Disaster strikes – you moved all the way to Germany to take on a fabulous job, it blows up in your face, your boss hands you your notice. Losing your job in a foreign country can be daunting, but like everything in Germany, there is a process to follow. Keep calm, follow the process, and it’ll all work out OK.
Registering with the Agentur für Arbeit during COVID19
Updated 7.4.2020: Step one is usually a personal visit to the relevant government agency – the Agentur für Arbeit. But Corona times are special times. The Agentur für Arbeit is not currently receiving visitors.
Am I eligible?
If you’ve been working in Germany for at least 12 months out of the last 2 years and paying unemployment insurance as part of your salary, you will probably be entitled to unemployment benefits. However, it can depend on the conditions on your work permit and is complicated. It’s best to apply, outline your situation and see whether they can help you or not.
Step one: registering as “arbeitssuchend” (job-seeking)
You can register as “arbeitssuchend” online or do it by phone by calling 0800 4 5555 00. Although they will warn you about long waiting times on the phone, in my experience this week so far, registering as job-seeking online takes about 30 minutes, including waiting time. You are welcome to use Life Admin credit to make this call in conference – we’ve reduced the price to 35 EUR per hour during the Corona pandemic.
You can notify them up to 3 months in advance if you know the date you will become unemployed, or at the latest, on the first day of your unemployment to avoid any gaps in payment. If there are fewer than 3 months between the date you are given your notice and the date you will become unemployed, you should visit the office within 3 days of receiving your dismissal letter or handing in your notice. If you delay this, it might lead to a delay in receiving benefits.
Step 2: Fill out your application for ALGI benefits online
Once you’ve registered as “job seeking”, they will send you an access code by post to fill out the application online. The final step in this process is a personal visit to the office, but no-one knows exactly when this will take place. Once you’ve filled out the online application, sit tight and wait for instructions on the personal visit. It’s possible that you might not get paid until you can go to the office in person to verify your ID, but your application will be backdated to the first day of your unemployment if you follow the rules. It is also possible that they will pay you provisionally to avoid financial hardship and finalize the process later.
If you purchase Life Admin to complete this process, it usually takes around an hour from start to finish and works like this: we’d spend the first half an hour registering you as “arbeitssuchend” (job-seeking), either by phone or online. Once that is complete, you wait for your Agentur für Arbeit access code to arrive by post and you contact your employer to get them to complete their side of the paperwork. Once you have heard back from your employer and you have the access code, use your remaining Life Admin credit to go through the ALGI application online. If you want, you can also book a translator to go with you for the third and final step, the in-person ID verification visit.
Step 3: visiting the office in person
Side note: when you finally do get to the office in person (this will be the last step to complete your application and can only happen when the office is open for visitors again), don’t just assume it’s the one closest to your house. Each office caters for different types of clients in different districts. If you’re an academic, you might get sent to a different office. Plus, there are “job agencies” and “job centers” – the Job Center caters for those receiving a different type of unemployment benefit. Look closely on the invitation you receive for the exact address. You should bring your passport, your address registration certificate and any correspondence from your employer that confirms your pending unemployment, such as the notice of termination or a short-term contract.
We offer special rates for clients facing unemployment for visits to the Agentur für Arbeit. You can book online and the reduced rate will already apply.
I’m a freelancer
If you’re a freelancer or self-employed and are facing a loss of income, you may also be entitled to benefits if you’ve been making voluntary contributions to unemployment insurance. The rules for freelancers or the self-employed are more complicated. The contributions are around 70 EUR a month, or half of that for the first year if you received a Gründungszuschuss. If you don’t know wehether you’ve been making these contributions or not, you probably haven’t been. Instead, you can apply for ALGII. If you’re a freelancer, you might consider making an appointment with the Agentur für Arbeit to find out how you can protect yourself against future periods of unemployment.
When do the payments begin?
You get paid benefits from the date you become unemployed, but only if you notify the Agentur as soon as you can. If it takes you a while to register after you stop working, they might not backdate your payments. Even if it takes the Agentur für Arbeit a long time to process your application, you will eventually be paid beginning from the date you first became employed if you followed the process correctly.
A note about legal issues:
If you’re unsure where you stand on legal issues with your work contract, work permit, notice period or entitlement to benefits, get some legal advice from a lawyer who specialises in employment law. Things can get particularly tricky if your employer asks you to sign a settlement contract (an “Aufhebungsvertrag”) in which you both mutually agree to terminate your employment contract.
Nice post, as always – helpful and informative. I wanted to know how losing a job can affect immigration status?
Hi Elliot, nice to hear from you again 🙂 More context needed here. It depends if the type of residence permit is tied to the job or not. If the permit is tied to the job, the applicant might have to apply for another permit that might or might not be tied to a different job. They’d need to get the new job approved just as the last job was. Blue Cards are a bit of a different scenario – they don’t lose validity if you lose the job, but you still have to consult the Ausländerbehörde to switch permit types. With other types of permits that aren’t tied to a particular employment (e.g. spousal), you can’t lose your permit from losing your job, but when you go to renew it, if the loss of job means the means of subsistence is no longer secured for the household, that might hinder the renewal.
Hello I am non eu work in Germany last 8 month’s in italian permanent card I have aufhntalist for one year I lose my job before one week please helps I don’t know what I do now ?
Hi Ali. I’m not really sure… I’d talk to an immigration lawyer at this stage.
But what if you need to look for a new job? So does this mean you are allowed to stay in Germany until the end of your permit to look for a new job. For example your permit is valid until Nov 2018 with a certain employer, you lose your job in July, are you allowed to remain in Germany (once you notify Agentur fur arbeit etc) and look for a new job (then apply for a new permit) or must you leave Germany after a certain period.
Hi Dave. If your permit is tied to your job, and you lose your job, your permit does not automatically remain valid until the original expiry. It becomes void if you no longer work for that employer. Having said that, it’s not like they force you to leave the country the next day or anything, you would have a reasonable amount of time to react (disclaimer: I don’t know exactly how much time this is), but you should visit the Ausländerbehörde as soon as you can so that they might give you some time to look for a new job. Officially. With a new type of permit. Added to this: if you have an employment permit that is tied to your job, you may have trouble claiming ALGI even if you fulfill other requirements for it.
Please can i ask a question!
Im currently working in Germany now, about 1 month. And i got a new job offer, and i wanted to change the work. But still i don’t have the Aufenthaltstitel. The other documents i have. Tax form , inscurence card , Bank accound , and andres here. So the question is, can i change my job without problem of losing both of the job if i quit from jere whithout having the Aufenthaltstitel?
Looking forward to hear from you!
Best wishes
Hi Emiliano,
Hmmm… Assuming your new job does not make you eligible for a Blue Card, the process will be the same for the new job as it was for the old job that you haven’t got approval to do yet: take the NEW contract and docs to the Ausländerbehörde, submit them, and wait for approval, which might be 4-6 weeks.
I’d just make the appointment to do that online, even if you haven’t gotten the residence permit for the old job yet. In the meantime, if you get an email from the Ausländerbehörde telling you your permit for your current job has been approved and asking you to come in to pick it up, I would take the NEW contract and your docs when you go to “pick up the old permit”, and see if you can sweet talk someone into changing the permit over for you on the spot. You can make their lives even easier by asking your HR department at the new place of employment if they can sort out approval from the Federal Employment Agency (Bundesagentur für Arbeit) before you visit the Ausländerbehörde. If your HR department at the new job can get your Bundesagentur für Arbeit approval fast-tracked, that’ll save time and you might even be able to get the new permit on the spot instead of waiting for 6 weeks. If you are confused about this, book a coaching – it’s a lot of information!
Hello,
I have a Bleu card that is valid for another 2 years, i mutually agreed with my employer to terminate the full time contract we have then left Germany after 13 months of moving there. Now I am residing in France for higher education and plan on returning to Germany during the coming year. Is my Bleu card still valid? Does having a Bleu card help with finding employment?
Regards,
Pierre.
Hi Pierre,
That all depends on what is written on your Blaue Karte – usually there are specific conditions listed on it that will tell you whether you can work for ANY company or just your current employer. It also depends on whether you deregistered from Germany when you moved to France and how long you are planning on being outside of Germany. More than 6 months? These are all things that could invalidate a permit. I’d contact an immigration lawyer or just visit the Ausländerbehörde yourself and get the information from the horse’s mouth about your specific card and your specific circumstances. Cheers, Kathleen
Hi Kathleen,
First of all i should say Very useful information here and appreciate your comments.
I hold Blue Card and recently applied for Niederlassungserlaubnis as I have completed 33 months work and I was entitled to it.And the thing is I recently received Termination letter from my company which is also due to Corona. Letter says my last day would be 31st August; obviously they are giving me 1 month notice here. My question was; I know I should be contacting Arbeitsagentur within 3 days; however should i wait first my Niederlassungserlaubnis to be issued first and then contact them? How would contacting Arbeitsagentur affect my Niederlassungserlaubnis process? Is it better to contact them after getting the Niederlassungserlaubnis?
Thanks in advance
If you don’t contact the Agentur für Arbeit within 3 days, you’d risk losing or delaying your access to unemployment benefits. The wait for a Niederlassungserlaubnis in the current times can be really, really long. Some people have been waiting for 4+ months just for an appointment. I can’t say for sure whether the Agentur für Arbeit and the foreigner’s office talk to each other – being unemployed might affect your application if it hasn’t been issued yet. But I doubt it. Also, I doubt that a status of “job seeker” (step 1 in the registration process) would affect anything at all, so registering as “arbeitssuchend” and following the ALGI rules should at least buy you some more time. Also, (this is just a gut feeling), I’m pretty sure that if you were eligible when you applied, then your permanent residency will come through whether you register as arbeitssuchend/unemployed or not. I have a good feeling.
Hi Ugur,
Did you get your Niederlassungserlaubnis? I might get into similar situation that’s why curious to know.
Hi Kathleen,
I had applied for Niederlassungserlaubnis and it was approved. I gave my biometrics and submitted the photo as well 2 weeks back. Now I am waiting for my card/permit to come.
Our company is doing organization re-structuring and I might lose my job.
I was curious to know if I lose the job before my permit comes will it get cancelled or will I still receive it?
If I receive my termination I will still have 3 months of notice period.
Thanks!!
If it was approved and you’re simply waiting for the card to arrive, I doubt anything will happen. Nice timing! -Kathleen
Hello Priya,
I am in a similar situation to your’s when you inquired about the possibility. I have submitted my Biometrics, photo nd other docs, paid the 113 eur fees for Niderelassungs. My organization took a hit during the ongoing pandemic and are looking to re-structure to accomodate the finacial elements. I’m a bit afraid as my role is expendable and if things go bad, how could/should I react. I have a 2 months notice period but I don’t expect to receive the card within this period. Also if I notify the Ausländerbehörde, would it affect the status of NE?
Thanks and Regards!
Hi Kathleen,
I recently lost my job and my Visa was sponsored by my employer. I remember at the time of receiving my visa the person told me with this I can work as a Product Manager for two years and later work any roles (visa is valid for 4 years). Now, I need to support myself and it’s been hard to find a new job. I wanted to know what’s the alternative here and would it be ok for me to work other jobs with the current visa I hold.
I hope I was clear and if need be, I can provide more details. Thank you for your time and I look forward to hearing from you.
Kind Regards,
Gagan
Hi Gagan. I can’t answer this for sure, but based on the FAQs of the foreigner’s office in Berlin, your residence permit will probably stay valid at least until 31.12.2020 even if you have lost your job, if the permit was issued in Berlin. It would be different if you quit your job, though. To be certain, email the foreigner’s office responsible for your case and just ask them. They will reply, even if it’s weeks later. -Kathleen
Hello
I have a question that will be great if you can answer me I worked for a company for about a year and I had a unlimited contract and I got AUFENTHALTSTITEL 18 for three years, now I received a Kündigung letter for end of September, should I go to the foreign office for changing my AUFENTHALTSTITEL or I can keep it and stay with that in Germany till I find a new job, I mean should I let the foreign office that I lost my job?
Thanks in advance
Lena
Hi Lena,
You should visit the Ausländerbehörde before the end of September as the permit is tied to your job and you no longer have your job, so your permit won’t stay valid for the remaining 2 years, unfortunately. If you find a new job in the meanwhile, you’ll have to apply for a new work permit at the Ausländerbehörde for the new job anyway, so you’ll have to go there one way or another.
Me too only with corona pedamic it sjust so hard. im just half year in Germany , found a job i did like a lillte, but then its just random stoped they didnt tell me why . had to do it corona after they told me after a month. now im without and just so insurce for next year. living i ngermany without anwsers is scary. 2021 will be great start yeaah
Hi,
I am a student and I got an opportunity to take up a full time posting even before I completed my studies.So I changed my Visa from Student status ti Blue card. My Blue card is valid until End of August 2018 but I had to quit my job early by end of this month due to personal reasons. Now I am stuck wondering if If my blue card is still valid or not ?Now that I have no job nor completed my studies.
Kindly advice.Thanks.
Hi Sathish,
Although quitting your job might not invalidate your Blue Card immediately, you should still visit the Ausländerbehörde to negotiate what happens next. They’ll probably give you ample time to search for something new. In any case, you are required to tell them if your circumstances change.
HI @SATHISH KUMAR PARTHASARATHY,
Now what is your status in this case, The same exact thing happens with me this month. I haven’t got the Blue card yet and got terminated from the job in probation time, but ausländerbehorde people told me that the permission is granted from agentur für arbeit.
I still have to inofrm the Ausländerbehörde about my termination, please suggest other than this advise (get another job).
Can I switch to my previous residence permit (student visa)?
Please tell me what you have done and what are the possibilities in this case?
I am waiting for your answer.
Sandra
HI again ,
@SATHISH KUMAR PARTHASARATHY,
What about health insurance, offcourse at the time of job i was paying 15,6 % (total = half by me and half by employer) of my salary.
After termination from the job with in probation time, how much insurance is to be paid?
Can I stop paying for this?
or what are the possibilities in this case for health insurance?
Regards
Sandra
Dear Sir,
I am writing this to receive a clarification on my situation and visa status.
I had received a job from a Frankfurt based bank. I had started my work from 3rd July 2017, based on which I had applied for a resident permit in Germany. My contract has been terminated on 31st January 2018. I have worked for a period of 7 months in total. I have a residence permit until June 2020 (Not EU blue card). The visa is tied to the employer.
Please clarify the following:
1. Will my current residence permit visa still be valid until June 2020 for a legal stay in Germany? I would like to look for new job opportunities in Germany.
2. If the current visa is not valid anymore, can I change my visa status to job seeker visa for a period 6 months to look for job opportunities in Germany?
I would like to apply for job seeker visa if in case my current is visa is considered to be expired.
Kindly clarify my current status. Looking forward to hearing from you.
Kind regards
Hi Hareesh,
If your permit is tied to your employer and is not a blue card, then it may become invalid when you no longer work for that employer, though they may also give you a grace period to sort things out. You should visit the Ausländerbehörde, in any case, to find out what happens next. You might be able to change your permit type, but this depends on many things. Either go in and ask your case worker directly, or talk to an immigration lawyer if you want a strategy. Good luck!
Hi Hareesh,
I have the same Situation as yours…
Can you please tell what Visa Ausländerbehörde gave to you and for how much time? And what would you recommend me to prepare for negotiation with Ausländerbehörde ..
Many thanks in advance
Hello there,
Nice post 🙂
I have a query. Sorry for long post.
I am on Aufenthaltserlaubnis since March 2016 and working since then. My work permit is tied to my company. My husband + a kid are dependent on me. I got pregnant and delivered a baby here. Now 2 kids. My employer paid me the maternity leave(though I had to argue with them) as they were asking me to go to my home country. Now I am asking them to provide me further leave without pay. I have already applied for elterngeld. But they are asking me to join back which I cant as I could not find any day care fir my baby or move back to my home country which again I cant as my husband is doing Phd here. Though he has dependent visa but can work.
Now if I quit job, will it effect my work permit? Will I need to go back? I have already completed 2 years here. I have read somewhere that after 2 years your company is no more tied to work permit. I plan to search for another job till I receive elterngeld.
Any advice?
