Residence Permit; Application for Those Working in Germany

Among others, the following residence permits may be applied for:

• EU Blue Card
  The EU Blue Card is a special residence permit for foreign academics or individuals with comparable qualifications who wish to take up skilled employment in Germany. Further information on this can be found in the separate service description under “Related Topics.”

• Residence Permit for Skilled Workers
  Foreign nationals who have completed a qualified vocational training program or a degree program (including those completed outside Germany) and have a job offer may obtain a residence permit under Section 18a of the Act on the Residence, Employment, and Integration of Foreigners in the Federal Territory (Residence Act—AufenthG) or Section 18b of the Residence Act to take up skilled employment in Germany.

• Residence Permit for Experienced Professionals
  Experienced professionals with extensive practical work experience have good career prospects in Germany if they wish to work in non-regulated professions. They may then obtain a residence permit to pursue qualified employment in Germany. Formal recognition of their degree in Germany is not required for this. Special provisions apply in particular to IT professions.

• Opportunity Card for Job Search
  The Opportunity Card allows entry into the country to search for a job. It is issued either if the applicant holds a recognized professional qualification or if they have completed a recognized foreign education program and achieve a certain minimum number of points under a points-based system.

• Residence Permit for the Recognition of Foreign Professional Qualifications and Recognition Partnership
  If it is determined during a recognition process that the foreign qualification cannot be fully recognized, there is the option to participate in qualification measures in Germany to acquire the missing theoretical and/or practical skills. These may include, for example, on-the-job training, specialized training programs, preparatory courses, or job-related German language courses. Under certain conditions, it is possible to work while participating in the training program. Alternatively, under certain conditions, it is also possible to have the recognition process carried out only after entering Germany and to work in the desired profession at the same time.
• Residence Permit for Researchers
  A residence permit may also be applied for for the purpose of research.
• (Mobile) ICT Card
  Third-country nationals who are temporarily seconded to Germany by their employer—which is headquartered in a third country—within a company or a group of companies may also apply for the corresponding residence permit. ICT stands for “intra-corporate transfer” or “intra-corporate transferee”; such individuals may apply for the corresponding residence permit. Foreign employees who already hold an ICT card in another EU member state may be transferred to Germany for more than 90 days within the same company or corporate group and may apply for a Mobile ICT Card for this purpose.

• Residence Permit for Self-Employment
  A residence permit is required for self-employment as a business owner or freelancer.

In addition, there are several special provisions. The most important ones are:

• Special Provision for Nursing Assistants
  The German labor market is also open to nursing assistants from third countries. This means that individuals who have completed nursing training that is not considered qualified vocational training—or who have had such training recognized (as nursing assistants)—may work in nursing roles.

• Study-Related Internship in the EU
  Students at foreign universities or foreign nationals who have earned a university degree within the last two years may, under certain conditions, obtain a residence permit for a study-related internship.

• Special Provision for Professional Drivers
  Drivers of trucks or buses who hold the required driver’s license and the (accelerated) EU or EEA initial qualification may obtain a residence permit for their work.

• Western Balkans Regulation
  Nationals of Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia may, within the framework of a quota, work in Germany regardless of their qualifications. Further information on this can be found in the separate service description under “Related Topics.”

• Au Pair
  Au pair employment involves the temporary placement of foreign nationals between the ages of 18 and 27 with a German host family. For the foreign national, the focus is on cultural immersion and improving German language skills. In exchange for this learning opportunity, the au pair assists the host parents in caring for their minor children.

• Other Specific Nationalities
  For nationals of Andorra, Australia, Israel, Japan, Canada, the Republic of Korea, Monaco, New Zealand, San Marino, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (within the meaning of Section 1(2)(6) of the Act on the General Freedom of Movement of Union Citizens (Freedom of Movement Act/EU - FreizügG/EU) and the United States of America, a residence permit may be granted to engage in any type of employment, regardless of the employer’s location.

The requirements for granting a residence permit depend largely on which specific type of residence permit is applicable to the purpose of the stay for which the application is being made. The “Further Links” section contains additional information on the residence permits described above. This information also outlines the key requirements for issuance.

Many immigration offices already offer an online application process. If an online process is available, it will be displayed on BayernPortal under "Online Procedures" once you have specified your place of residence under "Select Location."

If your immigration office does not offer an online application process, please contact the immigration office by email or visit in person.

Foreign nationals who are required to have a visa must apply for the residence permit necessary for their continued stay while the visa is still valid.

Foreign nationals exempt from the visa requirement for a specific purpose of stay must apply for the residence permit required for their continued stay immediately upon entry or, at the latest, within 90 days.

Processing times may vary. If necessary, please contact the relevant immigration office.

• The documents to be submitted can vary widely.
  

  Please check with your local immigration office. However, the following documents are generally required, among others:

  • a valid passport
  • a recent biometric photo (front view)
  • Proof of sufficient financial means
  • Proof of adequate living space
  • Proof of health insurance coverage
  • Proof of the purpose of stay, e.g., employer’s letter or employment contract, marriage certificate
  • Additional documents, if applicable
• The following documents may also be required, if applicable:
  
  • Domestic or foreign certificates, including any required translations
  • Documents related to the intended employment
  • Documents related to professional recognition or any compensatory measures 

Issuance: 100 EUR

Renewal for up to three months: 96 EUR

Renewal for more than three months: 93 EUR

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