Leistungen A-Z

• Forms: You can obtain forms from your foreigners authority; these may also be available online.
• Online procedure occasionally possible
• Written form required: yes
• Personal appearance required: yes

If your foreign professional qualification cannot yet be recognized in Germany and only requires the taking of an examination for recognition, then you can obtain a residence permit for the taking of the examination alone.

The term examination covers examinations that are required to determine the equivalence of the foreign professional qualification with a domestic professional qualification as well as in a profession regulated in Germany for the granting of the authorization to practice the profession or for the granting of the authorization to use a professional title. This includes language and technical language examinations. Taking more than one exam may also be considered.

If you are to attend an examination preparation course before taking the examination, you can obtain a residence permit for the implementation of a qualification measure for the recognition of foreign professional qualifications.

You must prove your language skills to the Aliens' Registration Office if proof of language skills is not the subject of your examination.

The residence permit for taking an examination for the recognition of a foreign professional qualification does notentitle you to pursue gainful employment.

The residence permit for taking an examination for the recognition of a foreign professional qualification is a temporary residence title. It is issued for the duration of the examination procedure. This covers the period from taking the examination to the announcement of the examination result or until the competent body issues a decision concluding the procedure.

• You have a recognized and valid passport or passport replacement and - if required for entry - an appropriate visa.
• There is no interest in deportation against you.
• Your foreign professional qualification cannot yet be fully recognized in Germany.
• For the recognition of foreign professional qualifications, you still need to pass an examination.
• You have German language skills that correspond to the examination to be taken, but as a rule at least A2 level speaking skills.
• Your stay does not endanger or affect the interests of the Federal Republic of Germany.
• You can secure your livelihood and health insurance coverage without claiming public benefits.

• Valid passport
• Recent biometric photo
• Visa, if required
• Proof of livelihood (e.g. scholarship, blocked account, letter of commitment)
• Rental contract
• Proof of your health insurance
• Deficit notice from the recognition office
• If necessary, proof of language skills (certificate)

Issuance of residence permit: EUR 100.00

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

The residence permit must be applied for at the aliens' registration office responsible for your place of residence. The procedure is as follows:

• Depending on the foreigners authority and your concerns, it may be possible to apply via the Internet. Find out whether your foreigners authority offers electronic application for the residence permit.
• If the application is only possible in person, make an appointment with the Aliens' Registration Office. During the appointment, your application will be received and your supporting documents will be checked (bring them with you to the appointment). For the production of an electronic residence permit (eATKarte) your fingerprints will be taken.
• In the case of an electronic application, the Aliens' Registration Office will contact you after receiving your online application to arrange an appointment at the Aliens' Registration Office if necessary. During the appointment, your supporting documents will be checked (bring them with you to the appointment) and your fingerprints will be taken for the production of the electronic residence permit (eAT- card).
• If your application is approved, the Aliens' Registration Office will arrange for the eAT card to be produced.
• After about six to eight weeks, you can collect the eAT card from the Aliens' Registration Office.
• The eAT card must always be collected in person.
• Fees are charged for the issuance of the residence permit. The timing and form of payment vary depending on the authority.

In the state of Brandenburg, the immigration authority of the district/district-free city is responsible

• The residence permit should be applied for at least eight weeks before the expiry of your still valid visa.
• Objection period: 1 month

The foreigners authority responsible for the applicant's place of residence

In the state of Brandenburg, these are the immigration authority of the district/district-free city

The foreigners authority responsible for the applicant's place of residence

In the state of Brandenburg, these are the immigration authority of the district/district-free city

• § Section 16d (5) of the Residence Act:

You can also obtain free advice on the topics of entry, residence and occupation from the "Hotline Arbeiten und Leben in Deutschland" (Working and Living in Germany) from 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.

Ministry of the Interior and for Local Affairs

of the State of Brandenburg