Hi Harry,
This is a rough one and there are way too many variables involved. If you say your permit is tied to your employer, then yes, quitting your job will affect your permit. I can’t offer you any advice except to go see a lawyer, preferably one that can handle both immigration and labour law. Good luck!
Hallo ,
i have a question . i got a job and started from this month . but in 2 weeks , due to non confirmation of the project. manager aksing me to move to another location . but that is far and i have to do more expense to move or travel daily from my current place … the question is can i change the job immedaite . my visa valid till sep 2018 but tied up with the current company . stil have not applied for Blue card . when i say no to my new location . i may lose the job . so tell me a possible way to stay here . ( if i dont choose that option of moving to diff place )
suggestions would be appriciatable .
Hi Senthilkumar,
Ahh, so sorry to hear that. I’m going to assume you got a national visa before arriving in Germany in the first place. In which case, you should either contact an immigration lawyer or ask embassy/consulate that gave you the visa in the first place. Yes, losing the job means losing the permit/visa, and I don’t know whether it will be straightforward for you to apply for a new visa from Germany, or whether you’ll have to leave first. I’m afraid the situation is a bit out of my area of expertise! A lawyer could definitely give you options, though, In any case, I wish you luck. Sincerely, Kathleen
Hi,
I’m married to an EU citizen and I have the Aufenhaltskarte valid until 2022. I have been working in Germany, nonstop, for almost 5 years. In three months my contract finishes. I already spoke with my employer to not renew the contract, because I want to study and get better qualifications for a better job.
I spoke with a “Beraterin” at the Agetur für Arbeit, and she told me that I can send her an email informing about the end of my contract, to start the process of unemployment benefits.
So, my question is:
Is that correct and enough? With just an email? Or do I have to make an appointment at the office and inform that “in person”?
Hi Mike,
If you already have an assigned Berater at the Agentur für Arbeit, then you’ve already showed up in person at least once, you’ve already filled out a fair bit of paperwork and submitted it, and you already have a customer number. If your assigned Berater at the office gave you an official piece of paper with her contact details on it and told you to send her an email, then I’m sure it’s fine. You will need to go in again eventually (e.g. for your appointment with the “Arbeitsvermittler” to help you find a job), and if/when that needs to happen, you’ll get a proper invitation to an appointment in the post, or an SMS or some similar form of notification. But I’d take the offer to send an email and save yourself at least one trip!
Good luck.
PS. I’m assuming you’ve taken those first steps. If you actually just found a random on the U-Bahn who said they were a Berater at the Agentur für Arbeit and told you to “just email me, it’ll be fine” but you’ve never actually been to the office before and don’t have a customer number, then no, probably not OK. 🙂
thanks for that fast and comprehensive answer. Yes, I’ve already been to the office before, filled A LOT of paperwork, and have my user number.
The only part that didn’t happen is receiving a formal paper with her contact info. What she did was acces my online profile when I was there, check that my email was correct, and sent me a “blank” email. Then she told me that when I needed to inform her about my job situation, to write an email to her.
Sorry for being so long and repetitive, I just wanted this post to be as helpful and informative to others as it is to me.
Thanks a lot!
Yep, sounds legit!
Hello, I recently got laid off from my work and I have a permit that will be void the 31st of May since that is my last day of contract. I have a girlfriend that is from Spain and she works in Germany, we’ve thought about getting married fast so that we can stay together, if we get married in Denmark before the 31st of May, can I bring my marriage certificate to the authorities with my current residence permit so that I can stay in Germany?
Sounds like a good plan. Very possibly! The criteria for the “family reunification” permit are here:
https://service.berlin.de/dienstleistung/324282/en/
I got married in Denmark. I used Danish Island Weddings and made an event of it, but there are SO many agencies that can help you guys get it done quickly and efficiently. Just google. Cheers and good luck! Kathleen
Hello, please advise me on this issue. I was a Master student in Germany and after completion of my masters i got a job so i converted my student visa directly to a 5 years work visa (which only says my position but not the company’s name). 2 month into the job the company had to shut down all the operations and i am terminated with 1 month notice time as it was not the probation period because i was a working student with them for 8 months before i received a full time contract. Now because i was only full-time employed for 2 months i am not entitled to any unemployment benefits, which is fine. But what is with my new job search period and associated visa because as a student i was entitled for 18 months job search. Will it be completely nullified now just because of 2 month working and the cause of termination was from company side.
What step shall i take now, kindly help me. Thanks a lot in advance
Hi Sunny. Rough!! I’m so sorry to hear that. Your best bet is to ask what’s possible at the Ausländerbehörde. I’m afraid I don’t know whether you can get those job search months back or not. I certainly hope you can! If you want definite answers and a strategy before you go in to the office, you could talk to an immigration lawyer such as Anne Glinka or Katja Ponert. Good luck!
Hi sunny,
I am in the similar situation. I got the blue card but my employer terminated my job contract in 2 weeks . In immigration office they told i have to look for new job in 3 months . When I asked can i take the 18 months job search visa after this 3 months they had no information. Can any one had this situation.
Thanks in advance .
Hello Kathleen, thank you for your helpful reply.
Hi, I have a query. I was on aufenthaltstitel working on deputation for an Indian company from June 2016. I have my aufenthaltstitel tied to my employer valid till June 2019. I had to return back to India due to my wife’s delivery on September 2017. From 1st of October I am in India working for the same company and I was about to return back to Germany by March 2018(5 months after delivery). In between I got a job offer from a German company and I had accepted the offer. I had travelled to Germany for short period during this time. Now I had resigned from the company and they have relieved me from India. Could you please suggest whether its possible to change the employer in aufenthaltstitel from Germany now based on the new offer which I received now. Thanks in advance for the suggestions.
Hi Shine. Oooh tricky. It should be possible to apply for a work permit for your new job, but it will be a new work permit based on the new working conditions, contract, employer, pay etc. It will have to be checked and approved. I doubt it would be your old permit with a new employer name on it. I can’t give you an exact answer as to how it would all work, I would just say if you are in Germany right now, visit the Ausländerbehörde, take your supporting documents and give it a try! If it is not possible, they will tell you why. If you are in India right now, do the same thing at your local consulate. Good luck!
Hello,i have a question maybe you can help me, my husbond is deutch, and i am working more than 1 year. I lost my work what can be. Happen about my healthy insurans. May you can give me some advise
Please!..
Hi Elsa – You should contact the Agentur für Arbeit in your district to see if you are eligible for benefits. It might depend on your residence permit, too. I’d be happy to coach you on the process if you like. Book here, or just go and visit the office in person with your passport to find out more. Cheers, Kathleen
Hi, I am working on EU blue card in Germany. Recently, I have given notice period to my current employer and accepted another job offer from different employer. Unfortunately,German PR application is in process:
My quries are as below:-
Will affect my PR/resident permit application?
I visited auslaender behörde they asked me to ask your new employer to fill the Stellenbeschreibung Form and need to be approved by federal work agency AND auslaender behörde told me I cant start work immediately, unless approval stellenbeschreibung from Federal work agency.
I am bit worried please advice.
Hi Prem,
From the information you’ve given, it sounds like your new job might not qualify you for a blue card anymore, although your old one did. At least, that’s what I am getting from your case worker’s reaction, but I don’t know if you showed them your new contract while you were there. I assume you did. If your new job no longer makes you eligible for a blue card, it might affect your PR application if, for example, your new job doesn’t pay you enough to support yourself and any dependents you are responsible for. Or, if you don’t get permission to do the job from the Federal work agency in the first place. Then yes, that might affect your application. To get concrete answers on this stuff, I would go to an immigration lawyer. Cheers and good luck! Kathleen
Hi Kathleen,
I have applied for unemployment benefits as my contract is ending this month.
I am wondering at what point they take over paying for my health insurance?
I am waiting on a form from my work to give back to the agentur für arbeit. I assume this form is what tells them how much i earned and my health insurance information and from there the agentur für arbeit calculates everything. ive been told it could take up to two weeks after my unemployment date to get the form back from my employer. Im worried this may mean the payments will be delayed and ill have to pay my health insurance too which is the biggest concern.
Could you clarify what happens once i get the form back from work – do i just turn up at the office and hand it in? Will the delay from work affect any of the payments?
Thank you in advance!!
Hi LH,
You can relax here. Although you might not get paid promptly ON the date your contract ended (it might take them longer to get your approval to you), if you have submitted the application, you meet all the deadlines your case worker has given you for the submission of extra documents and there isn’t any reason to block payments for a few months (e.g. you quit your job), you will eventually get paid starting from the date that you become/became unemployed, so, backdated, and that’s also the date when they will take over your health insurance. While you are waiting for all this to be sorted, you don’t necessarily have to pay your own health insurance. Just get in contact with your insurer, tell them you’ve applied for ALG and they’ll wait to hear from the agency.
EDIT for extra information: once you get the form from your employer, you can just go in and hand it in at reception if you like. Otherwise you can post it to them, but if you want things done quickly, drop it in.
Hey
Im a eu citizen worked in berlin since 11.8.17.. i might loose my job in the next month.. i allready have a car here (the appartment is from my job), what are my possibiltes?
Thomas
8.11.17**
Hi Tamir. If you mean your possibilities for getting unemployment benefits ALG1 or ALGII, the only way to know this for sure is to visit the office (firstly, try the Agentur für Arbeit because you might have also been employed in an EU country before you came to Germany and these times might be taken into consideration even though you haven’t worked for 12 months in the last 24 months in Germany), take your documents (passport, registration of address, work contract, official notification of termination from your employer if you have one) and ask if you are eligible for assistance. If you’re not, they will give you something in writing that you can then take to the Job Center to apply there. The only way to know for sure whether you are eligible is to just visit, take your docs and apply.
Hello, an Asian started a job in March after his master degree in Germany. Then he applied for blue card. The interview was on June 6th at auslandebehorde, everything was fine, all documents were submitted, by the end of June he is supposed to get the blue card. But he lost his job on June 13. It means he has no job from 1st of July.
In this case, what are are primary steps should he take. And what papers does he need if he goes to Job center.
Thanks in advance!
Hi Emon,
Loads of variables in this scenario. Here are some possibilities:
He could a) find another job and take the new contract to the Ausländerbehörde to get approval to do it or b) visit the Ausländerbehörde and ask them to grant him some extra time to search for a new position, or c) find some other valid reason to stay in Germany, if not an employment contract, and apply for the appropriate permit with the appropriate paperwork, also d) take his paperwork to the Agentur für Arbeit first (passport + permit, work contract, address registration, official letter of termination from his employer) and THEN the Job Center (much more paperwork but he should just visit the office with the abovementioned documents and they’ll give him a list of additional docs depending on his circumstances) if the Agentur für Arbeit can’t help him, to see if he is eligible to get assistance from either office depending on his individual circumstances. Option e) get an immigration lawyer to figure out a proper strategy from the get go.Might save some time and running around. Good luck to your friend 😉 Kathleen
I have a question regarding to job seeker visa after graduation in germany. I got the job before the completion of my master degree in germany. i dont need to apply for 18 months job seeker visa. but if i will loss my job during the probation period in the companies then these 18 months can i get back to look new job ?
Thank you.
Hi Sid – it’s hard to answer this without knowing much more, e.g. did you complete your Masters or take the job and never finish? You’d be best simply asking the Ausländerbehörde that question anyway – next time you’re there, just ask what happens if you lose the job and if you’re then entitled to claim the 18 months job seeker’s permit you never needed after completing your masters (if you completed it). I suspect it might be possible if you completed your masters but don’t know for sure and don’t have all the information. Cheers, Kathleen.
Hi… I come from India. I have been working in Germany from past 2 year as a expat, And my expat contract ends by next year June in 2019. And I have Aufenthaltstitel which is liked through company.
My questions are
1. In next 1 year If I find new job in Germany can i apply for new visa?
2. Since my visa is linked to my job, so is it I am eligible to apply for new job only after 3 years completion at the present company?
3. Two or three months before finishing my 3 years expat contract if i go and approach Ausländerbehörde do i get extension for searching new job.
4. My wife is an software engineer- and she is also dependent. If she found the new job between next 1 year is this possible Ausländerbehörde will offer her a work permit?
Hi Rony,
1. Yes
2. Read this for more information: https://service.berlin.de/dienstleistung/326856/standort/121885/en/
3. Maybe – I would definitely ask!
4. It is possible that she could get a work permit based on her new job and then you could be granted a permit for family reunification.
Cheers
Kathleen
Hi Kathleen,
I’m an American in Munich. I have a residency permit that is tied to my job until feb 2019. I quit my job mid April. I have 6 months to find a new job, which is mid October. I have some job interview in the pipeline but I don’t think any will be confirmed by then. What are other ways for me to extend my stay (ex change visa status)? Can I change it to a language study visa If I want to learn german ?
Hello
I come From Iran with six month visa type job seek and 4 month is past from my visa now
i study German (near A2-B1) now and apply for job too but because my German language is not very good i couldnt take any job until now . first can i this Visa renewal ?
i need time to study more German language is there any type of visa just for German language and can i change my visa to that type?
Thank you
Hi Hossein,
You can’t renew a job seeker’s permit but there is a language learning permit. You can’t do any work on that permit, though.
Hi,
I quit my job with 3 months notice period. I have a plan to start a Business (or Freelancing). But my company give me only one months to quit my job. In the letter, they write the termination happened from their side within one month. So, I get limited time and I might be apply for unemployment benefit. But my job is tied to the company. In this situation, what should I do? I did my Masters in Germany and I have worked here about 1 year 8 months. May be after 6 months, I will get the PR. Anyway, I did a wrong decision without knowing this visa status problem. In this situation, is it possible to get visa for Business? I have already Business plan and documented it. But I am wondering to get the visa for Business (is it complected?) and more concert about the PR? Should I continue search new job to get the PR first or go ahead for Business? As I know, Ausländerbehörde give three years visa for business. I look forward to hearing your answer. Thank you.
Hi Hossain. Best of luck with your business. Get in touch with the chamber of commerce’s Business Welcome Center to find out more about starting a business. Yes it is possible under certain circumstances to get a freelance or a self-employment permit, but I’d get in touch with an immigration lawyer swiftly to find out exactly which strategy to use.
Hi,
Is it mandatory to register at the Arbeitsamt even if you don’t want to claim unemployment benefits? I am planning to quit my job to start my own company but this might take a good few months until everything falls in place. I do not need ALG I support but I don’t want to miss out on any grants that can rightfully be claimed. I have enough savings to survive for a couple of years and a permanent visa (Niederlassungserlaubnis).
I’m mainly concerned about travel restrictions if I register as unemployed and also any obligations to apply for jobs (I don’t want to waste my time doing that).
What would you advise?
Hi Sandman,
The only thing to watch out for is that it is mandatory to be health insured without any gaps during your time in Germany. If you choose not to register for ALG1, you will have to notify your health insurance company and cover your health insurance payments by yourself while you are unemployed, which means they will double in cost. Same for the pension contributions, if you don’t want any gaps there. If you register as unemployed and are eligible for benefits, they cover your pension and health insurance payments as well. Also, if you are planning to start your own company, have a think about the Gründungszuschuss and let me know if you’d like some support there. If you are eligible, it would definitely be worth the trouble for you in the beginning stages of your new venture (the first 6 months).
PS you are entitled to holiday when unemployed, but you’re right, it’s a pain because you have to ask permission and get it granted. But there are tips and tricks for doing this and many case workers are reasonable.
HI,
Thanks for step by step information.
I have completed my master degree in Germany. after that immediately I got a job in a company. During the probezeit company gave me Kundigung. Actually, I extend my visa on the basis of the company’s contract. I have Aufenhaltserlaubnis 18 Abs.4.S.1 and its valid till November-2020. My question is following.
1. How long this Aufenhaltstitel valid?
2. Can I eligible for Arbeitloss geld?
3. Is it mandatory to inform regarding unemployment in Auslandbehörde?
4. Can I eligible for 18 months job search visa which normally get the student after study?
Thank you in advance and waiting for your kind reply.
Hi Bhuro,
I am not an immigration lawyer, this is not legal advice.
1. If the permit is tied to your job, which it sounds like it is, and you no longer work in this job, then the permit will lapse.
