As a tolerated foreign national, you can obtain a residence permit to pursue employment if you have completed qualified vocational training or a university degree in Germany. Qualified vocational training is defined as vocational training in a state-recognized or comparably regulated occupation. The training must have lasted at least two years.

If you obtained your university degree abroad, you can obtain a residence permit if your foreign degree has been legally recognized in Germany or is comparable to a German university degree. The Central Office for Foreign Education (see "Further information") is responsible for the recognition of foreign university degrees in Germany. In addition, you must have worked for two years without interruption in a position appropriate to your degree. Employment is considered appropriate if it usually requires an academic degree and the knowledge acquired during your university education is at least partially or indirectly required. Shorter interruptions in employment, which should not normally exceed a total duration of three months, are not detrimental.

You can also obtain a residence permit if you have acquired your professional qualification abroad, have been in qualified employment for three years without interruption, and have not been dependent on public funds for your livelihood and that of your family members or other members of your household within the last year prior to applying for the residence permit (with the exception of benefits to cover the necessary costs of accommodation and heating) within the last year prior to applying for the residence permit. Qualified employment is defined as employment that is usually performed by persons with skills, knowledge, and abilities acquired through qualified vocational training or academic education. Short interruptions (up to three months) are generally harmless. 

  The residence permit is issued for a limited period for the duration of the employment. For holders of a training permit, the residence permit is issued for two years if they wish to pursue employment that corresponds to the qualification acquired in vocational training.

• You have a recognized and valid passport or passport substitute.
• There is no interest in expelling you.
• Your stay does not jeopardize or impair the interests of the Federal Republic of Germany.
• You have completed
  • completed qualified vocational training in a state-recognized or comparably regulated training occupation or a university degree, or
  • with a recognized or German university degree comparable to a foreign university degree, have been employed for at least two years without interruption in a position appropriate to your degree, or
  • have been in qualified employment without interruption for at least three years and have not been dependent on public funds within the last year , with the exception of benefits to cover the necessary costs of accommodation and heating.
• You have sufficient German language skills (B1).
• You can present a concrete job offer or a contract. The "Declaration of Employment" serves as proof of the concrete job offer.
• You have sufficient living space for yourself and your family.
• The Federal Employment Agency has approved your employment.
• You can cover your living expenses and health insurance from your own resources without claiming public benefits.

The procedure is as follows:

• Depending on the immigration office and your request, it may be possible to apply online. Find out whether your immigration office offers electronic applications for residence permits.
• If the application can only be made in person, make an appointment with the immigration office. During the appointment, your application will be accepted and your supporting documents will be checked (bring these with you to the appointment). Your fingerprints will be taken for the production of an electronic residence permit (eAT card).
• If you apply electronically, the immigration office will contact you after receiving your online application to arrange an appointment at the immigration office if necessary. During the appointment, your supporting documents will be checked (please bring them with you to the appointment) and your fingerprints will be taken for the production of the electronic residence permit (eAT card).
• If your application is approved, the Immigration Office will arrange for the eAT card to be produced.
• After about six to eight weeks, you can pick up the eAT card at the immigration office.
• The eAT card must always be picked up in person.

• Federal Government portal for skilled workers from abroad

https://www.make-it-in-germany.com/de/ueber-das-portal/kontakt/hotline/

• Central Office for Foreign Education:

https://www.kmk.org/themen/anerkennung-auslaendischer-abschluesse.html

• Declaration of employment;

https://www.bmi.bund.de/SharedDocs/downloads/DE/veroeffentlichungen/themen/migration/feg-anwendungshinweise-anlagen/anlage2.pdf?__blob=publicationFile&v=5

An appeal against a decision by the immigration authorities may be lodged with the authority named in the decision within one month of notification of the decision. The appeal may be lodged in writing, in electronic form, or for recording.

If the Foreigners' Registration Office does not grant the appeal, legal action may be taken before the court specified in the appeal decision.

• The residence permit is issued for a limited period for the duration of the employment. For holders of a training permit, the residence permit is issued for two years.
• Appeal period: one month

about six to eight weeks.

The immigration office responsible for the applicant's place of residence.

• Valid passport or passport substitute
• Current biometric photo
• Proof of completed education (e.g., university degree, certificates of completed vocational training)
• For foreign university degrees: Notification of recognition or comparability of the university degree, certificate evaluation by the Central Office for Foreign Education (ZAB), if available
• Employment contract or declaration of employment completed and signed by the employer (see "Further information")
• If applicable, proof of previous employment (e.g., employment references, employment contracts)
• Proof of German language skills
• Proof of sufficient funds to cover living expenses (e.g., equity capital, blocked account, letter of commitment)
• Proof of health insurance
• Current registration certificate

In individual cases, the immigration office may request additional documents.

Issuance of residence permit: EUR 100.00

Under certain circumstances, a reduction or exemption from fees may be considered.

Notes:

• Additional fees may apply for the issuance of a residence permit in the form of an electronic residence permit, which can also be used as electronic proof of identity.
• The timing and form of fee collection and payment vary depending on the authority.

• Online procedures possible in isolated cases
• Written form required
• Personal appearance required