Skilled worker

A skilled worker is a person who has completed qualified vocational training or holds a university degree. If the qualification was not acquired in Germany, the foreign professional qualification must be recognised in Germany.

If this description applies to you, the requirements for a residence permit for the purpose of employment are listed below.

If you do not have a professional qualification, you can find more information on a residence permit for the purpose of employment here.

Please bring the following with you…

If you would like to apply for or extend a residence permit for the purpose of skilled employment, 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
• Degree certificate
• In the event of a foreign degree:  Professional licence for Germany
• Fee: up to € 100.00

Further documents may be required in individual cases. If this applies to you, we will inform you of this during your personal appointment.

Period of validity of the residence permit

The residence permit granted for the purpose of skilled employment usually expires on the termination date of your fixed-term employment contract plus 3 additional months. Should the approval for employment by the Federal Employment Agency be valid for a lesser period, the residence permit will be issued / extended until the end of said approval by the Federal Employment Agency plus 3 additonal months.

If you are in a permanent employment relationship, the residence permit can be issued / extended for a maximum of four years.

Paid employment

The residence permit entitles you to pursue the skilled employment for which you applied for said residence permit.

Permission must be obtained from the foreign nationals' office before changing employer. Please also note that the change of employer must be checked. Therefore, please inform us in good time if you wish to change your employer (at least three weeks before the planned change).

Settling down

After three years of employment as a skilled worker, you may apply for a settlement permit (permanent residence permit). If you completed your degree in Germany, you can even apply for a settlement permit after just two years’ employment as a skilled worker. You can find further information here.