2. Not based on your current permit, because it is tied to a job you no longer do, thus you no longer have a valid reason to be in Germany. Also, if you lost the job in the Probezeit, you haven’t been working long enough to be eligible for ALG1.
3. Yes, if your circumstances change you are supposed to inform them, or your employer might beat you to it. I would visit the office.
4. Maybe! I would definitely go and ask.
Good luck!
Hello,
I have the same case and would like to know any experiences if one gets job seeker visa (18 months or 6 months).
Also, if I get a new job in a different city in Germany, is it possible to apply for visa from the city where I am staying now, which is different from the city of work?
Thank you in advance!
Hi Pankaj,
Quickest way to know whether you can get a job seeker’s permit is to go visit the Ausländerbehörde with as much documentation you can possibly take and ask what’s possible. You visit the office of whichever city in Germany you are registered in. e.g. if your address is registered in Berlin but you work in Leipzig, you still visit the office in Berlin.
hello my husband owns a work visa in germany but he has not been paid by his employer for 8 months then my husband has opened trial to get the money that was not paid but now i suspect there may be a problem with the visa extension because there is no pay the salary to extend the visa because it expires in May 2020, what do you think he can do please help me, he lives in Heidenheim and he don’t know language just basic comuncations ,i dont know whats happend with him because i dont have anything in our country ,much love
Oh dear, that’s terrible. I can’t really advise you here, unfortunately, but I hope he is successful in finding a new job so that he can change his permit over to a new employer and getting the money owed to him! -Kathleen
Hii Sid,
I am kinda in the same situation, any reply would be helpful. I got Blue card but within 2 weeks I had to leave the job. Can i Switch to 18 months job seeker visa after the 3 month period with blue card. I did masters in Germany.
Eesan
Hi everyone, thanks for this post and I have read your comments.
I have an Aufenthaltstitel as well, one that is tied to my job and ends in January 2020. It also states “Selbstständige Tätigkeit gestattet,” meaning self-employment is permitted. I just quit my job and have registered for unemployment at the Arbeitsamt. But I do not plan to begin working until March (in 3 months) and will travel for one month back home to visit my family. My question is – can I wait until I am back to Berlin in March to apply for a job-seeker visa, or just wait until I have a new job lined up and get a new permit with the new employer, because this one expires in 2020? I realize the permit is tied to my job but because it also says self-employment is allowed, that could mean I am theoretically a freelancer for three months, or “trying to find work” while I am registered as unemployed. Any advice? Thank you!
Hi Amanda,
This is a really tricky one and confuses a lot of people. (Disclaimer:) I can’t see what law your permit is based on, but even if I knew, I wouldn’t rely on comments from blogs (even mine!). I am not a lawyer.
The danger is that your permit is tied to your job – this means your job is the underlying condition that makes the permit valid. This could mean that if the job ceased to be there, then the permit becomes invalid, regardless of any extra clauses on it. Sure, you are allowed to work self employed on the side while working in your (previous) job, but if you lose the job, you lose the permit itself.
This may also cause you problems getting financial benefits from the Agentur für Arbeit.
I’d visit the Ausländerbehörde. They might be able to give you six months to find a new job without going through the whole “jobseeker’s permit” rigmarole, which would buy you some time. Certainly worth asking!
My husband is currently working in germany and has a blue card. I got a blue card based on his blue card on relocating to germany and started working after about 6 months of that.Now my husband might leave his job.My question is – will my blue card status get affected if my husband ends his work contract since I initially got my blue card because of his.Also how does it work- if my husband is without a job for sometime- will my blue card which was initially tied to his will get cancelled and do I need to ask my employer to sponsor me an independent blue card or can i continue working on my blue card and my husband can now become dependent on me?
Thanks
Hi Sarah,
complicated! Firstly, you probably didn’t get a blue card based on his blue card, you got a residence permit for family reunification based on his blue card. Unless you also have a qualified job with a degree and a salary of over 50,000 or 42,000 in a shortage profession, you don’t have a blue card yourself. Those are the prerequisites for a blue card.
If your permit is dependent on your husband’s permit, then yes, it would be affected – if his lapses, then yours lapses too. But don’t fear, you’ll have some time to sort things out – no-one is going to escort you to the airport.
Yes, your employer could sponsor you – it might be a blue card if the job meets the requirements mentioned above, or it might just be a plain old resident permit for the purposes of employment. Either way, yes, you might be able to go about it that way.
The rest of the details on how to go about things are quite complex and I couldn’t possibly elaborate over a blog post. Feel free to either organise a coaching with me where I can ask you more questions, or go to an immigration lawyer to get a solid legal strategy for how to proceed. And don’t stress – there will be a solution, I’m sure of it.
Hi,
I have lost my job in oct 2018 and I hold a Bluecard, so therefore I got 3 months to search for a new employment and its about to end. Could you please suggest me if there is any other way to extend my Visa for my job search.
Hi Sheetal,
I’m sorry to hear you lost your job. Answering that question would involve a long conversation in which I find out more about your circumstances. Let me know if you want a coaching, or go see an immigration lawyer for a strategy. Good luck! Kathleen
Hi There. I have came to Berlin to do my PhD. And I have extended my residence permit according to it. However, after few months I lost my job. After that I went to Agentur für Arbeit for registration and they said since my residence Permit says self employed I can search for a position independently. So, my questions are if I get a position in other state then Berlin. How can I proceed.
I can’t really say very much without knowing what your residence permit says, which law it is based on and the conditions that are on it, but I can tell you what to do in all cases: if you get offered a position (employment), take the contract into the Ausländerbehörde in whichever city you are registered in at the time to get permission to do that particular job. Cheers!
Hi,
I am a non-EU person and I have been working at a German research centre as PhD and 28 Feb is my last day at work. I finished my Masters from a German University in 2016. I had a work contract from my research centre (19.5 hours/week, 75% Salary) and I have paid taxes for 3 years. My residence permit is valid until 15 March, 2019. I would like to claim ALG 1 for next couple of months as I will need some time to finish the final work of my thesis. Now I am having this trouble:
When I started my PhD the Ausländeramt gave me a residence permit 16 and work permit tied to my employer. (I did not know about different types back then. I could have been eligible for type 18 as well)
I went to the Arbeitsamt and registered myslef as arbeitsuchend. They asked me to change my work permit.
The I went to the Ausländeramt with my bank statement (enough to support me for a year) , health insurance and a letter from my professor saying that I will need some more time (6 months) finish everything. They have agreed to extend my residence permit, however, the person in the office said that he cannot change my residence/work permit. I do not understand why I should be still tied to my employer when the contract itself is invalid.
This means that it can cause problems for my ALG1. How can I change my residence/work permit? Is there a solution?
Please suggest something.
Hi Max. Rough break! I have to admit, my initial thought was that it will not possible to change the type of work permit you have based onthe info you’ve given. But I don’t have a degree in this stuff. If you want to find a legal strategy, you might need to bring in an immigration lawyer! Try Anne Glinka or Katja Ponert. I hope you find a solution. I was lucky enough to be able to change my permit type a month or two after becoming unemployed so I could get ALGI, but I had just gotten married. To a German. No, that’s not my official suggestion, although it has been great for me for 7 years so far. Cheers, Kathleen
Hello Ms. Parker,
My husband is a blue card holder and his contract is ending in April. and he has blue card validity till July end. I am a part time research assistant at university and currently my visa is dependent on husbands blue card (I came with research visa (type 20) and when I extended I became dependent on husbands visa. I am waiting for getting selected to do Phd. if I get selected I will get a full time contract. but the salary will be little below blue card requirement. now the question is,
a)can I move to my independent visa once I get the full time contract?
b)if my husband unable to find a job within his blue card period, can he become dependent on my visa(if I get the independent visa as in question a.)
c) will my husband get unemployment benefit till he find a job?
Hi Anjali,
As I understand it (disclaimer, I am not qualified in immigration law!)
a) yes, you should be able to change your permit type. Depending on the contract, it will either be an §16 residence permit (academic) or an §18 residence permit employment contract). A poster just above this comment has some experience with the §16 permit.
b) Your husband can become dependent on your permit if you fulfill some requirements, which you can find here if you get the §16 permit and here if you get the §18 permit.
c) I can’t say for sure, not having seen the blue card and not knowing what permit he will end up on. The best thing in any case is to simply visit the Agentur für Arbeit responsible for his case, show up at reception in the opening hours, show them his permit and ask.
Good luck!
Hi, I was given notice for the termination of my contract on the 31st of March in December 2018. I am looking to applying for unemployment benefits now as I did not think of it earlier and I was wondering if my eligibility would be affected as I am only informing the German employment agency this late? I was traveling and unsure if I wanted to stay on in Germany but am quite sure I would like to stay for awhile now. Thank you and looking forward to your reply.
You should definitely still register and do so as soon as you can – show up to the office in person and take all your paperwork (work contract, termination letter, passport, registration certificate, CV) to find out whether you are eligible for benefits. They might ask you to justify why you didn’t register sooner. Let me know if you want any more help with this process e.g. finding out which office to go to, or bringing an interpreter to go with you on the day.
I was on job seeker visa from July 2018, got a job in 10th nov and applied for work permit, after long delay, I got work company tied work permit today 28th feb (almost 4 months). Now the company is acting weird, I am trying to contact them via mail, they are not responding to me, one contact person even told that the position was closed. I am in total mess now, is my work permit valid? Wbat should be my next step? Can the company do this? Can i take action on company?
That’s really unfortunate, Yash! If you’ve got a signed work contract, it’s certainly worth chasing up, of course, but I’m afraid I don’t know much about taking action against a company…. you could probably get advice from the Agentur für Arbeit on that, or you could visit a lawyer specialised in labour law. If you have legal insurance, call the hotline and talk to a lawyer on the phone to see what to do next.
Your permit is of course valid as long as the working relationship exists (it does if you have a signed contract!), and if you have a signed work contract, the company will have to terminate that contract one way or another, otherwise it is still in effect. But that is the limit of my knowledge in that regard. Good luck!
Hello,
I am a US citizen, working here in Germany since November 2018. I was just notified my contract may possibly end in May 2019. My resident permit expires end of October. The only reason my resident permit was approved what because my job contract and i was offered health insurance.
I called the Ausland… to ask them my options and they recommend a new job contract or 6 month extension with proof of sufficient funds to last the 6 months. Ive asked them what if I cant get a new job contract before my job contract ends and what if I cannot show proof of sufficient funds for 6 months unemployed? They did not give me an answer. No one at the office is. Can I just stay till my permits expires or do I have to leave right away? Can anyone help me please.
Hey Brittny, sorry to hear your job might not continue. If your residence permit is tied to your job, the permit ends when the job ends, so you can’t just keep staying in Germany on the old permit when you no longer work for the company. The Ausländerbehörde has given you some options – get a new job, or they can give you some time to find a new job, but you are going to have to show them that you can pay your rent in the meantime. If you can’t show that you can support yourself, you don’t manage to find another job and you don’t manage to submit an application for any other type of permit (all of which require you to show sufficient funds) then there isn’t much to do, I’m afraid – you’ll have to go back.
I am non eu masters graduate in germany. I started working in the company from june 15, 2018 for 6 month fixed contract and the company extended my contract again for 6 months until june 15 ,2019 my residence and work permit is also limited until june 15,2019. I have been offered another permanent position from different company starting from july 1,2019. Am i eligible to request new residence and work permit extension from june 15 ,2019 ? If not , where should i ask to exempt unemployed status with out residence and work permit from (june 15_june30).
Ahhhh, what a pain. I would go to the Ausländerbehörde with the new work contract and all the documents well in advance – e.g. 6-8 weeks before your new job starts. The gap in time won’t be a problem as far as your staying in the country is concerned – they’ll probably issue your new permit valid from when you apply for it or shortly afterwards – but applying for unemployment benefits might not be possible for that pesky 15-day gap if your permit is tied to either the old or the new employer. You can always pay your health insurance out-of-pocket for the 15 days, though. Even better would be if you can negotiate with your new company to start your contract from June 15 instead of July 1. Worth a try?
Many Thanks Kathleen
Dear Kathleen,
I read all the posts but still want to ask about my case. I am working in Munich with Aufenthaltstitel, which is liked through company, since December 2017 and it is valid until January 2020. (I am a non-EU Citizen)
I had a meeting with my boss yesterday and she said our company does not make any benefit for a long time and she is planning to get “Kurzarbeitgeld” from Agentur für Arbeit for all employees. Before I was working full time (40h/week) but almost for one year I am visiting German course and I am only working (22h/week)..
In my case, she told me that she is not sure how can we make it and she suggested to me and other colleagues to look for a new job because if the things go like that in summer too, she needs to close the company..
So as far as I understand, that I cannot just switch my job because my working permit is linked to my employer. Even I am not sure how long time I have, If I need to leave..
Do you think shall I got an appointment from Auslaenderbehörde or Agentur für Arbeit?
Thank you so much for your time and help..
Best,
Mel
Hi Mel,
Look for a new job and register as “arbeitssuchend” with the Agentur für Arbeit. You’ll have to do this just a few days after you receive official notice from your employer that you are going to lose your job. You can do it online, though. Make an appointment with the Ausländerbehörde once you know what’s going to happen: either it will be just to transfer your permit from one employer to the other, or it will be because you are unemployed and are asking for time to search for a new job. Either way, without knowing exactly what is going to happen with the company and having something in writing, you can’t do much except search for a new job! Good luck.
Lost my job in Berlin last week, only worked for 2 weeks. 🙁
I have a blue card visa and don’t know what to do since my former company is not being very supportive on this matter.
I went to the Argentur and they said that I need to do something about my visa, which I don’t know what it is! Don’t even know how much time I have to seek for a new job. If anyone has any information, please, help.
By the way, my German is non existent at the time!
SO sorry to hear this, Juliana. There’s one document I found online that seems to suggest you can be unemployed for up to 3 months without losing your entitlement to a Blue Card. https://www.sachsen.de/en/download/SMI-Info-Blauekarte_EU_2017.pdf
THe Agentur für Arbeit probably isn’t allowed to grant you unemployment benefits because your permit is tied to your job. THis means if you lose your job, you lose the permit and the right to stay in Germany (and claim unemployment benefits). Good luck with the job search!
I am about 3 months into my employment with an EU Bluecard sponsored by the company, valid for 3 years. I have plans to quit and search for other opportunities. What happens to my immigration status?
Hi Bo, you can be unemployed for up to 3 months without losing Blue Card eligibility. Once you find a new job, visit the Ausländerbehörde with the new contract and ask them to approve the new job. If you haven’t found a new job within 3 months of losing your old one, visit the Ausländerbehörde to see if they can grant you an extension to find a new job. Don’t assume your Blue Card is valid for the full 3 years if you are no longer working in the job for which it was approved. Good luck! Kathleen
Hello, I am working in Munich for 3 months now with EU Bluecard sponsered to the company, valid through 2023. I am considering leaving the job due to the corporate culture. What will happen to my immigration status?Will I still be able to reside in Germany to search for a job?
Thanks!
I believe you have three months to find a new job before your Blue Card is no longer valid. But please get an opinion from an immigration lawyer and don’t just trust what you read on blogs 🙂 https://www.sachsen.de/en/download/SMI-Info-Blauekarte_EU_2017.pdf
Hello Dave. I live and worked in Berlin for last 12 Month and Im selbständlich. As an art curator and doing art management the things doesn’t go anymore. In my bank I have now only 6 Euro as I have hoped every day that the situation will improve echonomocally as it was before. How I have to live now? How I have to moove on now urgently? To go to Finanzhamt to let them know my situation? Or to Job Center for possible to have there’s help? How I have to moove on? Im disperated now and I ask you to help me and to explain step by step what to do. Thanks immensely in advance. GC.
Hi GC. That’s a really tricky situation. It’s hard to know what to advise you without knowing more. In case you’re Italian, then yes, why don’t you visit the job center and tell them about your situation? I’m sure they can at least advise you on what you might be entitled to as a European citizen. Good luck.
Hello There,
I am a Non EU citizen and I came to Germany in January 2019 on a company specific work visa. My visa is of 6 months and ends in July 2019. I do not have a blue card. Yesterday, my employment was terminated by my company. I was still in probation period. My questions are:
A) Will My visa become invalid as soon as my employment is terminated?
