Residence permit - Job search
The job search is for people who are already in Germany.
Description
With a residence permit to look for a job for skilled workers, you can stay in Germany for up to 18 months to look for a job, depending on your education/your previous stay in Germany.
The extension of the residence permit for job search beyond the maximum period is excluded if no suitable work could be found within the validity period.
Work permit: During the period of validity of the residence permit to look for a job, you may work part-time without restriction.
Register your place of residence in Munich: You must first register your residence at the Citizens Office.
Application for a residence permit: Before your residence permit expires, you must apply for a residence permit. To apply, please send us your application form and the required documents online or by post. After submitting your online application, you can download a completed document as a PDF for your records. The document will confirm your application and the authorisation/continuation of your previous residence. After your application has been checked, you will receive an appointment from us.
Important note
To find a job, you can apply for a residence permit directly after obtaining your qualification in Germany. Alternatively, in certain cases you can apply for an opportunity card to look for a job or for measures to recognise a foreign professional qualification
Requirements
- You are registered with your main residence in Munich.
- You are looking for a job.
- Your livelihood is secured for the duration of your job search.
- You have acquired one of the following qualifications during your previous stay in Germany:
- Successful completion of a degree programme or qualified vocational training
- Completion of a research activity
- Determination of the equivalence of your foreign professional qualification
- Granting of a licence to practise a profession
- Successful completion of assistant or helper training in a state-recognised or comparable regulated training occupation in the health and care sector
- You have a valid residence permit for the above qualification.
Required documents
- Fully completed application form
- Valid passport or passport replacement
- current biometric passport photo submitted digitally by a certified photo studio or drugstore. Alternatively, you can use one of the photo terminals at the Immigration and Naturalisation Service Centre for a fee.
- Proof of completion of the qualification:For example, a degree certificate, notice of assessment, a licence to practise a profession or a licence to practise medicine
- Proof of health insurance(insurance card of your statutory health insurance or the insurance policy of a private health insurance company)
- Proof of secure means of subsistence: For example, bank statements, declaration of commitment by a third party, scholarship certificate, employment contract (part-time job)
- Proof of the current amount of monthly costs for the flat: For rented flats, a current confirmation from the landlord or bank statements of the rent amount; for owner-occupied flats, proof of loan instalments and monthly housing benefit.
- For minors: Written declaration of consent from the person authorised to take care of the person (parents)
Note
- The documents submitted (such as proof of identity and language certificates) are checked for authenticity. We will report any forgeries to the police.
- Further documents may be required in individual cases.
Questions & Answers
If you have successfully completed a degree in Germany and hold a residence permit for study purposes (Section 16b or Section 16c of the Residence Act), the residence permit for job-seeking is the better option for you. This allows you to look for a job for up to 18 months after completing your degree. By comparison, the ‘Chancenkarte’ would only grant a residence permit for one year.
To practise a regulated profession (such as medical or teaching professions), a state licence to practise is absolutely essential. For non-regulated professions (such as software development), however, proof that your foreign qualification is comparable to the relevant German reference qualification is sufficient to practise the profession.
As soon as you have found a job offer to take up skilled employment or wish to become self-employed or work on a freelance basis, you can apply for a corresponding residence permit for the purpose of gainful employment.
Qualified vocational training is defined as vocational training in a state-recognised or similarly regulated occupation for which federal or state legislation stipulates a training period of at least two years.
Employment refers to work carried out as an employee, particularly within an employment relationship. Gainful employment encompasses both employment and self-employment or freelance work.
You can also find out where to have your qualification recognised on the ‘Recognition in Germany’ page. For advice on the recognition of vocational qualifications, you can contact the Service Centre for the Recognition of Foreign Qualifications.
Legal basis
§ Section 20 Residence Act
Contact
Studenten
Website
Telephone
Postal address
Studenten
Ruppertstraße 19
80466 München
Address
Ruppertstraße 19
80337 München
Only with appointment