Residence permit to seek for a job following a stay in Germany

After completing training, professional recognition or research activity in Germany, a residence permit is issued upon application to search for gainful employment (employment or self-employment).

The residence permit is intended for the following cases:
  • after successfully completing a degree with a residence permit according to § 16b or § 16c Residence Act,
  • after completion of the research activity with a residence permit according to § 18d or § 18f Residence Act,
  • after successful completion of a qualified vocational training with a residence permit according to Section 16a of the Residence Act,
  • after the establishment of the equivalence of the professional qualification or the issuance of a professional practice permit in German territory with a temporary residence permit under Article 16d of the German Residence Act
  • after successful completion of an assistant or helper training in a state-recognized or similarly regulated training profession in the health and care sector.
The residence permit is usually issued for 18 months and entitles the holder to take up any gainful employment.

An extension of the residence permit for more than 18 months for the purpose of further job search is not possible. A new residence permit can only be issued for a different purpose of stay.

Prerequisites

  • Successful completion of training, recognition of a foreign professional qualification or completion of research activity in Germany
  • Livelihood is secured
  • Main residence in Berlin
  • Personal appointment is required

Documents required

  • Valid passport
  • 1 current biometric photo
    35mm x 45mm, frontal shot with neutral facial expression and closed mouth, looking straight into the camera, light background
  • Your current residence permit with additional sheet
  • If you have studied in Germany: degree
    Degree certificate, testimony or certificate from your higher education institution on the successful completion of your studies
  • If you have completed your research activities in Germany: Documents on the terminated employment
  • If you have successfully completed a qualified vocational training in Germany: Training certificate
  • After a stay in Germany for the recognition of your foreign professional qualification
    • Decision of the competent body on successful recognition or
    • Occupation practice permit or
    • Granting of permission to use the professional title
  • If you have successfully completed an assistant or helper training course in a state-recognized or similarly regulated training occupation in the health and care sector in Germany: Training certificate
  • Health insurance
    Travel health insurance is not sufficient.
    Please take note of our health insurance leaflet (see section "More information").
  • Proof of a secure livelihood
    for example, bank statements, declaration of commitment by third parties, scholarship
  • Proof of main residence in Berlin
    • Certificate of registration at the main residence or
    • lease and written confirmation of occupancy from the landlord

Fees

  • 100.00 euros
Turkish nationals (for first issuance as well as for extension)
  • Up to the age of 24 years: 22.80 euros
  • From the age of 24 years: 37.00 euros

Legal basis

Average time to process request

Around 5–6 weeks
A personal visit with appintment four to six weeks before the existing temporary residence title expires is best.

More information

Hinweise zur Zuständigkeit

This service can only be taken advantage of in the Berlin Immigration Office (Landesamt für Einwanderung – LEA) at Keplerstrasse.

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