B) Can I search for a new job after being terminated? For how long? Till my visa expires in July 2019?
C) My spouse came on dependent Visa based on my work permit. Will his visa be cancelled? Does he need to return back to our home country?
Kind Regards,
Namrata
Hi Namrata. I’m so sorry to hear about your job!
A) Yes. You should visit the Ausländerbehörde – they might be able to give you a 3-month extension, which will buy you some time to sort this out.
b) Your company must have given you a notice period of at least two weeks? Use this time to visit the Ausländerbehörde. I’m sure they can give you a permit extension for 3 months, possibly even 6.
C) Yes, this will affect your spouse’s permit. You’re supposed to notify them of changes in circumstances anyway. Visit the office as soon as you can, if you haven’t already.
Hello Kathleen,
Thanks for all your inputs and advises here. I have a situation here;
I am a Non-EU and came to Germany in the month of January 2019 on Type D visa, and got the Blue Card recently (still yet to pick it up from the (ABH). The issue here is, my employer ended payroll for me (not paying Taxes, Insurance and Social Contributions), but continuing to pay for my services directly to my back account as a free lancer. The amount they are crediting to my account is exactly the same as I used to get after deductions when on payroll.
My question is; can I continue to work for them and get paid directly and opt for private insurance and pay taxes at the end of the year?
Do I have to inform ABH about this situation and change the residence permit title which will disqualify my eligibility for BlueCard.
PS: My family got the approval for Dependent Visa and I was planning to bring them here in July 2019.
Will this affect their travel after all these changes?
Appreciate your inputs 🙂
Best,
-Sri
Hi Sri,
That seems very dodgy of your employer to do that. Your employer must have given you an employment contract with a high salary, otherwise you never would have gotten a blue card. Did they terminate your employment contract while you were in your probation period? And did you then sign a freelance agreement? Yes, you are supposed to tell the Ausländerbehörde about the change in circumstances. Yes, it might affect your permit type, and yes, it might affect your family’s ability to stay. It might be hard to get a freelance permit for just one full-time employer who really should be employing you. Kathleen
Hey Kathleen
Hope you’re doing great.
So, to cut long story short, I have been living in Berlin since July 2016 with a work permit and then I got a job in July 2018 with unlimited contract and also having a Blue Card from May 2018. I recently (April 2019) got terminated and the employer and I had a mutual termination agreement where the employer will be paying me the compensation till September 2019.
I am getting the remuneration on a monthly basis as of now and I have also found a new job which I will be starting from July 2019. I am starting early because I may face some issues with Family Reunion visa (That’s a different issue altogether)
Now, is it legal to get salary of July from two different companies? Will this overlap the social contributions, health insurance, tax id, etc? Or should I talk to Auslanderbehorde or Finanzamt or tax consultant to clarify this?
Let me know if you’ve come across this experience with anybody else.
Looking forward to your reply.
Regards
Piyush Khosla
Hi Piyush,
Because you’ve been here for at least 2 years on consistent employment/Blue card permits, I don’t even think you need to change your permit over. Exception: if your new job contract is time-limited. You can read more about that here.
It’s also fine to get two salaries for one month, you’ll just have to make sure that one job is listed as tax class 6 and you’ll be taxed heavily on it, so choose the one that pays less. Don’t worry though, if you end up paying too much tax as a result, you can claim it back when you do a tax return.
Glad it all worked out!
Hi Kathleen
Thank you so much for your reply. Just to let you know that I have pushed my new job date to 1st August, 2019.
Yeah I informed ABH when I got terminated and they told me the same thing as you said (staying here and paying the contributions for more than 2 years). I have got an unlimited contract with a new job. I went to ABH on June 25th and they have modified my visa status on Zusatzblatt to “Erwerbstatigkett Gestattet”, which I think is not tied to any employer and can do any economic activity here.
My question here is should I inform the former employer that I have to change my tax class for August and September? Or they will get to know by themselves? As far as choosing the one that pays less is concerned, they both are paying exactly the same amount. I am just worried that I am not doing anything illegal here.
Regards
Piyush Khosla
Dear Kathleen,
Hope you are doing well.
To give you an overview of my story, I have studied a Masters in Berlin and worked full time for roughly a 1.5 years under my work permit which is not linked to any company but just my work title.
Now I have a new job and work permit (5 years long) linked to my title as a “Management Consultant”.
I tried applying for an EU blue card but it was rejected as the Bundesagentur fur arbeit did not see it as a “special occupation” as I was earning below the 52K mark.
Since I am looking to get married and bring my spouse over, my question is – should I reapply for the EU Blue card with better supporting documents? Maybe even ask the HR of my company to help by getting in touch with the Bundesagentur fur arbeit?
Or would it be better to bring my spouse on my current work permit (mind you she does not speak any German)?
Also wanted to know for how long an EU Blue card stays valid after losing a job?
The whole situation is a bit flaky with the current job being under probation period.
– Arjun
Hi Arjun,
If you didn’t make the cut for the blue card last time, you won’t make it a second time unless your boss gives you a raise. Any chance of that happening?
Otherwise, getting an A1 certificate for your future wife’s German is an option. A1 is basic – is she feeling motivated to learn?
If you lose your job on a blue card, you’d have 3 months to find a new one before your permit would lapse.
Cheers
Kathleen
Hi Kathleen,
Thank your for the fast response.
Since I will be applying at an auslanderbehorde at a different city for my blue card, I am hoping that would make a difference?
Unfortunately my partner does not have the time to learn German with her current schedule.
Hoping you can help.
– Arjun
I doubt it, Arjun. The requirements are federal. But get an immigration lawyer’s opinion if you want to be absolutely sure. Good luck!
Hi Kathleen
Thanks for this post!
Here is my situation: I have a work permit (18 Abs 4 S.1) since May-2017 until May-2020 (Not a BlueCard) The zusatzblatt says: “Beschäftigung nicht gestattet mit Ausnahme der Tätigkeit als Software Ingenieur. Selbständige Tätigkeit gestattet.” So no tied explicit to a company.
I am thinking to quit my job in order to improve my german and look for some other work options (the start up does not have a very bright future…). I plan to study german for ~3months
In your experience:
1. Dou you think I should notify the AuslanderBehorde or the BundesAgentur fur Arbeit about this? Even though I understand I should be able to apply for Airbeitlosengeld (+2 years as an employee) I am not planning to do so. I have enough savings for a few months.
2 . Do you think this would impact a future application of Permanent Residence? (That is my goal and that is why I want to concentrate on getting the B1 german certificate).
Hi Humberto,
If you no longer have a full-time employment relationship with a German company in your field and become unemployed, your permit might lose its validity. That’s not to say you can’t get another type of permit (e.g. for learning German or going freelance) but you will have to let LABO know so that they can change your permit accordingly.
If you don’t want to register as unemployed, you’ll have to notify your health insurance company so that you can pay the contributions out of pocket. The benefit of registering as unemployed is that your health insurance and your pension payments will be covered.
Yes, these things could impact permanent residence. There might be a gap in your time in Germany in which you weren’t employed, and therefore they might not count that time towards the required time for permanent residency. So, it might take longer to become eligible for PR.
Kathleen
Hi Kathleen,
I am a non-EU and a blue card holder. I got the termination from my employer few days back and the last day of my job is Sept 30th.
I have a question that do I need to inform aüsländerbüro or Arbeitsamt about it or should I just search for a new job because my blue card is valid til 2022. Will my blue card also terminates at the end of my notice period? Or do I need to apply separately for job search visa? I am so confused about what shall I do. Please help
You can be unemployed for up to 3 months before your blue card loses its validity if the blue card is tied to your current employer. If you are having trouble finding a job within 3 months of finishing at your last job, I would visit the Ausländerbehörde and ask them for more time as a qualified worker seeking employment. Cheers, Kathleen
Hi Kathleen,
I Studied my masters from germany from TU and immediately after completing my masters I got a job and now I am working for a German Company as a Project Engineer and I hold a blue card. I have been working for 14 months now. What I want to ask is If I loose my job in next few months what do I need to do? Do I need to go back to my country or I can still Stay here in Germany. My current blue card is valid till Nov 2022. Will I be still able to leave till 2022? Will I qualify Arbietlosgeld? What if I don’t find a new job within 3 months after loosing my old job.
Looking forward to hear from you.
Congrats on your success in finding a job, Samrat. The other good thing is that you’ve been working for 14 months, which means you’ve well and truly passed the probation period (6 months). But, if in the unusual case of you losing your job, your blue card is tied to your employer and you’re unable to find a job within 3 months of finishing at the old one, go to the Ausländerbehörde and ask them for more time. They could give you a further 6 months, for example. -Kathleen
Hi Kathleen
I would like to know, since my residence permit is tied to my work contract ( non eu ) I have read in the comments that the residence permit will end once the job ends. My question is can I still stay in the EU for 90 days and then return home ( outside of EU ) or would I need to 1. Leave and get stamped out and re-enter 2. Do I need to apply for a schengen visa for the 90 days since I will have no residence permit to do this?
Many Thanks
Hi Jade, unfortunately there’s no official “grace period” for finding a job, yes, the permit will end when your job ends, but I would just visit the Ausländerbehörde before your contract runs out, they are often able to issue a Fiktionsbescheinigung (like a bridging permit) to give you some time (usually 90 days, sometimes longer) to search for a new job. Cheers, Kathleen
Hello Kathleen,
I just would like ask for your insight about the application Permanent Residence Permit.
I am currently working in Germany as an Expatriate in a multinational company for almost 3 years already, and my work assignment is expected to end this year (Note: My contract is from my home country and I am based in Germany). Last month, I had secure a local contract in Germany that will start on January 2020 (right after my assignment contract ends). I am now on the process of applying for a Blue Card. I have read somewhere that I can apply for a Permanent Residence Permit after living in Germany for 5 years. Now, my question would be: Will my 3 years of living in Germany as an Expat (using a Temporary Residence Permit) be considered to fill the required 5 years. Does this mean I only need 2 more years to apply for a permanent one?
Thank you in advance.
I’m not really sure. I’d also have to know exactly what type of “temporary residence permit” you have, but even if I knew, I’m not sure whether switching to a blue card would then invalidate the opportunity to have these 3 years count. The conditions are different depending on which type of permit you have. For example, I saw a couple recently who got married and wanted to switch from a freelance permit to a family permit based on the marriage, but the case worker advised the foreign partner to renew the freelance residence permit instead of switching to the family permit because he’d been a freelancer for 4 years, and changing to a spousal permit meant they could no longer count the previous 4 years towards permanent residency. BUT with a blue card, you can cut it down to 21 months on the blue card anyway if you can get B1 German. — Kathleen
Hi Kathleen,
Thank you for your response.
Btw, my residence permit is (I believe) the normal one, Aufenthaltserlaubnis (18 Abs.4 S.1) which is limited for 3 years because of my Expat contract.
Yes, I also read somewhere that with the Blue Card, I can push for a permanent residency within 21 months, assuming my German level is B1 (and within 33 months without achieving B1 Level).
BR, KF
Oh yep, 21 months with B1 German, sorry, not 33. Have changed my original post to avoid confusion.
Hi Kathleen,
I just would like to update you (and the others) about my case, as this could be helpful for others in the future. I found out in 2020 that the fastest way for me to get the permanent residence permit is just to follow the shortcut way of having a Bluecard, which is to apply for a PR after 21 months. The Ausländerbehörde told me that my previous years (3 years) as an Expat will not be counted on my length of stay here so I had to build again 21 months from January 2020 (start of my local contract) so I had no choice but to wait for 21 months and pass a German B1 exam. And just two months ago (after 21 months), I have successfully started my application for a PR. Now, I am just waiting for the release of the eAT card. It has been a very long wait but time flies really fast.
Hi Kathleen,
Guten tag! Good day!
I have a Blue Card tied to my employer and am applying for PR last week of this September. I shall complete 33 months of employment as a Blue Card holder, and qualify for PR, so this is not an issue. I live in Cologne. I have a Job offer in Munich and would start in first week of January 2020. In between, my current employment last date would be mid November 2019. I want to take a break (visit family and friends in India) before taking the grind of new Job, from mid November till end of December 2019. I expect to get my PR by end of January or in February 2020.
Please let me know if this will have an impact on my PR application and my health insurance.
Please let me know how to proceed.
Many Thanks!
Hoichoi De
Hello Hoichoi – I would ask an immigration lawyer to be sure. As far as I know, while your application is in process for PR, your Blue Card will still be valid, and even if you became unemployed your blue card would remain valid for at least 3 months, so re-entering the country is not an issue so starting a new job 6 weeks later is not an issue. But you are supposed to register for unemployment with the Agentur für Arbeit for the gap, so that your health insurance and pension continues to be paid. You don’t HAVE to take advantage of the Agentur’s benefits – you could always pay your health insurance and pension out of pocket for the 6-week gap if you’d prefer. In any case, I don’t know enough about whether the Ausländerbehörde communicates with the Agentur für Arbeit while your PR application is being processed, and whether your change of circumstances would affect the application while it is in process, so if you want some definitive answers about your PR application during the change of circumstances, talk to an immigration lawyer. Good luck! — Kathleen
Hello, I have a residence permit (aufenthaltserlaubnis §30) i.e dependent permit. I was in Germany last year and had to return back to my country while my husband stayed back. Now its been 15 months that I am out of Germany and meanwhile my husband applied for a EU blue card. I went to my home country german consulate for a new visa but they said that my visa is valid and i am authorized to travel on that visa since I was not de-registered from Germany and my husband holds an EU blue card. Can you please tell me are the rules different for family reunion visa?
Hi Anonymous
§ 30 AugenthG is for the subsequent immigration for spouses (e.g. family reunification), and all family reunification permits are dependent on a family member. If you want to read the rules pertaining to your current permit, you can do so here (scroll down to Section 30). If your current permit is still valid and the conditions haven’t changed, there’s probably no need to get a new one. Gute Reise!
Does that mean my permit is valid even though I have been out of Germany for more than an year? Although my husband was in Germany the whole of last year and also he was in India only for a few months and went back to Germany within the 180 days period. And also I was registered at the apartment where my husband stayed. But now that he changed the city and registered in the new city my address is now unknown but still no de-registered. So does that mean I can still travel on that permit?
Kindly clear my doubts. I have already gone through that spousal reunion link but could not find the answer to my question.
Thank you.
Hello,
And also one more question,,
Earlier my husband held a resident card(aufenhaltstitel) like the one I have and then he changed to EU blue card and had to give away his residence card at the auslanderbehorde, so does that make any difference to my residence permit since my permit is based on my husbands permit.
Thank you.
Hi Kathleen,
I have a short consult. I’m on a visa student since March 2018. My danish boyfriend moved to Germany this May and started to work in July in a german company.
On november 2nd we will marry get marry in Denmark. On December 2nd, i have the appointment in the Ausländerbehörde to change my visa from student to family purposes. Nevertheless, my boyfriend/soon to be husband just received the end of contract notification during his probation time. My question here is whether this can impact on getting my visa purpose change (since they asked me for my husband’s income)? Do you think I should rather keep on with my study visa (I’m currently writing my thesis and have at least 2 more semesters as a student)?
We are expecting a baby (due on 01.02) and I’m afraid I would have to go back to my country.
Thank you very much for your insights!
Kind regards.
Hi Paola – congratulations on the upcoming nuptials but bummer about the contract termination but congratulations on the pregnancy! Whoa, what a rollercoaster ride. If you are a student and your permit is still valid for two more semesters and there’s no urgent need to change your permit, you might just wait it out, at least until your fiance has a new job because then it will be easier to prove that you guys have enough funds to support your living expenses for the household, including the baby. If you really want a spousal permit now so that you can have some more freedom on the job market yourself, maybe talk to an immigration lawyer about the best strategy to get one straight away. Good luck!
Hello, KATHLEEN PARKER,
I am also in similar situation …
This is Ganesh,
I am working in Germany from 01-feb -2018
I am living with my wife and kid at Germany
I was working with company named XYZ.
Now Company changed name from XYZ to ABC as XYZ is purchased by ABC
I joined the new company (ABC) in 01 july 2019 with EU blue card and on 30-sept-2019 my contract is terminated when i was in probationary period.
