How to Get a Residence Permit for Germany
A residence permit allows you to stay in Germany for a specific period. There are various types of residence permits depending on your purpose, such as employment, family reunification, self-employment, or studies.
This article focuses on obtaining a residence permit for employment purposes.
Types of Residence Permits
Short-term residence permits differ in validity, purpose, and qualification level.
The most common type of Residence Permit is the co-called Blue Card. This type is tailored towards highly qualified individuals, typically owning a University degree that is comparable to a German degree. Blue Card owners typically work in white-collar professions.
In case you do not qualify for a Blue Card, there are several other types of residence permits for work purpose that you might be eligible for. You can e.g. apply for a residence permit for specialist or skilled workers. You can find more information regarding the requirements on our website.
How to Obtain a Residence Permit for Work Purpose
Apply for a D-Visa: Start by applying for a long-term work visa (D-Visa) at your nearest German embassy. This visa allows you to move to Germany and begin working. It is valid for 3-12 months.
Convert your D-Visa into a Residence Permit: Once in Germany, apply to convert your D-Visa into a physical residence card (or Blue Card if highly qualified) at the local foreigners’ office (Ausländerbehörde).
Some nationalities, such as citizens of the USA, UK, North-Ireland, Israel, South Korea, Japan, New Zealand, and Australia, can directly apply for a residence permit in Germany without needing a D-Visa. However, applying from abroad is often faster because German embassies are in many times better equipped than German foreigner halls. In case you are looking to start your job as soon as possible, we often recommend applying through a German embassy or consulate. This needs to be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
If you already hold a different type of residence permit (e.g., for studies), you have to apply directly within Germany through your nearest foreigners’ hall (Ausländerbehörde).
Required Documents for a German Residence Permit
The required documents can vary, but generally include:
City registration
Declaration of employment (Erklärung zum Beschäftigungsverhältnis)
Work contract
Passport copy
Current residence permit (for extensions)
Application form
Last three payment slips (if available)
German health insurance confirmation
For University Graduates from a non-German University:
University degree with translation and transcripts (if not in German or English)
Anabin database equivalency confirmation
For University Graduates from a German University:
University degree and transcripts (in case you have not received it yet, ask your University for a letter, confirming that you will be graduating soon)
For Developers:
Reference letters from previous employers
For Blue-Collar Workers:
Degree with translation and recognition
Which Work Permit Is Right for Me?
Blue Card: This type of residence is for highly qualified individuals with a degree equivalent to a German degree and a salary above €48,300. For STEM positions the minimum salary threshold is €43,759.
Developers do not need a degree but need at least 2 years of work experience and a salary of €43,759. (salary threshold as of 2025)
Residence Permit for specialists: Specialists are typically professionals with expertise in their field, such as accountants or electricians. They possess more than two years of relevant work experience and hold a qualification, such as a degree or certification, that aligns with the requirements of their role, involving a minimum of two years of training. Additionally, their salary must exceed €43,470, although a unionized salary in accordance with collective agreements is also acceptable.
Residence Permit for qualified workers: Qualified workers are typically individuals who have received specialized training for their role. In Germany, their working conditions must not be inferior to those of German employees in similar positions. As a result, the employment agency must approve their employment. Approval may be denied if the average salary for a German worker in the same role and region is higher. Alternatively, a unionized wage that complies with collective agreements is also acceptable.
Validity and Renewal
Blue Card: Usually valid for 4 years.
Other Residence Permits: valid for 2 years.
You can renew your residence permit as long as you remain employed. If your employment ends, inform the foreigners’ office, and they will give you a grace period to find a new job.
Carina is a co-founder of Jetztpat and has supported many foreigners when relocating to Germany. She is currently located in Stuttgart and loves travelling to distant places. While she has tried crazy food from all over the world, she has stayed deeply committed to “Spätzle mit Soße” and is always missing it, when she's abroad.