As a tolerated foreign national, you can obtain a residence permit for employment if you have completed qualified vocational training or a university degree in Germany. Qualified vocational training is deemed to exist if you have completed vocational training in a state-recognized or comparably regulated training occupation. The training must have lasted at least two years.

If you have obtained your university degree abroad, you can obtain a residence permit if your foreign degree has been legally recognized in Germany or is comparable to a German university degree. The Central Office for Foreign Education is responsible for the recognition of foreign university degrees in Germany (see "Further information"). It is also necessary that you have been working for two years without interruption with your foreign university degree in an occupation appropriate to your degree. The employment is considered appropriate if it usually requires an academic degree and the knowledge acquired with the university education is at least partially or indirectly required. Shorter interruptions of employment, which should generally not exceed a total duration of three months, are harmless.

You can also obtain a residence permit if you have acquired your professional qualification abroad, have been in qualified employment for three years without interruption and have not been dependent on public funds (with the exception of benefits to cover the necessary costs of accommodation and heating) for your livelihood and that of your family members or other household members within the last year before applying for the residence permit. Qualified employment is deemed to exist if it is usually exercised by persons with skills, knowledge and abilities acquired in qualified vocational training or academic education. Shorter interruptions (up to three months) are generally harmless,

The residence permit is issued for a limited period. Holders of a tolerated stay permit for training will be granted a residence permit for two years if they wish to pursue employment that corresponds to the qualification acquired during vocational training.

• Valid passport or passport replacement
• Current biometric photo
• Proof of completed education (e.g. university degree, certificates of completed vocational training)
• For foreign university degrees: notification of recognition or comparability of the university degree, certificate evaluation from the Central Office for Foreign Education (ZAB) if available
• Employment contract or the declaration of employment completed and signed by the employer (see under "Further information")
• If applicable, proof of previous employment (e.g. references, employment contracts)
• Proof of German language skills
• Proof of means of subsistence (e.g. equity capital, blocked account, declaration of commitment)
• Proof of your health insurance
• Current registration certificate

In individual cases, the Immigration Office may request further documents.

Issuing a residence permit: EUR 100.00

Under certain conditions, a fee reduction or fee exemption may be possible.

Please note:

• Additional fees may apply for the issuance of a residence permit in the form of an electronic residence permit, which can also be used as electronic proof of identity.
• The time and form of fee collection and payment vary depending on the authority.

• Fee: 100.00 EUR
  Issuing the residence permit