My EU Blue card is valid till 31-oct 2020 and it is linked to the Terminated employer (ABC).
As soon as i received the termination letter i have registered at Agentur für Arbeit.
I have also registered for Arbeitslosengeld.
My son (new born in Germany ) is getting treated in Germany Hospital for Heart related issue (pre-born in 7th month) from last one year. and i need to search a job for myself and also need to continue the treatment for my son in Germany
My question is
1) I am job less now but registered with Agentur für Arbeit for new job search . what what about my Residance permit or visa? status. Will that void ?
2) Am I allowed to stay with my existing work permit in germany till i get a new job (Please note – my work permit was linked to terminated employer)
3) Do i need to visit foreign office branch (Behördenzentrum) and get a new visa?
4) How long i can stay with my existing visa/Residence permit in Germany ?
Please suggest.
Thanks and Regards.
Ganesh
Hi Ganesh,
As a blue card holder, you can be unemployed for up to 3 months before your residence permit will need to be changed, so I would use that time to visit your local Ausländerbehörde (where your address is registered) before those three months are up and ask for more time if you haven’t yet found something new. So 1) in 3 months. 2) within 3 months, visit the Ausländerbehörde to get more time if you need it. 3) yes, within 3 months of finishing your old job. 4) 3 months!
Kathleen
Hallo KATHLEEN PARKER,, Thanks a lot for the reply.
my updated situation is
1) I got a reply from Agentur für Arbeit stating that i am eligible for arbeitslosengeld- unemployment benefits till August 2020
( i have already received the document which shows the amount coming to my bank account)
2) Agentur für Arbeit instructed me to attend GERMAN A2, GERMAN B1 and B2 course
( presently i am attending the GERMAN language classes ( i learnt german A1 already)
I visited Ausländerbehörde well before sept 30 2019 but i have not heard anything from Ausländerbehörde like… i can stay back till deccember 2019 and i am allowed to search a new job like that ?
I started searching the job but as per few employers they say that they are not willing to hire for new positions till december.
They also told that they are recruting new people from mid of jan 2020.
My question is with the revised situation like arbeitslosengeld- unemployment benefits and attending german language class, is there a chance to extend the present visa by Hallo KATHLEEN PARKER,, Thanks a lot for the reply.
my updated situation is
1) I got a reply from Agentur für Arbeit stating that i am eligible for arbeitslosengeld- unemployment benefits till August 2020
( i have already received the document which shows the amount coming to my bank account)
2) Agentur für Arbeit instructed me to attend GERMAN A2, GERMAN B1 and B2 course
( presently i am attending the GERMAN language classes ( i learnt german A1 already)
I visited Ausländerbehörde well before sept 30 2019 but i have not heard anything from Ausländerbehörde like… i can stay back till deccember 2019 and i am allowed to search a new job like that ?
I started searching the job but as per few employers they say that they are not willing to hire for new positions till december.
They also told that they are recruting new people from mid of jan 2020.
My question is with the revised situation like arbeitslosengeld- unemployment benefits, registration at Agentur für Arbeit and attending german language class, is there a chance to extend the present visa
after dec 2019?
Required more info on this as it will help my baby to get the continued treatment at hospital.
Thanks and regards,
Ganesh
Hi Ganesh, I hope your baby is doing OK. It’s strange that you visited the Ausländerbehörde but they didn’t give you any answers on this stuff. Normally they would tell you what they need or give you an extension if they can, or tell you what you have to do next. That’s really unfortunate, you might have to go back and try again! I wish I could offer you more information than that. If you’re not quite sure you understood what they told you the first time around, go back and take a German speaker. And don’t leave the room until you’re absolutely sure what has to happen next. GOOD LUCK and good health to your baby. Kathleen
Hi Kathleen,
I’m an Australian living in Berlin on a visa that is tied to my job. On reapplying for the same visa, I was rejected as the Agentur für Arbeit declared I was not earning enough for my job type. My workplace (instead of increasing my salary, which I have very recently discovered is actually below the minimum wage as of 01.01.19 thus making my contract at least partially invalid) had their lawyers write a letter of appeal to the Argentur für Arbeit and the Ausländerbehörde. I am presently awaiting the outcome of this appeal, however, considering the circumstances, I’m not particularly optimistic about a positive outcome and am looking at alternatives.
I’m eligible for unemployment insurance and have been advised that if my contract is terminated and I receive a certificate of unemployment insurance, I may be able to receive a 6 month extension while I look for work. This seems counter intuitive, but would this be a potential option? My visa extension runs out in a month, so I’m starting to panic. Are there any other potential options? I’m over the age of 31 and do not have an academic degree.
Thank you for providing this forum, any advice would be very much appreciated.
Best regards,
Simon
Greetings,
I have studied a master degree in Germany and have been working for more than two years with an Aufenthaltstitel linked to my employer that will expire in 2023. my question is the following, if I get fired or quit how long is the grace period for me to find a new job using my current visa and have access also to unemployment benefits. My second question is that I have applied for a PR for over 5 months and have not had any return from the Auslaenderbehoerde in Berlin regardless of my emails/calls, the slow treatment of my application is putting me in a difficult position, should I hire a lawyer to speed up things with the Auslaenderbehoerde since I am entitled to for the PR.
Thanks a lot for your help.
Hi Ans,
I have heard of a 4 month waiting period for permanent residency, but 5 months is even worse! I would visit the Ausländerbehörde ASAP to a) ask about your permanent residency application and b) as an interim measure, to ask for the restriction on your permit to be lifted so that you can do all sorts of work/work for anyone. If you are eligible for permanent residency as you say, you could at least be eligible to have that restriction lifted. Then you won’t need to worry about grace periods or being in between jobs!
Hi Kathleen,
Here is my case; hope you can give me some insight on my situation.
I am a non-EU national in Germany on a residence permit linked to my company. My permit is valid until Feb 2020, and so is my work contract. (Been working since Feb 2019) I am deciding to terminate my work contract in Dec 2019, and plan to leave the country at the end of Jan 2020. Am I allowed to stay in Germany for a mere 4-5 weeks? I am allowed to use my 90 days visa without leaving the country and entering back? I dont really want to go to ABH to enquire due to the long processing time to get an appointment.
Regards,
Josh
It’s hard to know without knowing your nationality, Josh. But this blog post might be interesting to you.
Hello,
I have a Blue card tied to my employer. My wife also has a Blue card tied to her employer. There is a high probability situation that I will lose my job.
– My plan is take a ‘dependent’ Blue card on my wife’s Blue Card. Is that the right solution to stay in Germany as long as possible?
– I have paid unemployment insurance for 3.5 years. How long am I eligible to get unemployment benefit?
Thanks
Hi KD,
Sorry to hear about your pending unemployment. Yes, taking a permit dependent on your wife’s blue card is a good way to go, provided she can prove that she makes enough money to support the whole family. If you have paid into unemployment insurnace for 3.5 years, you could be eligible for 12 months of Arbeitslosengeld I.
Good luck!
Kathleen
Hello,
I am in the position of either quitting my job or being fired do to my behavior ( at this point I refuse to go work for them).
I tried to find which of the two actions has WHAT consequences, the only thing I found was that the labour office can withdraw the unemployment benefits for up to 12 weeks (blocked period) BUT NOTHING MORE than that! does anyone have any idea where I can find more details before going to register at the Arbeitsamt
Best Regards
The answer is, both actions might have the same consequence. If you quit, they can block your access to unemployment benefits for 3 months, unless you have a very compelling reason for quitting that you can describe (e.g. you were being bullied or you had a serious problem that prevented you from working that management failed to address, misconduct by your superior, etc.). If you receive a “verhaltensbedingte Kündigung” (termination based on your conduct) the Agentur might block your access for 3 months as well, although you could try appealing the termination, of course. Even signing an “Aufhebungsvertrag” (a mutual termination agreement) can lead to a block. Your employer would have to issue you with a number of warnings “Abmahnungen” before they can action the termination based on your conduct. It’s quite a long process, as is appealing. Try to get fired for operations reasons (betriebsbedingt) instead, if you can 🙂
Hello, you seem to be answering a lot of useful questions here so I thought I should ask about my situation as it is very hard to find clarity.
I have been working in Germany for 21 months and had my blue card for 13 months. I am about to lose my job (my employer will give two months notice so I will not be immediately unemployed). I understand with the blue card I have three months of unemployment to find a new job – so 5 months total from now.
Which government agencies must I inform? Just the Agentur für Arbeit or the Auslanderbehörde too? Anyone else? Is there a process I should follow here? And where would I find official information on this?
Thank you very much.
Hi Caitlin. Sorry to hear about the pending unemployment.
Call your health insurance and tell them the date your contract ends. Contact your Agentur für Arbeit as soon as you get your “Kündigung” – your written cancellation notice – within just a few days of receiving it, you should register as jobseeking with the agency – you can also register online and they’ll send you an appointment or tell you to visit the office in person the day after you become unemployed. Here’s some general information in English from the Agentur itself. Technically, you should notify the immigration office about your change in circumstances but … take your time 🙂 I’d use the time to try to find another position, and book an appointment in the meantime for a few weeks before your 3 months of unemployment ends. (You can always change it or cancel it later). At that point, you’ll either have another job offer or you’ll be asking them for some extra time to find another job.
Hi,
I finished my Master in July 2019 and i started my Job in September 2019. I’m currently holding blue card and in my 5th month of my probation, i left my job.
My question is about my visa.
1. Can i still have my blue card (4 years visa)
2. Or do i get job search visa? if yes, how long?
Thank you
Hi Naveen
1. No, not without a job. You have 3 months to find one from the date you became unemployed before your blue card loses its validity.
2. You can ask for a job search permit – visit the immigration office and ask! You might get six months to find a new position.
Kathleen
Hi,
I am working in Germany for 22 months now started April 2018, and my Blue card shows valid from June 2018, If I change job by May, should I report to Auslanbehorde ?
I am also experiencing same scenario as Caitlin in previous post, I am about to lose my job with last date being May 30th, with this being the case, then I have time still August end to find a job, is that right ? And if I get any offer lets say in July, I have this one month of unemployment, so I cannot apply for a PR as well correct ?
And final question, since I already have a blue card, can I accept a Job Offer with start date in May, but has salary less than the Blue card limit, which as of 2020 is 55K Euros. In this case too will I lose my Blue card ?
If you had a blue card and were employed from June 2018 until May 30th 2020, that will have been more than 22 months. If you pass a B1 exam you could apply for permanent residency. You would have to show your payslips plus a letter from your employer, fewer than 14 days old, that says you still work there. If you make the application in May before your current job finishes and you also include a new offer that proves you can still cover your living expenses once you leave that job, you might still be eligible for permanent residency.
If you accept a job that doesn’t fulfill the conditions of a blue card and THEN apply for permanent residency, then yes, you would lose the right to apply for permanent residency early. Applying in May with a B1 certificate means you’d still have the blue card job, you’d have fulfilled the 22 month condition, you are still employed in the blue card job but you also have new job offer that should cover your living expenses for the future. Sounds like a matter of careful timing! It’s worth a try, anyway.
Hello,
Does anyone know how to inform Ausländerbehörde Berlin about termination of contract? Do I call / e-mail them for an appointment or do I simply have to line up?
Thanks,
Lisa
Under normal circumstances, I’d say visit the office if you have a work permit that is tied to your job. But these are not normal circumstances (Corona), so I would just keep trying to book an appointment online. Your current permit will stay valid until the date of your appointment, that’s now been confirmed officially.
After losing a job on a Blue Card few months into the Probationary Period, I have 3 months to look for another job – that’s clear. If I don’t get a job within 3 months and when I visit Auslanderbehoerde,
1. Do they most likely always give a visa for another 3 to 6 months? Is that by default or there’re underlying difficulties?
2. If I cannot get a job even after 6 months but my interviews have improved drastically and actually been very close to getting an offer. But I still need more time. Do they consider listening to such stories and extend further?
Best,
Nick
1. It. is generally possible if you are a skilled worker to get extra time to find a job. The only obstacle might be that you don’t have enough funds to support your living costs.
2. I’ve seen people granted further time extensions, yes. You might have to prove you can support yourself in the meantime.
3. Book an appointment NOW, while your current permit is still valid (even if you’re unemployed). If you can’t find one online, just keep trying a few times a day. LEA has just stated that all permits will continue to be valid until they are operational again, since it is impossible to visit the office without an appointment and they are not operational at the moment due to Corona.
Hi,
I was terminated on the last day of my probation period (6 months). I am a holder of Blue Card for the last 3 months of my employment and overall I’ve been working in Germany for 18 months. I already went to Agentur fur Arbeit and I sent Auslanderbehorde an email to IV_B3_GPF@labo.berlin.de notifying them that I’ve been fired and am looking for a new job. It’s been more than a week already and I didn’t hear anything from them. I am still employed because of my notice period till March 6th (so almost for 2 weeks). Should I go to Auslanderbehorde or should I just wait for their answer for now and not panic? When they issued me a blue card they gave me a paper which states that I need to advice them without delay if my employment relationship ends.
Thank you!
Sorry to hear about the termination. You’ve done the right thing by notifying the LEA. If you have a blue card, you can be unemployed for up to 3 months. I’d make an appointment at the next possible opportunity (that could be months under current circumstances!) and keep job searching. Your current permit will stay valid until the date of the appointment. Just keep trying until you get one.
Hi Kathleen,
Need some advice please, apologies for a lengthy message
I am here in Frankfurt from Jan 2018 on a Blue Card and now the employer is talking about contract termination.
1- Assuming I will be getting three months notice , I will be unemployed starting July this year – How long can I stay in Germany and look for another job? The validity of my blue card is until April 2022
2 – Do I qualify for an unemployment benefits since I have contributed in last 25 months, if yes , for how long? Or this is only applicable if you have Permanent Residence for DE?
3 – Linked to question 1 – If I am allowed to stay in the country and I clock 33 months – can I apply for my PR card? I would have been employed for 29 months and grace period 3 months
Thanks in advance,
Ranjit
If I were you, this would be my strategy.
You can get permanent residency after 22 months of working on a blue card if you can prove B1 German knowledge. I’d be applying well before you lose your job. You need to show the last 6 months payslips and have a letter from your employer, less than 14 days old, that says you still work there. Such a letter would be possible until summer. Why not cram German, pass a B1 exam quick smart and get permanent residency while you still can?
If that’s not possible, sadly, it’s 33 months of employment, not 33 months of having the blue card, to apply for permanent residency.
As for unemployment benefits, the only way to know for sure is to call the Agentur für Arbeit or register online as “job-searching” within 3 days of getting your notice, send everything in, and see whether you are eligible or not. I think you will be eligible for ALGI, yes, for 12 months. It’s not only for permanent residents, but you won’t be eligible if your Blue Card is tied to your job. After 2 years, that shouldn’t be the case anymore. Worst-case scenario, the Ausländerbehörde has to change the wording on your permit.
All of these hurdles might go away if you can pass a B1 exam.
Cheers
Kathleen
Dear help
I have a question. Two month before I got a contract based job in Germany which and I got visa which was D type work permit visa for six month dated. Now for some unfortunate reason My contract got cancelled and ended last month and I travelled back to my country. Now I got again a job in Germany but as I mentioned I travelled back to my country so my question is, if I want to go back to Germany will I be requiring new visa or I can travel to Germany on same visa and then with employment office I can get it modified for new work contract.
Thank you in advance for help. Also is there any agency who I can talk and they can help me.
You’ll need a new visa – the old one was dependent on you keeping the original job. Cheers, KP
My employmented ended after about 8 months and I am returning to the United States. Is there anything that I have to do with my permit that’s in my passport or is this something that is in a system somewhere.
Sorry to hear it didn’t work out. Just deregister (Abmelden) before you leave Germany. You can do it by post or if you like, we’ll take care of it for you.
Hi Kathleen,
I lost my job in October 2019 and was being told by the LEA that I have 6 months to secure a new job. I’ve had plenty of interviews but unfortunately, I still haven’t managed to sign a new contract. With the pandemic going on, my job search is even more dreadful – some companies I spoke to decided to put their hiring process on hold. Now I have until the end of this month to get a job which seems unlikely. Do you due to the situation right now I can get an extension on my grace period or if it’s possible to switch to a freelance visa? I currently hold a work permit tied to my job title as an Account Manager. Thanks in advance!
