A residence permit independent of qualification as a skilled worker can be granted for employment stays that result from the provisions of the Employment Regulation, e.g., for seasonal employment, domestic workers, specialty chefs, and professional drivers.

Citizens of certain countries can also obtain a residence permit to pursue any occupation, regardless of their personal qualifications, if they meet additional requirements. These are citizens of the following countries:

• Andorra, Australia, Israel, Japan, Canada, Republic of Korea, Monaco, New Zealand, San Marino, USA (Section 26 (1) of the Employment Regulation)
• until the end of 2020 also: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Macedonia, Montenegro, and Serbia (Section 26 (2) of the Employment Regulation, known as the Western Balkans Regulation)

There is no requirement that you be a skilled worker within the meaning of the Residence Act, i.e., you do not need to have a university degree or qualified vocational training.

The residence permit for the purpose of employment, regardless of qualification as a skilled worker, is a temporary residence permit. The duration of the temporary permit depends on the duration of the employment contract or is determined by the provisions of the Employment Regulation.

Before the residence permit is issued, the Federal Employment Agency must generally approve the employment, unless the provisions of the Employment Regulation stipulate that approval by the Federal Agency is not required.

• You have a recognized and valid passport or passport substitute and, if required for entry, an appropriate visa.
• There is no reason for you to be deported.
• You have a job or a job offer. Professional
  drivers and citizens of Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Macedonia, Montenegro, or Serbia who are 45 years of age or older must provide proof of an employment contract or a binding job offer with a specific minimum salary. The minimum salary must be 55 percent of the annual contribution assessment ceiling in the general pension insurance scheme. This results in a minimum salary for 2020 of €45,540 per annum. Even if this minimum salary is not reached, a residence permit may be granted upon presentation of proof of adequate pension provision or in special cases (e.g., if there is a public interest in the employment).
  The contribution assessment ceiling for each year is announced by the Federal Ministry of the Interior, Building, and Community in the Federal Gazette by December 31 of the previous year (see further information).
• You can cover your living expenses and health insurance from your income without claiming public benefits.
• Your stay does not jeopardize or impair the interests of the Federal Republic of Germany.
• Further requirements may arise from the provisions of the Employment Regulation.
• For further information on this, please contact the relevant immigration authority.

You must apply for a residence permit at the immigration office responsible for your place of residence (in BB: at the immigration office of the district/independent city) .

• Depending on the immigration office and your specific situation, it may be possible to apply online. Find out whether your immigration office offers the option of applying for a residence permit electronically.
• 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 (please bring these with you to the appointment). Your fingerprints will be taken for the issuance of the electronic residence permit (eAT).
• If you apply electronically, the immigration office will contact you after receiving your online application to arrange an appointment for an interview at the immigration office. 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 issuance of the 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 your eAT card at the Foreigners' Registration Office.

• Information on immigration for the purpose of unskilled or low-skilled employment: https://www.bmi.bund.de/DE/themen/migration/zuwanderung/arbeitsmigration/arbeitsmigration-artikel.html
• You can also obtain free advice on entry, residence, and employment from the "Working and Living in Germany Hotline."
  Phone: 030 1815-1111
• Service hours: Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Section 19c (1) of the Residence Act in conjunction with the Employment Regulation

• Applying for a residence permit to work regardless of your qualifications as a skilled worker: no later than eight weeks before your current visa or residence permit expires.
• Appeal period: 1 month

about six to eight weeks

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

• Valid passport
• Visa, if required for entry
• Original copy of your employment contract or a binding job offer (please use the standard nationwide form Declaration of Employment Relationship )
• Current biometric photo
• Proof of your health insurance
• Current registration certificate
• Rental agreement

• Issuance of a residence permit for skilled employment regardless of qualification as a skilled worker: EUR 100
• Under certain conditions, a reduction or exemption from fees may be considered.

• Forms: Declaration of employment (standardized nationwide); additional forms specific to your local authorities can be obtained from your immigration office and may also be available online.
• Online procedures possible in some cases
• Written form required: yes
• Personal appearance required: yes