You can obtain a residence permit to undertake a qualification measure if a recognition procedure has been carried out by an authority in Germany responsible for the recognition of professional qualifications and the recognition authority has determined that the qualification measures are necessary for the
- determine the equivalence of your foreign professional qualification with a domestic professional qualification or
- for the granting of a professional license (access to a profession) in a profession regulated in Germany
.
Regulated professions are those for which special professional qualifications had to be acquired in order to gain access to and practice them, 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").
Qualification measures include theoretical and practical adaptation and compensation measures (internships in companies, theoretical courses, mixed forms), preparatory courses for examinations, and language courses.
The residence permit is issued for up to 18 months and can be extended for a maximum of six months up to a maximum stay of two years. It only entitles the holder to engage in employment unrelated to the qualification measure for up to ten hours per week. The residence permit also entitles the holder to engage in employment without time restrictions, the requirements of which are related to the professional knowledge required in the subsequent employment, if there is a concrete job offer for subsequent employment in the profession to be recognized or covered by the applied-for professional license and the Federal Employment Agency has given its approval in accordance with Section 39 or if the Employment Regulation stipulates that the employment is permissible without the approval of the Federal Employment Agency.
For regulated professions, a license to practice must have been granted or approved. The license to practice includes the professional authority to practice the profession and the granting of permission to use the professional title.
You must apply for a residence permit at the immigration office responsible for your place of residence. If you live abroad, please contact the German diplomatic mission. 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 (please 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.
Section 16d (2) of the Residence Act
about six to eight weeks.
The immigration office responsible for the applicant's place of residence
