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Procedure descriptions
Applying for a residence permit for employment purposes
Are you a foreign national and would you like to work in Germany?
In that case, you will need
- a residence permit for the purpose of employment and
- in most cases, a national visa to enter Germany beforehand.
Exception: Citizens of EU Member States have access to the labour market by virtue of their right to free movement. They may be self-employed or in paid employment under the right of establishment or the free movement of workers.
This also applies to other nationals of the European Economic Area (EEA) and to Swiss nationals.
This type of residence permit is issued for a limited period. You can apply to have it extended.
Forms/Online Services
Responsible authority
- For the issue of a national visa prior to entry into Germany: the German diplomatic mission abroad (embassy, consulate)
- Advice and support regarding the immigration of skilled workers provided by the State Agency for the Immigration of Skilled Workers
- After entry: the Foreigners’ Registration Office
The Foreigners’ Registration Office is- if you live in an urban district or a district capital: the city council
- if you live in a town or municipality within a district: the district administration
Details
Prerequisite
- You must comply with passport and visa requirements.
As regards the passport requirement, it is sufficient if you hold a substitute identity document. - You have sufficient means to support yourselfwithout having to rely on state benefits.
Your means of support are considered sufficient if you- income amounting to the basic social assistance rate plus
- accommodation costs and
- any health insurance contributions.
- There are no grounds for your deportation.
- Your presence does not endanger or undermine the interests of the Federal Republic of Germany.
- You meet the objective and personal requirements for labour migration.
- You have a job or a concrete job offer.
- If required by the Immigration Authority: The Federal Employment Agency approves the residence permit.
- If required: professional recognition and authorisation to practise your profession
Please note: You will only be granted a residence permit if you have a concrete job offer. Your authorisation is subject to the requirements of Germany as a business location and the conditions on the labour market.
In certain professions or for nationals of certain countries, authorisation to work is at the discretion of the competent authority. It may grant authorisation in individual cases if there is a public interest in your employment.
Procedure
- Before entering Germany, you must apply for a national visa in your home country.
- The diplomatic mission of the Federal Republic of Germany will involve the relevant immigration authority where necessary.
- As part of the visa application process, you must provide details of your job in Germany.
- This enables the authorities to check whether the Federal Employment Agency must approve the employment.
- After entering the country, you must apply in writing to the immigration authorities for a residence permit before your visa expires.
Please note: The immigration authority will seek approval from the Federal Employment Agency if this is required.
Please note that you must submit an application for an extension before your residence permit expires.
- You will receive your residence permit in the form of a card with additional electronic functions.
- Further information on this can be found under “Applying for an electronic residence permit (eAT)”.
Deadlines
none
Required documents
- Proof of compliance with passport and visa requirements
- Proof of sufficient means of support
- Proof that you meet the material and personal requirements for labour migration
- Proof of employment or a job offer
- Proof that there are no grounds for your deportation
- Proof that you do not endanger or undermine the interests of the Federal Republic of Germany
Costs
- First residence permit: 100.00 EUR
- Extension of up to 3 months: 96.00 EUR
- Extension of more than 3 months: 93.00 EUR
Miscellaneous
- Your husband or wife and any children who are not yet of legal age are entitled to family reunification. They are also permitted to take up gainful employment.
- In exceptional cases, highly qualified individuals may be granted a settlement permit immediately upon arrival.
- If you wish to be self-employed, you may be granted a residence permit subject to certain conditions.
Detailed information
The Federal Foreign Office (Auswärtiges Amt) provides a Verzeichnis der Vertretungen der Bundesrepublik Deutschland im Ausland (list of addresses of German diplomatic missions abroad) on its website.
Legal basis
Aufenthaltsgesetz (AufenthG)
- § 5 Allgemeine Erteilungsvoraussetzungen
- § 7 Aufenthaltserlaubnis
- § 8 Verlängerung der Aufenthaltserlaubnis
- § 18 Beschäftigung
- § 18a Fachkräfte mit Berufsausbildung
- § 18b Fachkräfte mit akademischer Ausbildung
- § 18c Niederlassungserlaubnis für Fachkräfte
- § 18d Forschung
- § 19c Sonstige Beschäftigungszwecke, Beamte
- § 21 Selbständige Tätigkeit
- § 39 Zustimmung der Bundesagentur für Arbeit
Beschäftigungsverordnung (BeschV)
Release note
machine generated, based on the German release by: Justizministerium Baden-Württemberg, 29.05.2026