If you are a foreign national subject to employment restrictions for a specific type of employment or a specific employer, you can have these employment restrictions changed under certain conditions if you change employers and move to another company. To do so, you must submit a corresponding application to the relevant immigration authority. In most cases, the outcome depends on the approval of the Federal Employment Agency, which is involved in the decision.

Foreign nationals subject to employment requirements

• An income sufficient to cover living expenses
• Training or study place or employment contract (draft is sufficient)
• Main residence within the jurisdiction of the immigration authority
• A training or study qualification recognized in Germany

• If you wish to apply for a change to the employment conditions of your residence permit, you must first submit an application to your local immigration office. Please enclose a copy of your current residence permit with your application and describe which conditions you wish to change and how.
• The immigration authority will then inform you which documents they require from you.
• Submit the complete set of required documents to your immigration authority.
• The immigration authority will then review your application and usually ask the Federal Employment Agency for approval.
• Once the review is complete, you will either receive an appointment, a new residence permit by mail, or a rejection notice.

• Appeal
• Action before the administrative court

There are no deadlines, but you should consider applying for a new residence permit if your old one is only valid for a few more months.

1 to 3 months

Note: The duration depends on the workload of the immigration authorities and the Federal Employment Agency.

The immigration/foreigners' registration office responsible for your place of residence in the district or independent city.

The required documents always relate to the respective change of employer. The requirements must be proven. The
above applies to the documents listed below, and the relevant immigration authorities may request further documents from you in individual cases.

Foreign nationals subject to employment requirements with a residence permit for employment

• Gainful employment
  • Employment contract
  • The last three pay slips
• Study or training place
  • Training contract
  • Confirmation from the employer that the training position has been taken up
  • Certificate of enrollment
  • Integration courses
  • Vocational language courses
  • Qualification measures
  • Further training measures
• Place of residence within the jurisdiction of the immigration authority
  • Registration certificate or rental agreement and declaration of move-in from the landlord

The required documents always relate to the respective change of employer. The requirements must be proven. The
above applies to the documents listed below, and the competent immigration authorities may request further documents from you in individual cases.

The immigration office will inform you which documents must be submitted in the case of a residence requirement.

Cost (variable): from 50 euros to 98 euros

Advance payment: No

Description of costs: Administrative fee

Note: For exemptions and reductions, see the Residence Regulation.