Can I work in Germany as a foreigner if I have a residence permit?
July 16, 2022 | 55,00 EUR | answered by Leonie Eiserfelder
Dear lawyer,
I am Oliver Waldner and I have a question regarding working as a foreigner in Germany. I have a residence permit and I am wondering if I am allowed to work in Germany with it.
Some background information: I moved from Austria to Germany a year ago and received a residence permit here. I have not worked yet, as I am unsure if I am legally allowed to work as a foreigner with a residence permit. I would like to pursue regular employment and earn my own living.
My concern is that I may be breaking laws if I work without the necessary permits. I do not want to have any trouble with the authorities and therefore I am seeking a clear answer to my question.
Could you please inform me if I, as a foreigner with a residence permit in Germany, am allowed to work? Are there specific requirements or permits that I need to have in order to work legally? If this is not possible, what alternatives do I have to earn a living?
Thank you in advance for your assistance and I look forward to your response.
Sincerely,
Oliver Waldner
Dear Mr. Waldner,
Thank you for your inquiry regarding working as a foreigner in Germany. It is understandable that you may feel unsure about whether you are allowed to work legally with your residence permit. I will now explain in detail the regulations that apply to foreigners with a residence permit in Germany.
Generally, foreigners with a residence permit in Germany are allowed to work. The residence permit allows you to stay in Germany for a certain period of time, for example, to work, study, or join your family. However, there are certain requirements and approvals that you may need in order to work legally.
Firstly, you should check if your residence permit includes a so-called work permit. This is necessary to be able to work in Germany. If your residence permit does not explicitly allow you to work, you will need to apply for a separate work permit from the Foreigners' Office. This permit is usually granted if you have found a job that complies with legal requirements and has no negative impact on the German job market.
It is important to note that as a foreigner with a residence permit in Germany, you must comply with certain legal regulations in order to work legally. This includes, for example, following regulations on working hours, minimum wage requirements, and social security provisions. Therefore, it is advisable to thoroughly inform yourself about the applicable labor laws in Germany before starting work.
If you do not receive a work permit or are unable to work for other reasons, there are various alternatives to earn a living. These may include pursuing a degree, self-employment, or participating in integration courses to improve your German language skills and thereby increase your chances in the job market.
In conclusion, I would like to emphasize the importance of complying with legal regulations to avoid issues with authorities. If you have any further questions or need assistance with applying for a work permit, please feel free to contact me.
I hope I have answered your question comprehensively and am available for further information.
Kind regards,
Leonie Eiserfelder, Attorney at Law