If you have a current permit and it’s about to expire, there’s an online form to fill out. Which form you should fill out depends on whether your permit expires before or after 20.04.2020. If you want a hand running through the form, a half an hour should do it – you can book Life Admin here. It’ll all be OK!
Hi,
I am on Blue card and working in Germany for the past 2 years, from March 16th my mutterschaft started and I had applied for mutterschaftgeld (my baby is yet to deliver) but today I got a news that my company is getting closed after April. Now I am confused about
1- what will happen to my maternity benefits (will I get my elterngeld or I need to apply for Arbeitslosengeld)
2- What will happen to my blue-card status (since I can not look for another job for year at least)
Without knowing too many specifics of your circumstances, I believe you’ll get your Mutterschaftsgeld and Elterngeld as planned, and then once that’s all over, if you still need more time to find a job, you can apply for ALGI. I would register with the Agentur für Arbeit as arbeitssuchend now if you haven’t done so already.
Hi, I’m a non-EU unemployed, lost job because of coronavirus and I just worked for 2 months in Germany. I did not apply for Blue Card or another residence permit. I just have d-visa, valid until 01-2021. I’m wondering to ask you can I register a GmbH company with this visa or I have to apply for another Visa?
If your original D visa was issued on the basis of the job you lost and is tied to that job (e.g. §18), then you will need another visa to start a GmbH.
Dear Kathleen
Thank you for all the useful information. I am Australian. I came to Germany in December and found a job in January the contract of employment was issued and I have sent all the necessary documents to get the work permit. Since January because I have to wait for work permit first to be able to work. My question is during this period of waiting does my employer needs to pay for my insurance (the insurance company contacted my employer required the company to pay for the insurance because they didn’t pay since day one). I talked to the employer but she said because of waiting for work permit so they can’t anmelden me. This part I am confused. And if the company cancelled my contract (more likely because of Corona) what I should do? I have a plan to study German language. Right now I have visa which extends for another 6 months because of Corona. Right now am I tied to this employer or not yet? And if they decide to cancel my contract what I have to do with my insurance since the company still has not paid anything since January? I am very confused of what this company doing. I don’t get pay since January as she (my boss) because they still waiting for work permit. I hope you can give me some answer because I don’t know the law here. In my case the work contract have signed but I don’t get pay because of waiting for work permit, is that true?
Hope to hear from you soon.
Annie
Hi Annie. Sorry to hear about all this!
There are so many unknowns here- there might have been a clause in your work contract that says it can only be granted if a work permit is granted. I don’t know enough about this situation to help you, but try contacting a labour lawyer from our directory of English speaking lawyers in Berlin.
As for your permit, well, if you are in Berlin then I have good news: on 3rd April 2020 Berlin Immigration Office issued a General Decree. Point 3: If your employment was terminated, your residency permit will not expire. If you quit, your residency permit does expire. So your next step, should you be fired from your job, is to fill out this online form (if you live in Berlin).
This is complex. If you’d like to book Life Admin, I’d be happy to walk you through your options.
Hi Kathleen,
My job here in Germany has been postponed for 6 months however my employer has requested I notify the employment agency that I am unemployed. As I will be returning home after the date I am ‘unemployed’ and do not wish to claim any benefits can I ask if it is possible to register as ‘Arbeitsuchend’ (job seeker) and fulfil this requirement without going further in the process or will things get overly complicated? In other words, is it possible to register and then move overseas immediately or am I better off not registering to begin with? I’d really appreciate any advice I’m finding it tough to find any clear guidance!
Thank you in advance!
You could, to appease your employer, but if you intend to leave the country and de-register (and then re-register as a new arrival when you return to germany), it would be pointless registering as arbeitssuchend and just extra bureaucracy. Did your employer know you intend to move overseas when they gave you that advice?
Thanks for getting back to me. They did not, but coincidentally my flight has been cancelled so it’s looking like I will be here for at least a month or two. Would it be worth registering in that case, as in do the benefits of getting the health insurance paid etc outweigh the bureaucratic hassle! Thanks again, Charlie.
Hi Kathleen,
Thank you for your informative post and for taking the time to answer so many questions. I have worked in Germany for 1 year and 10 months and am being let go at the end of June (due to COVID19). I am a non-EU citizen (USA), and my work permit is tied to my employer. I was unsure about whether I was entitled to unemployment benefits, so I sought out an immigration lawyer to inquire about this. According to the lawyer, I need to inform the foreigner’s office of my unemployment and apply for a job seeker’s visa (Aufenthaltserlaubnis zum Zwecke der Arbeitssuche, following § 20 AufenthG), but I am entitled to unemployment benefits for around 6 months following termination. However, from my understanding, if I find a new job, my application still has to be approved by the Agentur für Arbeit (as it was before I started working in Germany). From what I gather, even non-EU citizens are entitled to unemployment benefits (i.e. health insurance coverage and a percentage of your salary for a certain period of time that depends on the number of months worked) if they pay into the system for a year, though this does not mean that they will be able to find a job in the course that the job seeker’s visa is valid (because the Agentur für Arbeit will ultimately need to approve of any position found). Are you able to confirm that this information is true? Thanks!
I would always defer to an immigration lawyer’s opinion, since I am not qualified to give legal advice. But I do agree with your lawyer’s interpretation of your situation, yes. It does involve getting your permit changed though, because your CURRENT permit is soon to lose its legal basis (your job). Good luck with everything and please let me know if I can help!
Thank you for your response!
Thanks for getting back to me. They did not, but coincidentally my flight has been cancelled so it’s looking like I will be here for at least a month or two. Would it be worth registering in that case, as in do the benefits of getting the health insurance paid etc outweigh the bureaucratic hassle! Thanks again, Charlie.
Dear Kathleen,
My friend has been living in Germany for around 4 years. He had a residence permit with the purpose of employment for almost 3 years, then got a Blue Card, then quit his job in December (2 months after the Blue Card was issued) and still didn’t find a new job.
He talked to Agentur fur Arbeit when he quit and is receiving unemployment benefit – the last parcel will be in Dec 2020.
Do you know until when his Blue Card will be valid without a new job?
You can be unemployed on a blue card for up to 3 months. So if he quit his job in December and never found anything else, his permit is possibly no longer valid because the legal basis for giving it to him (his blue card job) doesn’t exist anymore. Tell him to contact the foreigner’s office and see if he can get some extra time to search.
Hi,
So I was fired on the phone but they haven’t send me any letter, email not event text message telling me I’m fired, I was still on probezeit when the manager called me which was 3 days before the probation finished, now my probation period is over since yesterday may 11th and still I dont have anything on written, I took vacations because the company asked us to do so in order to avoid take them all the next half of the year.
I have undeterminated contract which means after the probezeit my contract became undeterminated as far as I understood, is there something I can do since they dindnt respect the period notce time and havent informed me officialy?
should I wait to do or say something until I get the letter?
Well, it’s hard to prove they fired you if they have nothing in writing, isn’t it? You could technically argue that your contract is now permanent if that’s written in your contract and you didn’t receive a letter before the Probezeit ended. Usually, when companies terminate employees, they not only send termination letters, they also get you to sign something to prove you’ve received it on a particular date. In any case, you can’t really register as unemployed until you have an official termination letter. Sounds like your company is a bit overwhelmed with COVID19 and screwed that process up fairly badly. Whether you wish to argue with them and aim for the permanent contract is up to you. If you did and you succeed, you’d get a couple of extra months pay at the least. Have a look at our directory of English speaking lawyers if you want to pursue this.
Hello,
I am Akshay, single, and I have a Masters from German Technical University. I started working with a small startup as an Engineer from Oct 2018, immediately after completing my master thesis. I have a Blue Card valid till Aug 2022, with the mention of my company on the “Zusatzblatt”. At the end of Feb 2020, it was communicated that the company is sending me into 100% Kurzarbeit (No work). I received 60% of the Netto salary for the month of March. In the meanwhile, I applied for the German Permanent Residence “Niederlassungserlaubnis” on 24.02.2020. At this time I gave all the details like “Arbeitgeberbeschneigung”, “Wohngeberbeschneigung’, ‘B1 German Language Certificate, etc. to the Ausländerbehörde. The lady checked everything and I paid the fees and she told that the process will take around 6-8 weeks for processing. Meanwhile, I registered at the local Bundesagentur für Arbeit as “Arbeitsuchende”.
(POST CORONA)
But at the end of April, the company opened the Insolvency proceedings in court and communicated that I was being laid off. I received the official termination notice on 30.04.2020, with a Notice period of 3 months i.e I will be Jobless from Aug 2020. They also communicated that the insolvency proceedings will open on 01.07.2020 and the three months’ salary (April, May, and June) will be paid by Bundesagentur für Arbeit retrospectively. The salary for July will be paid by the company if it has any money to do so.
I called the local Ausländerbehörde and they told me that they have still not worked on my PR visa due to corona and they said that they are waiting for verification from Police, and it may need another 4 weeks.
Now my questions are as follows:
1. If I register for Insolvency Money at Bundesagentur für Arbeit, will it have any negative effect on my PR? Because according to rules I have to register for Insolvency Money at the maximum 2 months from the opening of proceedings.
2. Should I convey the information that I will be jobless from 01.08.2020 to the Ausländerbehörde, or should I wait for my PR to arrive?
3. I will also have to register myself for Arbeitslosgeld. When should I do that? If I do it now will it mean that I lose my PR and Blue card?
4. In case I lose my Blue Card, I get 3 months extension for searching jobs right? But since I have worked for more than 12 months in the past 2 years and paid the Arbeitslosgeld. I will be getting the benefits for ALG for at least 6 months. But the question is do I get an extension for another 6 months after the initial 3 months, as I will be getting the benefits?
Look forward to hearing from you!
Hi Akshay. I don’t think I can answer these questions and advise you to ask an immigration lawyer instead. But just using my gut feeling, I would register for insolvency money and Arbeitslosengeld following the rules for those procedures without worrying about your PR application. And August is still a while away, whatever happens, you’ll have time to sort it out with the Ausländerbehörde and look for a new job. I think the worst thing that can happen is that the change of circumstances does affect your PR application but your Blue card remains valid until at least 30.10.2020, giving you time to request an extra 6 months from the Ausländerbehörde to find something else. The best scenario is that your PR gets approved despite everything.
Hi Kathleen , thank You for Your time and information.
I’m in a bit of a desperate situation. I (South African passport) am an artist and have the 2 year working resident permit through my agent which I have renewed over the last 8 years consecutively.
I have a 3 year old son born in Germany but with Brazilian passport who lives with his mother here in Berlin who recently married a German citizen.
I need to change my resident permit to one which allows me to find other work so I can survive and pay bills in order to remain in Germany close to my son.
Due to the current Covid 19 situation my work has stopped and probably will take a very long time to be able to earn money again in this field.
Unfortunately I do not speak German yet.
Surely with my specific situation and having to reside in Germany to be with my son , would it be possible for foreigners office to treat my case differently and change my resident permit to allow me to seek other means of employment from various work places.
I need to try work asap to earn and pay bills and don’t have the time to wait to complete an integration course to be able to change permit to be allowed to work in different fields.
I need to try work asap.
Any advice is most appreciated.
Hi Hilton,
If you’ve been working consistently in Germany for 8 years and had renewed permits the whole time, it should be possible by now to remove the restrictions on your permit so that it says “Erwerbstätigkeit gestattet”, giving you free access to the job market. In fact, you might even be eligible for permanent residency by now. Have a look at your permit – maybe it says “Erwerbstätigkeit gestattet” already? If not, it’s worth contacting the foreigner’s office to request this.
Hi Kathleen,
First of all, thanks for all this great information. I appreciate what you’re doing!
So here’s the situation: I was laid off, with my unemployment start date beginning on 01 May 2020. My permit is NOT tied to an employer and says “Erwerbstätigkeit gestattet.” I’ve been working almost five years in Berlin, and I’ve been approved for a year of ALG 1.
The only problem is that I need to extend my work permit in August. At the rate things are going, I can’t be sure I’ll find a new job by then thanks to ol’ Corona. From what I’ve heard, having ALG 1 and health-insurance coverage is enough for the Ausländerbehörde to grant an extension because that means my expenses are sufficiently covered and still have sufficient insurance coverage. I also have some money saved up.
I was wondering if you’ve seen a situation like mine before, where someone with “Erwerbstätigkeit gestattet” was granted an extension while on unemployment (ALG 1)?
I’m sure it will be fine, but can’t help feeling nervous about getting turned away.
I’d appreciate any help! Thank you so much for sharing this information with everyone.
Hi Danielle,
Yes, I have seen people on temporary residence permits get extensions to look for more work. If you’re skilled (you have an academic qualification or a vocational training certificate for a course that went for 2 years or longer) they’d give you six months. Have a look here: https://service.berlin.de/dienstleistung/324661/en/
Hello,
I have a question. I have been in Germany with a blue card for 21 months already and my contract expires in three months. I fulfill all the prerequisites. Can I still apply for a permanent residency or do I have to find another work before doing so ?
Hi Mouch,
I would recommend having a strong financial case before applying for permanent residency. At the point at which you apply, you should be able to cover your living costs with regular income. Kathleen
Hi Kathleen,
I am working in Germany on deputation more than 3 years. My company asked me to leave country since there is no work for me(thanks to covid19). I am holding a visa ‘BLUE KARTE EU’ which is valid from Jun2020 till Aug2021. Due to this covid19 I refused to travel back to host country because I have pregnant wife and a 2 year old child and currently lot of people who are travelling back from Abroad are getting affected by covid19 in host country. But my employer pushing me to leave country using repatriation flights.
I am fine to move back to host country if covid19 situation is under control. But currently the number of people is getting increasing in huge numbers. So I planned to keep staying here.
can I stay in Germany with existing visa(max of 3 months due to blue card visa) if my employer fires me after I refused to travel back ?
If yes, how does health insurance works for me and family during this time ?
if not, can I stay with family using job seeker visa ?
Thank you in advance for your advise!
You can stay for up to 3 months after losing your blue card job, yes. But if you are not eligible for ALGI on your current blue card (e.g. the blue card is tied to your job), then you will have to pay your health insurance out-of-pocket during that time. You’ll also miss out on a repatriation flight, which would be paid, I imagine. If you can, talk to the foreigner’s office in your district before those three months are up and ask for a qualified, skilled worker’s job seeker’s permit. Good luck! Kathleen
I finished my masters in September 2019, and immediately got job as a research assistant (full time) and started working from October 2019. I received the blue card and it is valid till 2021 september. Unfortunately the contract is going to end by september 2020 . I’m bit confused about my visa status once after the contract ends. are they going to take back this blue card? What sort of visa will I get and how long is the validity?
You can be unemployed for up to 3 months on a blue card if you lose or leave your job. The permit that you get after that depends on what you’re doing in Germany. Some options: residence permit for qualified, skilled workers seeking employment (6 months), or potentially the same blue card but tied to a different employer if you find a new job, or a permit as a freelancer or a regular employment permit for a skilled worker.
Hi
I started to work for German company in March 2018 as full time employee. My company is in trouble now because of Corona and we are all on KurzArbeit until end of 2020. If I loose a job, what are my options and can I receive benefits and for how long ?
If you’ve been working since March 2018 full-time, you’re entitled to ALGI once you lose your job entirely, but whether you can receive it might depend on the conditions on your work permit. Do you have a work permit? Is it tied to your job? If so, ask the foreigner’s office to change it for you so that you can receive ALGI. If you don’t need a work permit, hang in there until the Kurzarbeit runs out and then apply for ALGI after that. Being on Kurzarbeit doesn’t affect your eligibility for ALGI (unemployment insurance benefits).
Hi Kathleen,
thankyou for all your answers.
Due to the current situation I had to leave my job at which I had worked with a blue card from Nov.2019 to April.2020.
I got a contract from another company from May.2020, I informed the Ausländerbehörde the same and got my Zusatzblatt updated too. But due to these situations, the new company said that they would be postponing the start date to Nov.2020 . This means I will be unemployed for 6 months in total.
Do I need to get my blue converted to job seeker visa for these six months….? What is your suggestion for me…?
