Want to start working in Germany but are not an EU citizen and don't have permanent residency? Then you need a residence permit enabling you to undertake the desired salaried employment in Germany.

• An application form
  You will be given the application form at the consultation. It is important that the loyalty declaration is not signed until the application is submitted.
• Valid visa to commence work, or your previous residence permit
  please note that there are different types of visas, so when applying for yours, make sure it is issued for the purposes of commencing employment. A visitor's visa or business visa will not suffice to issue a residence permit for the purposes of employment.
• Valid passport
• Lease agreement
• Job offer/Job description
  form for the position to be held.
• Consent from the Federal Employment Agency
  If the employment being applied for requires the consent of the Federal Employment Agency, this is given as part of an internal consent process between the immigration authorities and the Federal Employment Agency.
• Health insurance certificate
  If you hold an insurance card, you can just present this card. If you don't hold one, please have your health insurance fund issue you with a certificate.
• Two current passport photos

Applying for a residence permit to commence work requires a concrete job offer to have been made. When applying for the permit, proof of the job offer must be provided. Most jobs require the consent of the Federal Employment Agency. In the internal consent process, the employment agency checks the employment conditions, as well as the pre-emption of other (e.g. German) employees.
If the employment being applied for is approved, the immigration authorities can issue the residence permit, which is then furnished with the relevant work permit (incidental provision).

Special regulations and exceptions

For certain highly qualified jobs in the fields of science, research and development, professional sport and management, the immigration authorities do not require the consent of the Federal Employment Agency, but instead decides on the residence permit and work permit itself independently.

Want to enter Germany and settle there permanently as a business owner or freelancer?

Approval of self-employment or new businesses requires superior economic interest or a particular regional need and a positive impact on activities, as well as secured financing.

Approval of freelance jobs requires public interest in this activity.

Already a business owner in Germany and intend to employ foreign specialists?

Then please contact our business service.

Can the residence permit for employment be extended?

The residence permit for employment can be extended after one year if proof of further employment has been provided.

The permit is only ever extended upon request. So remember to speak to your immigration authority regarding extension of the residence and work permit.

What should I do if I want to change jobs and my residence permit is still valid?

The job change must be approved by the immigration authorities. You must present a job description and a new employment contract for the employment approval process. If the new job is approved, you will receive a new residence permit with a current employment permit.

A personal interview is not required.

No fees are charged for the work permit.