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Address: https://welcome.dresden.de/en/residence-permits/limited-residence-permit/searching-for-skilled-employment.php Last revision: 04.08.2020 12:02:44 Uhr Printed on: 20.04.2024 13:38:50 Uhr

Searching for skilled employment

In German immigration law, there are several options to secure residence for the purpose of searching for skilled employment, all contained in § 20 AufenthG.

1. A skilled worker with vocational training or a university degree can be issued a residence permit to seek employment for up to 6 months.

Conditions for the right of residence

Presentation of a vocational training qualification recognised in the federal territory, or
possession of a German or recognised foreign university degree.
Knowledge of German to at least level B1 or commensurate with the requirements of the desired position, and
the ability to support themselves for these six months. To this end, funds of at least 938,30 euros monthly (in total: 5.926,80 euros) must be demonstrated; it is best if these are deposited in a blocked account (Sperrkonto). Alternatively, a declaration of commitment can be shown.

Within Germany, you can only request this title in direct connection with a residence title for the purpose of economic activity or study-related training programmes as per Sect. 16e AufenthG. The residence permit only gives you the right to take trial employment for up to 10 hours/week. Further such employment or self-employment is not permitted.

2. To look for a work position for which you are qualified, a residence permit will be issued

a.) in connection with the successful completion of study within Germany as a residence permit to Sect. 16b or Sect. 16c AufenthG for up to 18 months.

b.) after the successful completion of research activities as a residence permit to Sect. 18d or Sect. 18f AufenthG for up to 9 months.

3. To look for a work position for which you are qualified, a residence permit can be issued

a.) after the successful completion of a skilled vocational training qualification within Germany as a residence permit to Sect. 16a AufenthG for up to 12 months.

b.) after the determination of the equivalence of the vocational training qualification or issuance of a licence to work within Germany as a residence permit to Sect. 16d AufenthG for up to 12 months.

Conditions for the right of residence in these cases

The work position sought must be able to lead to a residence permit as per Sect. 18a (skilled worker with professional training qualification), Sect. 18b (skilled worker with university degree), Sect. 18d (research), Sect. 19c (other employment purposes) or Sect. 21 AufenthG (self-employment).
You must be able to support yourself independently for the period of the job search. To this end, funds of at least 938,30 euros monthly (in total: 5.926,80 euros) must be demonstrated; it is best if these are deposited in a blocked account (Sperrkonto). Alternatively, a declaration of commitment or the proceeds of economic activity can be shown.

During the job search, you are allowed to engage in economic activity.