Agreement between the employment agencies

The Federal Employment Agency may reach agreements with foreign employment agencies regarding the recognition of foreign qualifications. The agreements can be made for professions in the health and care sectors and for other professional qualifications, taking into account the appropriateness of the training structures in the country of origin. These agreements specify the conditions under which a foreign professional qualification can be recognised.

If your employment agency has made a corresponding agreement with the Federal Employment Agency and you have your professional qualification recognised in Germany on the basis of this agreement, you can receive a residence permit as a result.

Please bring the following with you…

If you would like to apply for or extend a residence permit for the purpose of professional recognition, please bring the following documents with you (if we do not already have them):

• Your valid passport
• A current passport photo
• A completed application form
• Employment contract
• Tenancy agreement
• Proof of health insurance
• Proof of German language skills (language certificate)
• Fee: up to € 100.00

Further documents may be required in individual cases. If this applies to you, we will inform you accordingly.

Please note: An appointment is required for the granting and extension of the residence permit. Please send us an appointment request.

Period of validity

The residence permit for professional recognition within the framework of an agreement between the Federal Employment Agency and the employment agency in your country of origin may be granted to you for a period of up to one year. If the recognition measure has not been completed after one year, your residence permit can subsequently be extended for one year at a time up to a total length of stay of three years.

Change in purpose of stay

During your stay for the purpose of professional recognition and also after your stay for the purpose of professional recognition, it is only possible to change your purpose of stay on the following grounds:

• In-company training
• Degree courses
• Employment as a skilled worker
• Seeking employment
• Employment involving specific practical and vocational knowledge
• Pursuit of unskilled employment
• In order to obtain a residence permit to which you are legally entitled (e.g. in the case of family reunification)

Paid employment

Your residence permit allows you to work within the framework of the agreement reached between the employment agencies. You are also allowed to pursue employment independent of the qualification measure for ten hours per week.