Work permit

Obtaining a work permit for people with an immigration background is not always easy. EU citizens are not subject to work restrictions, nor do they require a work permit. However, third-country nationals do require a work permit (see also “EU Blue Card”) if they want to work in Germany. You can check your residence title to see what work restrictions you may have. You may find one of the following entries listed there: 

  • Erwerbstätigkeit gestattet (economic activity permitted)
    Under this condition you are permitted to take up self-employment and employment from an employer. 

  • Beschäftigung gestattet (employment permitted)
    Under this condition you are permitted to take up employment from an employer. But you are not entitled to take up self-employment. 

  • Arbeitsaufnahme nur mit Genehmigung der Ausländerbehörde (employment permitted only with the consent of the immigration office)
    You must apply for a work permit at the immigration office. You will require confirmation from your would-be employer, or preferably an employment contract.

If you have questions, you can contact the immigration office or the employment office (Agentur für Arbeit).

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