Work & Study
Skilled worker residence permit (§18a vocational / §18b academic AufenthG)
For people with a recognised vocational or academic qualification and a job in Germany. Learn how recognition fits in and which documents to prepare.
- BA approvalfrom the Federal Employment Agency, generally requiredSource: BA approval from the Federal Employment Agency, generally required (opens in new tab)
- 4 yearsmaximum validitySource: 4 years maximum validity (opens in new tab)
- €55,770minimum yearly salary in 2026 if you're 45+ and new to work in GermanySource: €55,770 minimum yearly salary in 2026 if you're 45+ and new to work in Germany (opens in new tab)
Your local offices
City not listed? Find your Bürgeramt with the federal service search and your Ausländerbehörde with BAMF-NAvI, or see the guide for your state.
General information summarised from official sources. Rules change and the authorities make every decision. Check with your Ausländerbehörde or a qualified adviser.
General information only, and no outcome is promised. Check with your local Ausländerbehörde before acting.
Your local office: documents, fees, booking and waiting times are set by each Ausländerbehörde and differ from city to city. Pick your situation and city in the step finder to get a direct link to your own office, or see the local office guide for your state. You can also find your office with BAMF-NAvI or the federal service finder.
Who it's for
Skilled workers with qualified vocational training (§18a) or an academic degree (§18b) who have a job offer in Germany (MIG, checked 2026-11-04). Under §18b, you may take up any qualified employment (§18b, checked 2026-11-04).
Requirements
- Your qualification is recognised in Germany or comparable to a German one. Regulated professions need a licence to practise (MIG, checked 2026-11-04).
- You have a concrete offer for a qualified job; auxiliary tasks are not enough. The job does not have to match your field (MIG, checked 2026-11-04).
- Federal Employment Agency (BA) approval is generally required (MIG, checked 2026-11-04).
- Aged 45+ and coming to work in Germany for the first time: salary of at least €55,770/yr in 2026 (MIG, checked 2026-11-04), or €4,647.50/month, which is 55% of the contribution ceiling. The two figures agree (12 × €4,647.50 = €55,770). Otherwise you need proof of adequate pension provision.
Documents, fees and steps at your local office
Each Ausländerbehörde publishes its own document checklist, fees and booking or online-application process, so this guide doesn't copy one city's list. Pick your situation and city in the step finder for a direct link to your office's page, or open the local office guide for your state. Fees for residence permits are set nationwide in § 45 AufenthV; your office tells you the exact amount.
Processing notes
- A label can be issued at the appointment; an eAT usually takes several weeks Not yet confirmed. The wait for an appointment varies; check your Ausländerbehörde's website. Embassy wait times vary; check your German mission's website.
- Validity: up to 4 years (MIG, checked 2026-11-04). For a shorter contract or BA approval period, the permit is issued for that period plus 6 months, never more than 4 years (§18 Abs. 4 AufenthG; MIG, checked 2026-11-04).
- Settlement may be possible after 3 years with a title for employment (MIG; §18c, checked 2026-11-04).