You can obtain a residence permit for the recognition of your foreign professional qualifications if you have been placed in a job in the health and care sector (e.g. as part of the "Triple Win" program for placing nursing staff) on the basis of an agreement between the Federal Employment Agency and the employment agency in your country of origin, or on the basis of an agreement in another selected sector.
You do not need to go through a recognition procedure in Germany before your residence permit is issued. This can also be started after your arrival in Germany. The overall procedure required for this is regulated in the placement agreement.
The Federal Employment Agency must have approved the employment in the desired occupational field. The approval of the Federal Employment Agency is granted for a limited period of one year. Approval can be granted for employment in both regulated and non-regulated professions if certain conditions are met.
Regulated professions are those for which special professional qualifications must be acquired in order to gain access and practice, such as doctors, architects, and pharmacists. You can find out whether your profession is regulated in Germany, which laws govern it, and which authority you need to contact to have your qualifications assessed on the information portal "Recognition in Germany" (see "Further information").
The Federal Employment Agency can grant its approval for employment in
a regulated profession
if the intended employment is closely related to the professional knowledge in the profession to be recognized after entry and if further requirements are met (see "Requirements"). A close professional connection exists if, for example, you want to have your qualification as a health and pediatric nurse recognized and want to work as a nursing assistant during the recognition process.
The residence permit entitles you to pursue
employment independent of the professional qualification to be recognized
for up to ten hours per week.
The residence permit for the recognition of professional qualifications based on an agreement with the Federal Employment Agency is a temporary residence permit. It is issued for one year.
- You have a recognized and valid passport or passport substitute and, if required for entry, an appropriate visa.
- There are no grounds for your expulsion.
- Your stay does not jeopardize or impair the interests of the Federal Republic of Germany.
- You have been placed in employment on the basis of a placement agreement between the Federal Employment Agency and the employment administration of your country of origin.
- The Federal Employment Agency has approved your employment in your desired field of work, if such approval is required.
Approval is usually obtained from the immigration authorities. This can be granted if certain conditions are met.
If you want to work in a
regulated profession
, you must meet the following requirements:
-
- You can present a concrete job offer for qualified employment in the profession to be recognized after entry.
- A license to practice the profession has already been granted for employment in the desired occupational field, if this is necessary.
- You declare that, after entering Germany, you will carry out the procedure for determining the equivalence of your foreign professional qualification and, if necessary, for granting the professional license at the competent recognition office.
If you wish to work in a
non-regulated profession
, you must declare that, after entering Germany, you will carry out the procedure for determining the equivalence of your foreign professional qualification at the competent authority.
- You have the German language skills specified in the placement agreement, which generally correspond to level A2.
You can cover your living expenses and health insurance without claiming public benefits.
You must apply for a residence permit at the immigration office responsible for your place of residence. The procedure is as follows:
- Depending on the immigration office and your specific situation, it may be possible to apply online. Find out whether your immigration office offers electronic applications for residence permits.
- If the application can only be made in person, make an appointment with the immigration office. During the appointment, your application will be accepted and your supporting documents will be checked (bring these with you to the appointment). Your fingerprints will be taken for the production of an electronic residence permit (eAT card).
- If you apply electronically, the immigration office will contact you after receiving your online application to arrange an appointment at the immigration office if necessary. During the appointment, your supporting 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 approved, the Immigration Office will arrange for the eAT card to be produced.
- After about six to eight weeks, you can pick up the eAT card at the immigration office.
- The eAT card must always be picked up in person.
- There are fees for issuing the residence permit. The timing and form of payment vary depending on the authority.
- You can also obtain free advice on entry, residence, and employment from the "Working and Living in Germany Hotline" on the German government's portal for skilled workers from abroad.
Phone: 030 1815-1111
Service hours: Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
The immigration office responsible for the applicant's place of residence