Hi Amit,
Yes I’d talk to the foreigner’s office and ask them to make sure this gap in your employment is covered by a permit of some sort.
Hello Kathaleen,
Firstly thanks for all your informative posts, i find them really helpful. May i request you to advice me on one of the situations iam going through currently. Sorry for the lengthy post, as i have to give a bit of a background.
– I am working in Germany since 2016 on a Bluecard visa and its valid until 2023 and not tied to my employer currently.
– My employer sent me a termination notice on 2020 April end, and currently i am serving 3 months notice and my last date of employment would be 31.July.2020
– I have registered in Agentur for Arbeit and applied for ALG1 and trying new opportunities within Germany.
My queries are :
1. How long can i stay in Germany legally with my current Bluecard? Though its valid until 2023, i assume this become invalid after 31.July or 30.Oct (considering grace period of 3 months) in case if i dont find a new job before this period. Again my card is not tied to my employer./
2. Ideally when should i inform ABH about this termination and request additional time for seeking a job. Is it while serving the notice period itself (before 31.July) or is it fine if i inform them within 3 months of my umemployment( until 30.Oct latest)
3. I am thinking, pursuing Permanent residency(PR) at this point would be a better idea and if iam lucky to find an appointment with ABH while serving notice period, i could still be eligible for the PR. Is this assumption valid?
4. If appointments are not available in ABH before my last date of employment, and lets say i have a date with ABH for August do i still have eligibility for a PR while i am searching for a job (or) in that case is it normal that i will be issued a Job seeker visa for another 3 months?
Looking forward to gearing from you.
Hi Raghav,
Hi Raghav, as with any temporary residence permit in Germany, it’s usually reliant on a legal basis, e.g. the blue card was issued because of your job, which qualified you for the blue card in the first place. If the job no longer exists and you don’t find another one which would also qualify you for a blue card, then you’re supposed to let the ABH know and they adjust your permit accordingly, either by giving you some more time to search for a new job, or by changing your permit type if you are eligible for a different type of permit (e.g. you decide to go freelance or you marry a European). I do know it’s OK to be unemployed for 3 months on a blue card, and in your case, it’s also OK to work for any other employer, but I to keep the blue card, I believe have to have a full-time job that meets the requirements for a blue card, even if it’s not with your current employer. In any case, if you are in Berlin, due to Corona, your Blue Card won’t expire until 30.09.2020 at the earliest. So to be absolutely safe, I would register on the ABH website about 6 weeks before then.
Re: PR – it will be very hard to apply for PR if you don’t have a job, because you then don’t have any way to prove your income in the long-term. If you apply now, you are still employed, yes, but you would be withholding important information that might affect your eligibility (you are about to be unemployed). I would wait until you find another job before you apply for PR. I think the most probable scenario is that they give you an extra 6 months to find a job, which will buy you some time into the first half of 2021 to figure it out.
Hello Kathleen,
Thank you very much for taking the time out to clarify so many doubts.
I have a question for myself. I’m living in Germany since last one year and working for an employer and now I wish to move to a different employer in another country. Since initial visa will expire in a couple of days, my employer had applied for a residence permit a few weeks ago(I assume it’s a Blau karte-18b Abs. 2) with an extended contract until next year. I’m yet to receive the residence permit. Right now, the authority has issued a Fiktionsbescheinigung until end of November. My question is, if I hand over my resignation to the current employer with a notice of 2 months, and if the employer does not want to honor the two month notice period and want to release me earlier due to budget issues, can Fiktionsbescheinigung allow me to stay for a particular grace period- like say a month? On the other hand, can the employer do that? In the contract- it is stated that either parties can terminate the contract with 2 month notice period, not sure if the termination is initiated from my end, the employer is obliged to honor the notice period or not. I do not know until when I can get the blue card.
Thanks in advance for your time and help,
Deepthi
Your Fiktionsbescheinigung has the same conditions that your last permit did. If your last permit was a blue card, you can be unemployed on a blue card for up to 3 months. So if you handed in your resignation effective 31.08.2020, and you don’t hear back from the Ausländerbehörde, you’d be fine until end of November, which is when the Fiktionsbescheinigung runs out anyway!
Hi Kathleen,
i tried to Google about my situation, but struggle to find a specific answer.
I am a Non EU citizen, married to an EU National. We moved to Germany 3 years ago because my partner got a job offer here. I got a Visa (Aufenhaltstitel for family of EU National). That gave me right to work as well, so i have been working for 2,5 years here.
My partner is very likely going to be redundant, so my fear is that my visa will not be valid anymore (and that i will also lose my job).
Can i still stay in Germany and work if he is not employed anymore (but being a job seeker)?
If he registers as a job seeker, does he have a time limit before my visa becomes invalid?
My Aufenhaltstitel is issued until 2022.
Thank you.
Unless your FAMILY situation changes (e.g. you are no longer married), you are fine at least until 2022. He can and should register as arbeitssuchend without worrying that it will affect your permit. When you go to renew your permit in 2022, you’ll hopefully be able to prove your household’s means of subsistence again.
thank you!
Hi,
Thank you for the information, I am Engineer and I have been working for a Software company in
Leonberg since 7 months and because of current situation they suspended me at 30th ofJune,
I already have a blue card by the way and of course I go to check my statu with ausländerbehörde and they
told me that I have only three months.
I already made an online registration in ArbeitAgentur but still I don’t have any appointment until now. am I supposed to have unemployment benefits or no, please I need some advice.
Hi Hamza, it’s frustrating, but you’ll just have to hold tight (or follow up) and wait for the Agentur to get in touch with you. They’ll ask for whatever they need and let you know whether you’re eligible to receive ALGI or not. If you’re not, they’ll let you know what you have to do about your permit to get it – e.g. they might suggest you to to the foreigner’s office and ask for a permit for qualified workers seeking employment. In the meantime, good luck with the job search.
Hi Kathleene,
I hope you are doing good. I would also seek your advice as I can see your advice helped many needful people .
I applied for blue card in June and have received the pin few days back. My current employer was little shaky in terms of business opportunities.While I was still waiting for my blue card to reach me, I found another employer and applied for change of employer last week.
I sent emails for change of employer to munich auslanderbehorde and migration kvr mailids with new work contract,passport copy,blue card number which I received on the date of applying it.
Now I am not sure how much time it will take for blue card to reach me with updated employer details. My new employer joining date is 01 Sept.
Question 1–> I wanted to know in case the blue card does not reach to me in August end then can I still join new employer while waiting for updated blue card?
Back in March, I also received the fiktionsbescheinigung which has validity till Dec 2020.
Question 2–> this fiktionsbescheinigung is also enough for me to join my new employer while I wait for the blue card?
These thoughts are giving me sleepless nights as I already resigned in my current org to serve the notice period on time.
Please advise. Highly appreciate the help.
A Fiktionsbescheinigung usually extends whatever conditions were on your previous permit. So if your old permit was tied to your old employer, then so will the Fiktionsbescheinigung be tied to your employer. Having said that, I doubt you would get into any trouble for starting your new job, but I can’t be sure, besides, your new employer might be hesitant to let you start with the Fiktionsbescheinigung you currently have, and rightfully so. I would follow up with the foreigner’s office quite regularly to get this sped up so that you can start on 1.9.2020. Even just getting someone on the phone to say “yes, go start working, it’ll be fine, it will just take some time” will be enough for you to sleep better!
Hi Kathleen
Thanks a lot for the informative article and even more thanks for answering the questions from all, i am sure it has helped a lot.
I have a question as well for which I am seeking answer since days and searching various platforms for it. Here it goes :
I have a Blue card since 40 months now with the same employer. Due to unforeseen circumstances it seems the company might close and i might need to switch to ALG1 if I don’t find a job before I loose my current one. Currently i get insolvencegeld but there is no termination of job or information on that.
As such i am eligible for permanent residence with the 33 month clause (i do have the required German skills as well).
My questions:
1. Is ALG1 for 1 year enough to get a PR if I apply now. The amount will be more than sufficient for me to live comfortably.
2. In April my blue card will expire or 3 months after i loose the job. Under corona times it is getting difficult to find a new job as well. Is there a possibility that my visa gets restricted to 3 months only or 6 months and i dont get the 12 month ALG1 i am eligible for.
I have sleepless nights with these questions in mind and the fact that I don’t prefer to go back to my country but was rather looking to settle long term here.
That’s really rough timing! When you apply for permanent residency, you have to show that you can pay your living costs through ongoing, regular income. While ALGI is a good source of income to live comfortably for a while, it expires after a year. By the time your application actually gets processed, you might only have a few months of benefits remaining. The person reviewing your case will wonder what happens after that? They are not the ideal circumstances under which to be applying for permanent residency. But don’t let my opinion get you down – I am not a case worker or a lawyer. In fact, I would highly recommend that you ask an immigration lawyer what your strategy should be. It’s definitely worth a consult with one, just in case there’s another loophole I’m not aware of.
Hi Kathleen,
I wonder if you could help me with this.
Let’s say that I become unemployed by November 1st, would I be able to try out some freelancing work for a couple of months before I apply for arbeitlosgeld? So if my freelance work brings me enough cash, I don’t need arbeitlosgeld, if it doesn’t then can I apply later for example from January 1st? Would this affect the length of the benefits (currently I am entitled to 6 months).
Thank you
I would apply for benefits first and foremost, and then work freelance while you’re on them. There are ways to do this by the book but there are rules you have to follow to make sure you don’t jeopardise your claim to ALGI. You’ll miss out on a lot of entitlements if you declare yourself a freelancer first. If you want more info, book a coaching – I offer a reduced rate if you are using the coaching to apply for unemployment.
Hi Kathleen,
You have been providing really good answers/suggestions to lot of people and helped them a lot.
I am in need of a solution to my current problem.
I am in Germany since 4 years employed and working with an employer for last 2 years with Blue Card. Due to unforeseen conditions i have been asked to part ways with my firm. Now after discussion they have agreed for time till end of November. If i am right, worst case i do not get a job until then, i will have my Blue Card converted to 3/6 months.
So my question is – Shall i move this to the court and retain an employment with my firm (I was not given any written warning (abmahnung) until they informed me about this). This will get me time to get the PR done. As i intend to get my language qualification met for the application.
Or should i just look for a new job and gradually get my PR also done.
Or should i ask them to put in kurzarbeit or less pay for longer period.
I could not find answers where some one has taken the employer to court and this is first time in my career – more than 10 years. So i really wanted to know an opinion
Please do let me know.
Hi Raj. Hmmm… When you apply for permanent residency, you’re not supposed to omit information that might affect your application, and failing to mention the pending termination is a pretty big detail to leave out. Additionally, any upcoming termination date is sometimes listed on your payslips, so if your contract is officially ending, LEA might see that immediately, whether you disclose it or not. It’s a bad time to apply, especially if you’ve already received the official notification of termination. I don’t know the details of your termination – there are some reasons that would be perfectly valid and others that are dodgy. Therefore I don’t know whether you should take them to court. Being on Kurzarbeit means that you are still employed at least and would avoid a termination, so that is an option if they agree to it, that would buy you time legitimately. Either way, I’d be looking for a new job. Keep in mind that will mean you probably have a “Probezeit” (trial period) of 6 months at the new job, and your new contract or payslips will disclose that too. Just some things to keep in mind.
Hello Kathleen,
I am working in a firm for close to 2 years. I have been asked to leave the company without any specific reason and without any initial warning.
I have a Blue Card and i am a bit skeptical about the situation.
So i am looking for the answers.
1. Keeping the current situation in mind, i would like to know what are the pros/cons of taking the employer to court?
2. Will i be paid for the months where i have the case on court?
3. Also I do not have a legal insurance so how does it effect me?
Would be great to know of anyone who faced this situation. I will reach out to them personally if they are willing to help.
Thanks
Hi Raj, I can’t help you but I approved your comment so perhaps others can. If you want to reach out to a labour lawyer, here’s a directory of English speaking lawyers in Berlin.
Hi Kathleen,
This thread is extremely valuable – thank you for your input.
I am in a similar situation as some of the others who have posted here. I have a blue card linekd to my job title, not my company, and it says I am allowed to freelance. I have applied for my Niederlassungserlaubnis as well as I have fulfilled all requirements for it.
I am thinking of leaving my job to focus on perfecting my German before applying for more jobs in my field.
1. Would leaving my job mean losing my blue card – even if my blue card is not linked to my current employer? Would I then have to change my blue card to a job seeking visa for 6 months?
2. Would leaving my job jeopardise my ongoing Niederlassungserlaubnis application? I am seeing that the application process can last up to 6 months given the current situation. I applied with my current work contract about a month ago, so would losing my work contract mean that my whole application is invalid – especially if I am receiving benefits from the state (through unemployment money) when I go for my appointment for my Niederlassungserlaubnis in future?
3. If I leave my job, how do I have in Germany before my visa is invalidated? I am hearing between 3 and 6 months depending on what the Auslanderbehoerde says?
Thanks so much!
Priya
Hi Priya, I can’t answer all of these questions but generally, if you have the choice, I would recommend waiting until you have the permanent residency before you leave your job.
Hi, I have a german Niederlassungserlaubnise( PR) since Jan 2019. My wife has a normal dependent Aufenthaltserlaubnise which is expiring at end of January 2021. She is working at a Labor since Oct 2019 and has a contract till Sep 2021 which will be extended as told by employer.
I lost my job in Oct 2020 and now receiving unemployment benefits till March 2021.
When my wife applied for Niederlassungserlaubnise recently, Authorities said that they can renew only for next six months for my wife as I have no job. After I get a job, she can come again and apply Niederlassungserlaubnise.
Will this situation affect my Niederlassungserlaubnise ?
No, it won’t. But I hope the situation resolved itself for both of you without too much stress!
Hi Kathleen,
Thanks for your good responses.
I have a query.
If a person with a limited Residence Permit (valid for March 2021), has lost his job due to the Corona pandemic,
1. How long he can stay in Germany looking for a job?
2. What next he can apply, whether Job search VISA or?
3. Can he take a vacation during this time outside Germany and come back within March 2021?
Thanks a lot.
Hi Pattnaik
1. I would email your foreigner’s office and ask them if they can give you a jobseeker’s permit for 6 months. Then, it would be 6 months.
2. You can apply for any permit for which you are eligible, be it student, qualified employee, freelancer, language course, etc.
3. I wouldn’t try to enter Germany if your residence permit expires and you haven’t heard anything back from the foreigner’s office. But if your permit expires on 31.03.2021 and you re-enter Germany on 15.03.2021, say, that would be fine.
Hi Pattnick.
Just contact the foreigner’s office (by email seems to be a good bet at the moment) and they’ll probably give you 6 months job seeker’s permit. Which would mean you can stay and apply for jobs for up to 6 months after losing your job and returning to Germany would be fine as long as the permit is valid and you have proof on paper (a card or an insert or a sticker in your passport!).
Kathleen
Hi, I am following this thread and found it valuable.
I am in a similar situation as some of the others who have posted here but I am currently 2 months pregnant and have not yet informed my employer. But now due to redundancy, my position is no more needed. I have been working for more than a year. My employer has given me 2 options – 1. to move to another role(which I am not interested in) 2. to leave with some financial support like paying some money as a one-time payment.
I am confused about what to do, looking for suggestions.
If I quit my job and be dependent, will maternity/Insurance benefits change if I am dependent and not working? Currently, I hold a Blue card. Will I lose my benefits? If yes, what exactly?
will I be eligible for unemployment benefit?
I am not sure of German laws about this condition. Any suggestion would help me taking a better decision.
Thank you!
I imagine you’ve had some time to work this out by now, but it’s a tough situation!
I suggest going directly to a labour lawyer / immigration lawyer with these issues if you haven’t already.
Depending on the conditions on your permit, it’s possible that your permit might lose its validity after 3 months of unemployment, but no-one can tell you that without looking at your permit first. And it could be easily solved by visiting the foreigner’s office and asking them to grant you some extra time to help with finding a job. But yes, the kind of permit they give you might have an effect on your eligibility to unemployment benefits, so these are all really good questions to ask.
In any case, I hope your pregnancy is going well and wish you all the best with your baby!
Hey, I come from an EU country where I worked back to back for more than 14 years. Last October I got a job in Germany and was laid off after 5 months.
