You may apply for a residence permit for employment if your employment serves a public interest, particularly a regional, economic, or labor market interest.
A residence permit for employment based on public interest is a special right of residence that is granted only in justified individual cases. A public interest in the employment can be established, for example,
- if there is a regional or supraregional public interest in an employer’s products or services, or if there is a shortage of certain goods or services at the employer’s location (regional interests). Reasons related to public services or local government policy may also play a role here.
- when significant investments are made and/or a substantial number of jobs are created or secured; if the establishment of the business is associated with a sustainable improvement in the sales or market opportunities of domestic companies, or if it involves the establishment of a manufacturing facility for technically advanced (future-proof) and/or particularly environmentally friendly products (economic interests).
- if the employment results in the preservation or creation of jobs (labor market policy interests).
An employer’s private-sector, business-related interest alone is not sufficient to establish a public interest in the employment.
You are not required to provide proof of qualifications. Nor is recognition of qualifications obtained abroad required.
Before a residence permit is issued, the Federal Employment Agency must give its approval. This agency also assesses whether there is a labor market policy interest. Approval is granted for a maximum of four years.
If the residence permit is granted, it will be temporary. Its validity depends on your employment contract or the duration of the Federal Employment Agency’s approval.
Under certain circumstances, the Foreigners’ Registration Office may require you to participate in an integration course. This will then be noted on your residence permit.
If you are an employer and wish to hire an employee from abroad for reasons of public interest, you may apply to the Foreigners’ Registration Office—on behalf of the foreign national—for the expedited skilled worker procedure, which can facilitate and accelerate their entry into the country.
You must apply for a residence permit at the immigration office responsible for your place of residence. The process is as follows:
- Depending on the Foreigners’ Registration Office and the nature of your request, it may be possible to apply online. Check whether your Foreigners’ Registration Office offers the option to apply for a residence permit electronically.
- If you can only apply in person, schedule an appointment with the Foreigners’ Registration Office. During the appointment, your application will be accepted and your supporting documents will be reviewed (be sure to bring them with you to the appointment). Your fingerprints will be taken to issue an electronic residence permit (eAT card).
- If you submit your application online, the Foreigners’ Registration Office will contact you after receiving your online application to schedule an appointment at the office, if necessary. During the appointment, your supporting documents will be reviewed (please bring them with you to the appointment) and your fingerprints will be taken to issue 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 pick up the eAT card at the Foreigners’ Registration Office.
- The eAT card must generally be picked up in person.
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Fees apply for the issuance of the residence permit. The timing and method of payment vary depending on the agency.
Section 19c(3) of the Residence Act
Section 39(3) of the Residence Act (AufenthG)
§ 35 of the Employment Regulation (BeschV)
The immigration office with jurisdiction over the applicant's place of residence
For the expedited skilled worker procedure:
The immigration office in the location of the business premises where the foreign national is to be employed, unless a central office has been established to administer the procedure
