Apply for a work permit for foreign nationals
Permission to work for foreign nationals, which is noted on the residence permit, with the approval of the employment agency if necessary.
How to proceed
- 1
Submit an application to the Office of Immigration and Naturalization
With an employment contract or job offer.
- 2
Involvement of the Employment Agency
Review of working conditions and, if applicable, a priority review.
- 3
Note regarding the work permit
In the electronic residence permit.
Responsible authority
The authority of your main place of residence is responsible.Find authority →
Fees
Varies by case
Processing time
approx. 1 months
Official: max. approx. 1 months
Online application
In person or by post
Common mistakes
- • Employment contract signed before the permit was issued
- • Failure to apply for the required recognition of a foreign professional qualification
Common reasons for rejection
- • Negative priority review by the Employment Agency
- • Employment conditions do not meet the standards typically applied to U.S. citizens
You can usually file an objection against a rejection.
The essentials before applying
Who is eligible?
Foreign nationals whose residence permits do not already grant them unrestricted permission to work.
Income limit
The limit varies by household and region – see the table at the responsible authority or in the application assistant.
Processing time
Nationwide: approx. approx. 1 months
Success rate
approx. 75.0 % (estimate)
Most common mistakes
- •Employment contract signed before the permit was issued
- •Failure to apply for the required recognition of a foreign professional qualification
Common reasons for rejection
- •Negative priority review by the Employment Agency
- •Employment conditions do not meet the standards typically applied to U.S. citizens
Alternatives
- Check related services in the application assistant
- Use social counselling before applying
If rejected
File a written objection within 30 days – with reasons why the decision is wrong and any missing evidence.