Residence permit to take up employment

As soon as you have a job offer that matches with your qualifications, you may apply for a residence permit to take up employment for which your training qualifies you (Section 18b (1) AufenthG (German Residence Act)) or an EU Blue Card (Section 18b (2) AufenthG (German Residence Act)) in order to stay. The following requirements must be met in order to obtain this residence permit or the EU Blue Card:

• Proof of completion of studies 
• Proof of health insurance 
• Proof of secured livelihood (employment contract)
• EU Blue Card: Minimum gross annual salary of €55,200 or €43,056 in STEM occupations (in 2020) 

The choice of residence permit is largely determined by your personal situation, so you should seek advice from your Foreigners Authority when submitting an application. Even if you have been offered a part-time job, you can still obtain a residence permit. It is important that your anticipated earnings are sufficient to cover the cost of living. The Foreigners Authority alone will decide on this.