Learning practical skills

If you have applied for recognition of your professional qualification acquired abroad, you can apply for a residence permit for this purpose.

In this case, it is important here that the authority responsible for professional recognition has already determined that practical skills required for professional recognition are lacking. In this case, you must find an employer who will teach you the skills you need within two years.

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 (incl. further training plan structured in accordance with temporal, objective criteria)
• Current salary statements
• Tenancy agreement
• Proof of health insurance
• Notification from the authority responsible for recognition
• Proof of German language skills (language certificate)
• Job offer
• 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

During the in-company further training with your employer, you should be taught the skills you need for the recognition of your educational qualification within two years. It follows that the residence permit can be issued for a maximum of two years (calculated from your time of entry into Germany).

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 for professional recognition allows you to work for an employer where you will be taught the requisite professional skills. In order for you to fully concentrate on the professional recognition process during this time, you are not permitted to pursue paid employment beyond this.