Residence title for highly qualified employment

The Directive 2009/50/EC on the conditions of entry and residence of third-country nationals for the purposes of highly qualified employment (the so-called “Highly Qualified Persons Directive”) regulates the entry and residence of highly qualified persons who are not EU citizens. These persons and their relatives are to be granted a temporary uniform residence title, the so-called EU Blue Card.

In addition, by mitigating the conditions for granting a residence title to self-employed persons in Section 21 (1) of the Residence Act (“Aufenthaltsgesetz”), the hurdles for company founders to obtain such a residence title are lowered. 

For further details, please see Directive 2009/50/ECExternal Link.

Furthermore, the “Act on the Implementation of the Highly Qualified Persons Directive” brings the following benefits for international students, trainees and graduates with regard to work permits:

• International students may be employed for up to 120 days or 240 half days per year.
• International graduates are allowed to work without restriction while looking for a suitable job.
• International trainees in school-based or in-company vocational training are allowed to take on secondary employment for up to 10 hours a week.

Students whose residence permit is still valid for a longer period of time and who only wish to apply for a change of their work permit can obtain an explanatory cover letter from the Foreigners' Registration Office ("Ausländerbehörde").

Also university graduates and trainees whose residence permit is still valid for a longer period of time and who would like to apply for a change of their work permit should also contact the Foreigners' Registration Office. There you will receive the explanatory cover letter.

Federal Office for Migration and Refugees – EU Blue CardExternal Link

Council Directive 2009/50/ECExternal Link