Employment

Working in Germany

Each time we issue a certificate of residential status we make a decision regarding whether, and to what extent, you may work.

In the case of some certificates of residential status, the Federal Employment Agency (in the case of employees) or the Chamber of Industry and Commerce, the Chamber of Crafts or the Trade Association (in the case of the self-employed) may be involved before permission to work is granted.

In the case of an employed post, you must ask your employer to fill in a job description. Your employer should use this form to describe the job and the required qualifications, and should also provide information regarding working hours and wages.
An informal application is sufficient in the case of intended self-employment.

Form to download:

• Stellenbeschreibung (in German)
  (Federal Employment Agency)

Entry and residence for employment purposes

It is possible to receive a residence permit in order to take up an employed or self-employed activity.

In the event that you intend to travel to Germany for this reason, please apply for a visa issued to those intending to take up employment (category D) from a German representative office.  Involvement by the Federal Employment Agency, the Chamber of Industry and Commerce, the Chamber of Crafts or the Trade Association is also required in these cases.

In the event of self-employment, you must, additionally, fulfil the following conditions.

• evidence of a superior economic interest or specific regional requirement must be provided and
• positive effects on the German economy should be expected as a result of the activity in question.

These conditions are usually fulfilled in the event that at least € 500.000.00 (from equity or credit approval) is invested and at least five jobs are created.