Can foreigners in Germany work without a valid residence permit?
July 15, 2023 | 40,00 EUR | answered by Friedhelm Wagner
Dear lawyer,
I am reaching out to you as I am currently in a legal grey area and unsure of how to proceed. My name is Otto Beck and I am a foreign national. Unfortunately, my residence permit has expired and I have not yet applied for a new one.
I have been in Germany for several years and have found a job here that is very important to me. However, I am unsure if I am allowed to work legally without a valid residence permit. I am very concerned that I could lose my job if my employer finds out that I do not have a valid residence permit.
Therefore, my question to you is: Are foreigners in Germany allowed to work without a valid residence permit? Are there any possible solutions for my current situation? I am eager to work legally and secure my existence here in Germany, but I am unsure of the best way to achieve this in my current situation.
I would greatly appreciate it if you could provide me with your legal assessment on this matter and show me possible courses of action. I look forward to your response and thank you in advance for your support.
Sincerely,
Otto Beck
Dear Mr. Beck,
Thank you for your inquiry and your trust in my expertise as a lawyer specializing in immigration law. It is important that you consult an expert in such a complicated legal situation to find the best possible solution to your problem.
First and foremost, it is important to clarify that foreigners in Germany are generally not allowed to work without a valid residence permit. The residence permit is a crucial requirement to legally work in Germany. If your residence permit has expired, you should urgently apply for a new one to avoid any legal issues.
In your situation, there may be a possibility to extend your residence permit or apply for a new one. However, certain requirements need to be met, including having a stable job, sufficient financial means, and a valid passport. It is important that you promptly contact the competent foreigner's office or a lawyer specializing in immigration law to clarify your situation and discuss possible solutions.
I understand your concerns about your job if your employer finds out that you do not have a valid residence permit. It could indeed lead to problems if you work illegally. Therefore, it is even more crucial that you find a solution to your legal problem as soon as possible.
I strongly recommend seeking professional help to clarify your residency situation. An experienced lawyer specializing in immigration law can assist you in examining your legal options and developing a suitable strategy to secure your existence in Germany.
I hope that my response has been helpful to you, and I am available for any further questions you may have. I wish you success in resolving your legal situation and all the best for your future in Germany.
Sincerely,
Friedhelm Wagner - Lawyer specializing in immigration law
