Germany - Highly-qualified worker

Visa

You must apply for a visa at the embassy or consulate in your country of origin or permanent residence. The rules of the Residence Act governing the issue of settlement permits are applicable.

Residence permit/Settlement permit

Once in German territory, you can apply for a residence permit or – in case of Sec 19 ResA – a settlement permit. The permit is granted by your local Foreigners Authority.

You must provide:

• a valid passport;
• health insurance;
• sufficient financial resources;
• accommodation;
• employment contract/offer of employment [not for Residence permit for qualified experts during their job search (Sec 18c ResA)].

The residence permit for qualified experts during their job search (Sec 20 ResA) is granted for a maximum duration of 6 month.

Settlement permits for the purpose of employment as a highly-qualified worker (Sec 18c ResA) are granted for an indefinite period of time.

The EU Blue Card (Sec 18b para 2 ResA) will initially be issued for a maximum of 4 years, or for a shorter period for brief employment contracts or if the approval by the Federal Employment Agency is limited to a shorter period. Any change of employment requires approval during the first two years. A national settlement permit will be issued after 33 months of employment at the earliest, subject to payment of contributions to the pension fund during this period, knowledge of German and a number of other conditions. If a certain, higher, level of language skills (level B1) can be proven, the term will be shortened to 21 months.

Decisions related to residence permits or settlement permits can be challenged before the local administrative courts.

Decisions related to visa refusals can be examined by the administrative court in Berlin. The local court is only competent if you are already in Germany

More on residence permits

More on visas

More on work permits

Residence permit for graduates of a German, a recognised or equivalent foreign university to search for an adequate job. It will be issued for up to six months during which the job-seeker may not be gainfully employed. In case of finding an employment, you need to change to another residence title, e.g. sec. 18, sec. 19 or sec 19a.

Change of employment

Long-term residence

Settlement permit

You may be granted a settlement permit after entry.

More on settlement permits

If your settlement permit refers to a specific employer, a specific professional position or a minimum income, you will need the approval of the Foreigners Authority to change employment, which requires the consent of the Federal Employment Agency, where appropriate.

You can change employment if your new one meets the relevant conditions and procedures.

The following specific minimum income is a prerequisite: Two thirds of the earnings ceiling of the general pension scheme (Beitragsbemessungsgrenze zur Rentenversicherung), which currently stands at € 58.400. For occupations that face a labour shortage, the limit stands currently at € 45.552, or 52% of the earnings ceiling of the general pension scheme.

A national settlement permit will be issued after 33 months of employment at the earliest, subject to payment of contributions to the pension fund during this period, knowledge of German and a number of other conditions. If a certain, higher, level of language skills (level B1) can be proven, the term will be shortened to 21 months.