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Apply for an extension of the residence permit for the recognition of professional qualifications based on an agreement with the Federal Employment Agency

You can have your residence permit extended for the recognition of your professional qualifications based on an agreement with the Federal Employment Agency if you meet certain requirements.

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Residence Permit Hamburg
Residence permit Hamburg

Detailed description

You can apply for an extension of your residence permit if the process for the recognition of your foreign professional qualification is still ongoing. The recognition process covers the time from the application to the issuing of a recognition notice by the responsible recognition body that concludes the process. This includes the implementation of qualification measures and subsequent examinations that are necessary to determine equivalence or to obtain a permit to practice the profession.
If your residence permit is extended, it will be limited again. The residence permit for the recognition of professional qualifications based on an agreement with the Federal Employment Agency is extended by one year at a time up to a maximum of three years. After three years, if you have successfully completed the recognition procedure, you can obtain a residence permit for one year to look for a job or a residence permit for another purpose of residence (for example: to study, to complete vocational training or to work as a skilled worker).
The Federal Employment Agency must again approve the employment in the desired professional field. The approval is granted for a limited period of one year. This can be granted if you can prove that you are continuing the recognition process.
As a rule, the residence permit cannot be extended if this was already excluded when the residence permit was issued or last extended.

 

Information

Prerequisites

  • You have a recognized and valid passport or passport replacement as well as a valid residence permit for the recognition of your professional qualification based on an agreement with the Federal Employment Agency in accordance with Section 16d (4) of the Residence Act.
  • The validity of your residence permit will expire in the near future.
  • You initiate the procedure to determine the equivalence of your foreign professional qualification or, if necessary, to obtain a permit to practice your profession from the responsible recognition body in Germany.
  • The Federal Employment Agency has approved the employment in the desired professional field.
  • Consent is usually obtained from the immigration authorities.
  • There is no interest in deporting you.
  • Your stay does not endanger or impair the interests of the Federal Republic of Germany
  • Their livelihood is secure.

Documents required

  • Passport or passport replacement
  • Current biometric photo
  • Existing residence permit
  • Proof of livelihood (for example: blocked account at a bank)
  • Proof of your health insurance
  • employment contract
  • rental contract
  • Evidence of the recognition procedure (for example: initial notification from the recognizing body or the certificate of participation in a qualification measure)

Please note

Central Office for Professional Recognition:

Recognition in Germany:

You can also get free advice on entry, residence and employment from the “Hotline Working and Living in Germany” on the Federal Government’s portal for skilled workers from abroad.

  • Telephone: 030 1815-1111
  • Service hours: Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Federal government portal for skilled workers from abroad:

Deadlines

The extension of your residence permit should be applied for at least eight weeks before your current residence permit expires.

Procedure

You must apply for an extension of your residence permit at the immigration office responsible for your place of residence.

  • Depending on the immigration authority and the matter, it may be possible to apply online. Find out whether your immigration authority offers electronic application for a residence permit.
  • If the application can only be submitted in person, arrange an appointment with the immigration authorities.
  • During the appointment, your application will be accepted and your documents will be checked (please bring these with you to the appointment). Your fingerprints will be taken to issue the electronic residence permit (eAT).
  • If you submit your application electronically, the immigration authorities will contact you after receiving your online application to arrange an appointment at the immigration authorities. During the appointment, your documents will be checked (please bring these with you to the appointment) and your fingerprints will be taken for the issuance of the eAT card.
  • If your application is approved, the immigration authorities will arrange for the eAT card to be produced.
  • After about six to eight weeks you can collect your eAT card from the immigration office

Processing time

The processing time usually takes 6 to 8 weeks and also depends on the completeness of the customer's documents. If documents are missing, the processing time is extended. It takes around 4 to 6 weeks for the Federal Printing Office to produce the electronic residence permit.

Fees

Extension of the residence permit for the recognition of professional qualifications based on an agreement with the Federal Employment Agency


  • for a further stay of up to three months: €96.00

  • for a further stay of more than three months: €93.00

Under certain conditions, a fee reduction or fee exemption may be considered.

Legal remedies

An appeal against the negative decision can be lodged with the authority within one month after notification.

Legal basis

§ 8 (1) Residence Act (AufenthG)

§ 16d (4) Residence Act (AufenthG)

§ 2 Employment Ordinance (BeschV)

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Keywords: Time limit residence permit professional license recognition procedure Foreign professional qualification Renewal of residence permits Recognition of foreign professional qualifications Qualification measure Federal Employment Agency Equivalence of foreign professional qualifications Mediation agreement § 8 (1) Residence Act (AufenthG) § 16d (4) Residence Act (AufenthG) § 2 Employment Ordinance (BeschV)

Last updated: 11.03.2025