Exam period is included in the residence purpose

Your residence permit also covers the exam after the course. The validity period is calculated up to the announcement of the exam results. Plan for an additional 4 weeks to 3 months.

Purely in-company qualification is also possible

Your qualification does not have to take place at a school. It can also be carried out entirely within a company. This applies, for example, if you only need to demonstrate practical skills.

From 51 percent practical share, the measure counts as in-company

Whether your measure counts as in-company or school-based depends on the time share. From 51 percent practical activity, it is considered predominantly in-company. Different rules then apply for approval.

Reviewed on March 3, 2026

Apply for residence permit for recognition of a foreign professional qualification through a qualification measure

Close your qualification gaps and have your foreign vocational qualification recognized in Germany.

At a glance

How do you get a residence permit for your professional recognition?

You are a skilled worker and your foreign vocational qualification is not yet fully recognized in Germany? Then you normally get a residence permit for qualification measures. These measures help you close professional, practical, or language gaps. This way, you can have your professional qualification recognized or obtain a license to practice your profession.

The residence permit is valid for the exact duration of your qualification measure. However, it is valid for a maximum of 3 years in total. If you successfully complete the measure, you can then obtain a different residence permit afterwards. For example, for job search or to work as a skilled worker. Whether you receive it is decided by the authority on a case-by-case basis.

For the residence permit, you need to meet certain requirements. You must have a deficit notice from the responsible recognition body. This notice identifies your professional, practical, or language gaps. For a regulated profession, for example in healthcare, it must also prescribe adaptation measures or language courses.

Your qualification measure must be suitable. For a school-based measure, the educational provider must be state-run, state-recognized, or AZAV-certified. AZAV is an accreditation regulation for continuing education providers. This requirement is also considered fulfilled if the federal or state governments fund the measure. If the measure is predominantly company-based, meaning more than half of the time is practical, the Federal Employment Agency must consent.

You must also secure your living expenses yourself. For this, you need your own funds of at least 1,091.20 euros per month (as of 2026). This amount covers living expenses, rent, and health insurance. You also need German language skills at level A2. Your primary residence must be in Berlin. Schedule your appointment with the responsible department B 6 as early as possible. Send your appointment request at the latest 8 weeks before your current residence title expires.

Requirements

Who qualifies?

You can apply for this residence permit if your foreign vocational qualification is not yet recognized in Germany and the responsible recognition body has identified professional, practical, or language deficits in a notice — for regulated professions (e.g. in healthcare), additionally the need for adaptation measures or a language course.
The planned qualification measure must be suitable: for a school-based measure, the educational provider must be state-run, state-recognized, or AZAV-certified — or the measure is funded through federal or state programs. For a predominantly company-based measure (more than half of the time is company-based/practical), the consent of the Federal Employment Agency is additionally required.

Additional requirements

You must be able to secure your own living expenses: for rent, living expenses, and health insurance, you need at least 1,091.20 euros per month (as of 2026).
You need German language skills at least at level A2 of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR).
You must have your primary residence in Berlin and appear in person with an appointment at the responsible department B 6. You should request the appointment via the contact form ideally 8 weeks before your current residence title expires.

How to apply

Obtain your deficit notice from the responsible recognition body — it documents your professional, practical, or language gaps

Compile all required documents: completed application for the issuance of a residence title, valid passport, biometric passport photo, deficit notice, language proof A2 as well as all documents required depending on the type of your qualification measure (e.g. proof of the educational provider or employment contract and supplementary form A) and proof of living expenses and health insurance

Request an appointment with department B 6 via the contact form at the latest 8 weeks before your current residence title expires

Appear in person at the appointment with department B 6 and bring all documents with you

Done! The authority reviews your application — if you meet all the requirements, you can receive the residence permit for the duration of your qualification measure (a maximum of 3 years)

Since 01.05.2025 only digital photos are accepted. Learn more

100,00EUR

First-time issuance of the residence permit for the recognition of a foreign vocational qualification through a qualification measure

Renewal of the residence permit for the recognition of a foreign vocational qualification through a qualification measure by up to three months96,00 EUR
Renewal of the residence permit for the recognition of a foreign vocational qualification through a qualification measure by more than three months93,00 EUR
First-time issuance or renewal for Turkish nationals up to the age of 2427,60 EUR
First-time issuance or renewal for Turkish nationals from the age of 2446,00 EUR
Creation of a digital passport photo at the self-service terminal on site6,00 EUR

Good to know

Does your work professionally relate to your recognition occupation? Then you may work without time limits. You need the approval of the Federal Employment Agency for this.

Abs. 2 erlaubt dem Ausländer die Ausübung einer zeitlich nicht eingeschränkten (aber den Anforderungen des Arbeitszeitgesetzes entsprechenden) Beschäftigung, wenn diese in einem berufsfachlichen Zusammenhang mit dem Beruf steht, für den die Gleichwertigkeit bzw. Berufszulassung beantragt worden ist.

VAB A.16d, S. 159-165

Your qualification could not be completed in time? If this was not your fault, the authority may extend beyond 36 months. This applies, for example, in the case of long waiting times for exams.

kann eine Verlängerung des Aufenthaltstitels auch über die gesetzliche Höchstaufenthaltsdauer hinaus erfolgen, wenn die Qualifizierungsmaßnahme abgeschlossen oder Prüfungen absolviert werden sollen, die aus Gründen, die nicht vom Ausländer zu vertreten sind, nicht innerhalb der Höchstaufenthaltsdauer abgeschlossen werden konnten.

VAB A.16d, S. 159-165

With this residence permit, you must not work on a self-employed basis. This is prohibited. You may only work as an employee.

Selbständige Tätigkeit nicht erlaubt.

VAB A.16d, S. 159-165

Similar services

Apply for a residence permit for skilled workers with vocational training Apply for residence permit for skilled workers with academic training Apply for residence permit for in-company training and continuing education Apply for a Residence Permit for Employment of Certain Nationals Apply for a residence permit for job-seeking after a stay in Germany

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