Source: BUS Sachsen-Anhalt (Linie6PLus)

Apply for a residence permit for the purpose of employment as a skilled worker with vocational training

Description

You can obtain a residence permit for skilled workers with vocational training if you have completed qualified vocational training in Germany. Qualified vocational training exists if you have completed vocational training in a state-recognised or comparably regulated training occupation. The duration of the training must have been at least two years. If you have completed your vocational training abroad, the equivalence of your qualification with the German, qualified vocational training must be established by the competent recognition body (e.g. the Chamber of Industry or Commerce).

Before the residence permit can be issued, the Federal Employment Agency must give its approval. This Federal Employment Agency will check whether the working conditions correspond to those of comparable German employees, whether you are engaged in an occupation for which your qualification qualifies you and whether a domestic employment relationship exists.

If the residence permit is granted, it will be limited in time. The validity depends on your employment contract or the period of validity of the approval of the Federal Employment Agency. In the case of unlimited employment contracts, the residence permit for skilled workers is issued for a period of four years.

Prerequisites

You have a recognised and valid passport or passport replacement and - if required for entry - 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 domestic qualified vocational training or
an equivalent foreign professional qualification

You possess a qualification which enables you to carry out qualified employment. This means that, in principle, you can also pursue employment in a related occupation if there is a connection between the training you have received and the occupation you intend to pursue (e.g. a baker can also work as a confectioner).
You have a job or a job offer
If you have reached the age of 45, you must prove that you have an employment contract or a binding job offer with a certain minimum salary. The minimum salary must reach 55 percent of the annual contribution assessment ceiling in the general pension insurance. This results in a minimum salary for 2020 of 45,540 euros per year. Even if this minimum salary is not reached, a residence permit may be granted upon presentation of proof of adequate pension provision or in special cases (e.g. if there is a public interest in the employment).
The amount of the income threshold is published for each year by the Federal Ministry of the Interior, for Construction and Home Affairs in the Federal Gazette by 31 December of the previous year.
The Federal Employment Agency has given its consent to the taking up of employment (the consent is usually obtained from the Foreigners' Registration Office). For approval, your working conditions (especially salary) must be comparable to those of a German employee in the same position.
If necessary, you must have a permit to practise your profession.
You can secure your livelihood and health insurance cover from your income without claiming public benefits.

Required documents

Valid passport
Current biometric photo
Original of your employment contract or a binding offer of employment (please use the nationwide standard form Declaration of Employment Relationship )
Original of the certificate of successfully completed vocational training
If available, notification of the equivalence of the foreign professional qualification with a domestic qualified professional qualification
For regulated professions: Your professional licence
If required: licence to practise your profession
Proof of health insurance
Current certificate of residence
Tenancy agreement

Also If you have recently entered the country:

Visa, if this was required for the entry

as well as in case of previous residence

Current residence title or other certificate of right of residence (e.g. residence permit, toleration).

Fees (costs)

Issue of residence permit: EUR 100,00

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

Deadlines

The residence permit should be applied for at least eight weeks before the expiry of your still valid visa or residence permit.
The residence permit is issued for a limited period. The validity depends on the period of validity of your employment contract and the approval of the Federal Employment Agency.
Objection period: 1 month

Processing time

about six to eight weeks

Responsible body

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

Applications / Forms

Forms: Declaration of employment relationship (uniform nationwide); further forms specific to the authorities can be obtained from your foreigners authority; these may also be offered online.
Online procedure possible in some cases
Written form required: yes
Personal appearance required: yes

Procedure

The residence permit must be applied for at the aliens' registration office responsible for your place of residence. 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 receiving your online application to arrange an appointment at the Aliens' Registration Office if necessary. During the appointment, your documents will be checked (please 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.
There are fees for the issuing of the residence permit. The timing and form of payment vary depending on the authority.