Taking examinations

If you have applied for the professional recognition of your professional qualification acquired abroad and would like to take an examination confirming this recognition, you can obtain a residence permit for this purpose.

We recommend this residence permit if you are about to have your professional qualification recognised and do not need to complete further adaptive measures.

When issuing this residence permit, we investigate the possibility of the subsequent issue of a residence permit for the purpose of seeking employment or skilled employment on your behalf. Therefore, if you already have a job offer, please let us know.

Please bring the following with you…

If you would like to apply for or extend a residence permit for the purpose of professional recognition, please bring the following documents with you (if we do not already have them):

• Your valid passport
• A current passport photo
• A completed application form
• Proof that you are able to cover your living expenses: Blocked account with credit balance in the amount of € 1.091,20 per month / € 13,094.40 per year; letter of intent
• Proof of health insurance
• Notification from the authority responsible for recognition
• Proof of German language skills (language certificate)
• Proof of the date of the examination
• Fee: up to € 100.00

Further documents may be required in individual cases. If this applies to you, we will inform you accordingly.

Please note: An appointment is required for the granting and extension of the residence permit. Please send us an appointment request.

Period of validity

The residence permit is issued to you while you take the examination and wait for the announcement of the results and the final decision on professional recognition. The duration of your residence permit thus depends on the individual processing times of the authorities involved.

Change in purpose of stay

During your stay for the purpose of professional recognition and also after your stay for the purpose of professional recognition, it is only possible to change your purpose of stay on the following grounds:

• In order to carry out employment as a skilled worker
• In order to seek employment
• In order to obtain a residence permit to which you are legally entitled (e.g. in the case of family reunification)

Paid employment

You are not permitted to pursue paid employment with this residence permit.