If you are a civil servant employed by a German public employer, you are entitled to a residence permit to fulfill your official duties in Germany.
University professors and other academic and artistic staff members appointed to civil service positions are particularly eligible to receive this residence permit.
The residence permit is issued for a period of three years, unless a shorter period is specified for your stay in Germany.
Involvement of the Federal Employment Agency is not required for the issuance of the residence permit.
Under certain circumstances, the Foreigners’ Registration Office may require you to participate in an integration course. This will then be noted on your residence permit.
Upon receiving a residence permit to perform official duties for a German employer, you have the option of obtaining a permanent right of residence (settlement permit) after just three years. The requirement to have paid contributions to the statutory pension insurance for at least 60 months is waived.
German employers who wish to bring a foreign civil servant from abroad to Germany to fulfill official duties may, on behalf of the foreign national, apply to the Foreigners’ Registration Office for the expedited skilled worker procedure, which can facilitate and accelerate entry into the country.
For EU citizens who are civil servants employed by a German employer, the Freedom of Movement Act/EU applies rather than the Residence Act.
You must apply for a residence permit at the immigration office responsible for your place of residence. The process is as follows:
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Depending on the Foreigners’ Registration Office and the nature of your request, it may be possible to apply online. Check whether your Foreigners’ Registration Office offers the option to apply for a residence permit electronically.
If you submit your application online, the Foreigners’ Registration Office will contact you after receiving your application to schedule an appointment at the office. During the appointment, your supporting documents will be reviewed (please bring them with you to the appointment).
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If the application can only be submitted in person, schedule an appointment with the immigration office.
During the appointment, your application will be accepted and your supporting documents will be reviewed (please bring them with you to the appointment).
- To renew your electronic residence permit (eAT card), your fingerprints will be taken at the Foreigners’ Registration Office.
- After about six to eight weeks, you can pick up the eAT card at the Foreigners’ Registration Office. You must pick it up in person.
- Fees apply for the issuance of the residence permit. The timing and method of payment vary depending on the agency.
To initiate the expedited procedure for skilled workers, the German employer contacts the Foreigners’ Registration Office responsible for the location where the work is to be performed. In some cases, a central office may have been established within the federal state to handle the procedure.
Section 19c (4) of the Residence Act
The immigration office with jurisdiction over the applicant's place of residence;
For the expedited skilled worker procedure:
The immigration office at the place of employment, unless a central office has been established to administer the procedure
