT card must always be collected in person.
Fees are charged for the issue of the residence permit. The time and form of payment vary depending on the authority.

You have a recognized and valid passport or passport substitute and, if required for entry, an appropriate visa.
There is no interest in deporting you.
Your foreign professional qualification cannot yet be fully recognized in Germany.
An examination is still required for the recognition of foreign professional qualifications.
You have German language skills that correspond to the examination to be taken, but generally at least language skills at level A2.
Your stay does not jeopardize or impair the interests of the Federal Republic of Germany.
You can secure your livelihood and health insurance cover without claiming public benefits.

Applying for a residence permit to take an examination for the recognition of a foreign professional qualification

Process flow

Who should I contact?

Competent authority

Requirements

Which documents are required?

What are the fees?

What deadlines do I have to pay attention to?

Processing duration

Legal basis

Appeal

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