– Under the rule that within 30 mo you should have worked for min 12 mo in order to receive 6 mo Arbeitsgeld, does my work from the previous UE country still count?
– Also, will I have medical insurance?
Thanks!
Hi Joanne,
Often benefits from your previous EU job can be transferred. You should go to the Agentur für Arbeit and register with them first. Then they can assist you further. If you need any help with forms, phone calls, or online registration, check out our Life Admin services and we’ll offer you a reduced price. Best of luck
Hi Kathleen,
This was an extremely useful thread, thanks for answering all the questions.
I have a unique situation, I moved to Germany and started a new job in Munich on September 2020. I got a 6 month work visa and have also applied for a blue card but haven’t been called for my appointment yet. Since the visa was getting expired I visited the Auslanderbehorde and got an extension till end of June 2021.
Meanwhile, my employer decided not to extend the contract. And since I was still on probation I just got 2 week notice and my contact is now terminated. I have a few questions considering my situation
1. I was told to register with the Arbeitsagentur as a Job seeker which I already did. Since I have been in Germany only for 6 months I am not eligible for unemployment benefits, do I still need to register as unemployed and follow the process? or can I just focus on getting a new job?
2. Regarding the blue card, I emailed the Auslanderbehorde regarding the termination but haven’t received any acknowledgement or guidance on what I should do next. Will they still call me for the appointment? If yes will they issue the blue card even though I’m unemployed? For how long will I be permitted to stay in Germany without the blue card?
Thanks in advance
Sa
Hi Sa,
If you’re sure you don’t qualify for unemployment (were you employed in another EU country where you would qualify before moving to Germany?), you should get in contact with the Job Center. Check out our video on the subject, and if you need more assistance we can talk about your specific situation in a coaching.
What to do if you lose your job in Germany – Video
Hi Pattnaik
I have a Blue Card which is now independent of Employer and I can work wherever in EU.
I will be completing 33 months on 31.03.2021 in Germany.
Today, I received a termination letter from my Company stating our Contract ends on 30.06.2021.
I have 3 questions here:
1. Can I still apply Permanent Residency in Germany?
2. Till when I am allowed to stay in Germany now if I am not able to get job within 3 months?
3. How and when I should get register with the Agentur für Arbeit?
Hi Nishu,
1. That’s terrible timing. I’m so sorry. To apply for permanent residency, they will want to know that you have a secure and ongoing source of income. I would wait until you find a new job and have gotten through the 6 month probation period.
2. Until 30.09.2021 but I’d just talk to the foreigner’s office, it’s likely that they can give you a further 6 months after that.
3. I hope you’ve done so already. You’re supposed to register as “arbeitssuchend” so within 3 working days of getting your termination letter. You can do it online, it takes around half an hour to put all the details in. But if you haven’t done it already, just do it now. The worst thing that can happen is that they block access to your benefits for a week.
Then, you fill out the application for unemployment benefits at the latest on your first day of unemployment. If you need help with any of these processes, we have a reduced rate for recipients/applicants of ALGI or ALGII: Life Admin will cost 39 EUR per hour.
Hello Kathleen,
I switched from a single 40 hours job to a two 32 hours and 8 hours job. I had a valid blue card for my previous job(I had the blue card for 14 months since the I got it). But while switching to two jobs I had to submit it and I received a regular work permit. Though the equivalent salary is more than the previous job they donot consider both the job incomes and only the 32 hours job is considered which doesnt meet the salary requirement for the Blue card. Incase If I switch back to single job which meets the blue card requirement and if I want to apply for a permanent residency will those previous 14 months be considered or will I have to wait for 21 months again(I have B1 language certification)?
Thank you
Thank You
I don’t know for sure, but it is definitely worth asking the office about, and I feel like it would be possible for them to count the 14 months in which you held a blue card. It doesn’t say anywhere that the 21 months have to be consecutive months. I’d write an email to your local foreigner’s office and ask if they will count them. I hope the answer is yes! –Kathleen
Hello thanks for all good information. I am a phd student and worked 2 years 100% with blue card, and one year with Forcher Aufenthaltstitel with 60% employment contract. Now my boss wants to extend my contract for 3 months but this time for 100%, which means i can get blue card again for 6 months. I have other options in my mind too. As i am not happy with my job i am also considering quit my work. Which means i can switch to job seeker, with my background and being a phd student, how long would be my job seeker visa?
If i can prove that i have enough financial support, can i switch to student visa? How long would student visa then?
Jobseeking permit is 9 months after doing research activities (permit is based on section 18d or 18f). If you want to study again and you get offered a university place, then yes, you could apply for a student permit. It will be issued for the expected duration of your studies, or, if there is a reason why it can only be issued for a shorter period, you can renew it by proving you’re still enrolled later down the track. Good luck!
Hello,
First I appreciate your efforts to support us by providing great information.
In 2020, I got a job in a start-up , this gave me a resident permit ( valid till 2024). As a start up, my company faced financial crisis and now they have no choice than to reduce their manpower. Therefore, I will loose my job in may. My questions follows:
1- Am I eligible to ALG? ( I worked for more than 12 months in another company)
2- Will the immigration office understand that it wasn’t my fault and give me more time to get another job?
3- How long will be the fiction if I notify them ommediately?
Thanks in advance
Hi Xena,
1. Basically yes, but it also depends on the conditions on your work permit.
2. Maybe. It’s certainly worth asking them about it! A lot of people face this issue and it is usually easy for the immigration office to solve without too much red tape.
3. I assume you mean, how much extra time will they give you to find a job? If you’ve got an academic qualification, usually 6 months.
Hello Xena,
I have a similar situation and would like to get in touch.
Could you share with me your Email or another contact?
Hello everyone,
The reduced minimum annual gross salary required for EU Blaue Karte is 44,304 Euros for the year 2021 (link at the end). I recently received my Arbeitsvertrag and this will be my first job after graduation. The contract states 13 months salary and it is as follows in brutto monthly: 3200 during Probezeit (3200*13=41600) and 3500 after Probezeit (3500*13=45500).
These are my questions:
1. Which of these numbers will the Ausländersbehörde consider for my Blaue Karte application?
2. How soon can I apply for the Blaue Karte (would prefer to include the 6 months Probezeit)?
(https://www.bamf.de/EN/Themen/MigrationAufenthalt/ZuwandererDrittstaaten/Migrathek/BlaueKarteEU/blauekarteeu-node.html#a_444446_0)
Best Regards,
VC
1. What you are CURRENTLY earning.
2. As soon as you earn at least 44,304 EUR. Until then, a residence permit for a qualified, skilled worker should do the job.
Hello,
I recently got a new Job and it starts from the 1st of August. I have been working with my old employer for more than 2 years now since February 2019.
In the beginning I got a work permit for one year ( Feb 2019 to Feb 2020). Then I renewed my work permit in Feb 2020 and I got it till Feb 2023. It says now in my work permit that after 2 years of employment, I can switch Jobs without any further formalities.
So, my question is that, does this 2 year rule count from the start of my old Job (from Feb 2019 , in which case its fine) or does it count from the issue date of my last renewed work permit which is Feb 2020( then 2 years are not yet completed :/ ).
I have been working since 2 years for sure, but the issue date on my work permit is only one year old as I renewed it last year.Can I still switch Jobs without any change in my work permit ??
I imagine you’ve sorted this by now, but for people who might be interested in the answer, it’s just 2 years of consistent employment during which your employer/s contributed to your social contributions (versicherungspflichtig), it doesn’t matter if you changed employers during that time. It’s regulated here.
Hi Kathleen,
Thank you so much for your detailed and helpful posts and responses.
After previously having a student Aufenthaltstitel, I now have a full-time position to which my new Aufenthaltstitel is tied. I am currently in the Probezeit. I have a few questions on which I would greatly appreciate your opinion.
1. If I were to receive a Kündigung during the Probezeit, I know I would not be eligible for unemployment benefits, so I would not need to register as “Arbeitssuchend” with the Agentur für Arbeit. Is that correct?
2. I would, however, need to notify the Ausländerbehörde as soon as possible, correct? If so, is that usually done over the phone, online, or in person? (I know with the pandemic it makes actually contacting the Ausländerbehörde much more difficult.)
3. Would I be able to ask the Ausländerbehörde for a short-term extension (3 or 6th month) in order to take care of matters and hopefully find another job? Or since I am still in the Probezeit, am I excluded from any job seeking benefits? I know on the Aufenthaltstitel application form there under “Purpose of stay” there is an option to check Arbeitsplatzsuche.
4. If I were to quit before I found a replacement job (again still within the Probezeit), I assume I wouldn’t be eligible to apply for an short term extension on my residency permit to search for a new job (like the Arbeitsplatzsuche Aufenthaltstitel I mentioned previously). Is this correct?
Thank you very much!
Sincerely,
Victoria
1. If I were to receive a Kündigung during the Probezeit, I know I would not be eligible for unemployment benefits, so I would not need to register as “Arbeitssuchend” with the Agentur für Arbeit. Is that correct?
That is correct, yes, but I would do it anyway just in case, because if you need access to any other sort of services (e.g. applying for ALGII (welfare) or trying to get a voucher for further training) it’s not a bad thing to have done first. But you’re right, you won’t be eligible for ALGI.
2. I would, however, need to notify the Ausländerbehörde as soon as possible, correct? If so, is that usually done over the phone, online, or in person? (I know with the pandemic it makes actually contacting the Ausländerbehörde much more difficult.)
Correct. I’d send them an email and in the email, I’d send a complete application for a job seeker’s permit, which will buy you 6 months.
3. Would I be able to ask the Ausländerbehörde for a short-term extension (3 or 6th month) in order to take care of matters and hopefully find another job? Or since I am still in the Probezeit, am I excluded from any job seeking benefits? I know on the Aufenthaltstitel application form there under “Purpose of stay” there is an option to check Arbeitsplatzsuche.
They’ll give you 6 months to find a job. It’s called a residence permit for qualified skilled workers seeking employment.
4. If I were to quit before I found a replacement job (again still within the Probezeit), I assume I wouldn’t be eligible to apply for an short term extension on my residency permit to search for a new job (like the Arbeitsplatzsuche Aufenthaltstitel I mentioned previously). Is this correct?
I’d still try to apply for the job seeker’s permit, even if you quit your job. You never know, there might be extenuating circumstances that justify your resignation that the foreigner’s office could consider.
Hi Kathleen,
Your posts are very informative and hoping to find my answers.
I am looking for information on PR which I am not able to find anywhere.
I finished my Masters from a German University in March, 2020 and started to work immediately from April, 2020 for six months. From October, 2020 I was unemployed and was receiving unemployment benefits until June, 2021. I staretd working again with the same company as before from July, 2021and my current contract ends in June, 2022. Hence, my current visa is valid only until July, 2022. My work contract is likely to be extended (again for a limited period or could also be unlimited – not sure yet).
I read that if you are graduated from a German University, then you could apply for a PR after 2 years of your graduation with B1 German Language certificate. My question is: I already have a B2 certificate. Since I will have to apply for the extension of my visa in the coming months, will I be eligible to apply for a PR (considering the fact that I received unemployment benefits) or should I go with Blue Card this time?
Thanks in advance!
You have to have been working in Germany for at least 2 years following your graduation. You’ve got a gap in there where you weren’t working. I’d go for the blue card this time around, but ask at your appointment to pinpoint the date on which you gain your eligibility for PR (assuming you still have the blue card job at that point and you’re not on probation and your contract is permanent by then). Then wait til that date and submit your application by email/post.
Hi Kathleen
Your post is very much informative and helpful and I hope that I can find my answers too
I was working for 2.5 years in Germany and my work contract ended on 24th December 2021. I applied for AGL1 and the ägentur für arbeit told me I am eligible to get this for one year. I submitted the certificate from the arbeitsamt to the Aulanderbehöde they gave me fiktionbeseinigung for 3 month and was paid AGL 1. Now they are giving me a job seeking visa for another 3 months with no work permit. Now arbeitsamt is saying that if you are not allowed to work how could we give to the benefits. Now I am feeling helpless and scared as the Arbeitsamt said they would stop paying health insurance etc. What should I do? Is there any way out? Please answer its really urgent.
Thanks in advance
This is hard. The Agentur für Arbeit needs to make sure you’re legally resident in Germany and that you’re able to work. If you’re not, this can hinder them from giving you unemployment benefits. The Ausländerbehörde is the place to go to sort this out.
Hello there,
I have quite the situation:
My employer laid me off due to operational reasons this past February.
My residence permit is tied to them and is valid till 2024.
I still hold this same residence permit.
I applied for unemployment benefits since I had been working for the company for longer than 2 years I was entitled to it.
The benefit got approved and I am entitled to payments till February 2023 (So 1y total, time to find a new job).
This with the above-mentioned residence permit.
Now, my “Berater” at Agentur für Arbeit did not mention anything about updating my residence permit, so I did not pay much attention to it. What should be done here? Would contacting Ausländerbehörde before getting a new job “hurt” my unemployment benefits?
Thanks in advance
It might “hurt” your unemployment benefits but it’s what you’re supposed to do – if any of your circumstances change and the change could affect your permit, you have to inform them. But you will be last on their priority list – send them an email saying you’ve lost your job and they’ll give you an appointment – probably months in the future – to discuss what happens next. Until then, you’re fine to stay and continue searching, receiving ALGI. Once you get to the appointment, you’ll get at least another 6 months as a job seeker if you are a degree holder. With the rate it will take them to process everything, you’ll probably have been able to use up the whole year’s worth of benefits by then.
Hello!
My full-time employment contract was recently terminated by my current employer during my probation period. I worked there for roughly 5.5 months, but I have been working in Germany for 3.5 years (including at 2 other companies with full-time employment, before the current one) and have been paying social contributions to the government for over 45 months continuously.
Will I be eligible for the financial unemployment benefits (arbeitlosgeld)? I have also immediately registered as a jobseeker, but will need financial aid to cover my living expenses during my unemployment and while looking for other jobs. I have also received a Kündigung from my employer, will I need any other documentation?
Thank you very much!
Hi SV, it’s all about what contributions you’ve made over the last few years. If you have worked 3.5 years in total over the last 3.5 years, you should be eligible to receive ALGI for 12 months. I imagine you’ve probably completed the process by now, but for anyone else: you need the termination letter, the details of your employment and education history for the last 5 years, and your employer also has to fill out a form. The process is mostly digital but still quite confusing. SV I hope it worked out!
Good morning
need some assistance please. I was issued with a Aufhebungsvertrag from my employer on the 12.10.22 (with a Freistellung untill the 31.10.22.)
I have passed this Aufhebungsvertrag onto my lawer who will inspect and negotiate on my behalf.
My question is do i need to visit the Argentur fur Arbeit and inform them of the situation or at this stage wait for further devlopments..
The date (at this stage) in my Aufhebungsvertrag is the 31.01.23/
many thanks
Yes, I would inform the Agentur für Arbeit of the situation regardless of whether you sign it or not – you’re supposed to register as “arbeitssuchend” within 3 days of receiving or giving written confirmation of the termination. Also, you should know that signing an Aufhebungsvertrag might influence the duration of the benefits you can receive. But I reckon your lawyer must have told you all of this by now.
Hi, thanks so much for providing such great support to the community here. I am Malaysian and graduated from a German University in 2019 and began working from January 2020. My work permit (not EU Blue Card) has recently been extended by 4 years and it says I am eligible to take take up a new job as I am not tied to Emmy employer anymore. I quit my Job and joined a nee Company but as my probation period slowly ends, I feel I made a bad decision and the work pressure is pushing me to think to quit my job. I’ve already applied for a PR last month (although I understand this can take a long time). Does quiting affect my residency/ can I quit and search for a new job? My residence permit expires 2026.
HI Aleesa, if you’re applying for permanent residency, then yes, quitting will affect this application. It could also affect your current residency in the meantime, because while you are not tied to a particular employer, your permit IS tied to you being employed on a full-time basis. If you were to find a new job with no gap, no problem for your current residency, but otherwise you’d have to inform LEA of your changed circumstances and ask for an appointment to get a permit to stay in Germany based on another reason. And if you did get a new job, the permanent residency might not go through until the probation period ends. This is tricky and happens a lot at the worst possible time!