Granting a residence permit to carry out a qualification measure

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.

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

You can also obtain free advice on the topics of entry, residence and employment from the 'Hotline Working and Living in Germany' of the Federal Government's portal for skilled workers from abroad. Telephone: 030 1815-1111 Service times: Monday to Friday from 8:00 to 16:00

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

- 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 stay does not jeopardize or impair the interests of the Federal Republic of Germany.
- The body responsible for recognizing your professional qualification in Germany has issued a decision stating that you lack the practical or theoretical knowledge or skills required to achieve full equivalence and that adaptation, compensation measures or further qualifications are required to establish the equivalence of your foreign professional qualification with a German professional qualification.
If you work in an occupation that is subject by law or administrative regulations to the possession of certain professional qualifications (e.g. doctors, nurses, lawyers, teachers, educators or engineers, so-called regulated professions), it must be clear from the notification that adaptation or compensation measures are required for the granting of the professional license.
- You have successfully registered for a corresponding qualification measure.
- The qualification measure is suitable to enable recognition of the professional qualification or access to the profession.
- You have at least A2 level German language skills
- In the case of predominantly in-company vocational training, the Federal Employment Agency has approved the qualification measure if approval is not dispensable (approval is usually obtained from the Foreigners' Registration Office).
- Your livelihood is secured.

- Valid passport
- Current biometric photo
- Visa, if required
- Deficiency notice from the recognition office
- Proof of at least sufficient German language skills at level A 2
- Proof of the intended qualification measure, further training plan if applicable
- Proof of livelihood
- Tenancy agreement
- Proof of your health insurance

Issuing a residence permit: EUR 100.00

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

- You should apply for a residence permit at least eight weeks before your valid visa expires.
- Objection period: 1 month

about six to eight weeks

§ Section 16d (1) AufenthG

• Residence Act

- Forms: Forms can be obtained from your foreigners authority; these may also be available online
- Online procedure occasionally possible
- Written form required: yes
- Personal appearance required: yes

11.08.2020