LAT-Projekte – First steps

Legal matters

What does my residence status mean?

Persons who have applied for asylum in Germany are generally granted a residence permit until the asylum procedure has been finalised. The residence permit is usually still valid if an appeal is lodged against the decision in the asylum procedure. You can find further information at: https://www.asyl.net/themen/aufenthaltsrecht/sonstiger-aufenthalt/aufenthaltsgestattung/

A tolerated stay permit is issued if your asylum application has been rejected but deportation is currently not possible. You can find further information at

https://www.asyl.net/themen/aufenthaltsrecht/sonstiger-aufenthalt/duldung/Thema
https://ibs-thueringen.de/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/2023-Duldung-Arbeit-Aufenthalt.pdf

This explains what a tolerated stay is and in which cases a tolerated stay is granted. The brochure also contains information on access to education and the labour market with tolerated stay.

If you have a tolerated stay permit (Ausbildungsduldung), you may stay in Germany for as long as your training programme lasts. After that, you have 6 months to look for a job.

https://handbookgermany.de/de/ausbildungsduldung

Since March 2024, it has also been possible to obtain a residence permit for vocational training under certain conditions.

https://handbookgermany.de/de/vocational-training-residence

A residence permit is issued if your asylum application has been approved. A work permit is then usually also issued. You can find an overview of the various residence permit regulations at:https://www.ibs-thueringen.de/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Duldung-Arbeit-Aufenthalt.pdf

https://www.ibs-thueringen.de/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Duldung-Arbeit-Aufenthalt.pdf

Am I allowed to work in Germany?

Whether you are allowed to work in Germany depends on your residence permit. If you are still in the asylum procedure with a residence permit or have a tolerated stay permit, you are not allowed to work for the first three months. If you no longer have to live in the reception centre after these three months, you are allowed to look for work. However, you will need a permit from the foreigners authority. Seek support if you would like to take up work.

Local support from the LAT projects

https://ibs-thueringen.de/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/20240405_Broschuere_Arbeitsmarktzugang_WIR_AG_Aufenthaltsverfestigung_hs_F_2.0_PDF.pdf

What is a work ban?

People from so-called safe countries of origin are prohibited from working during the asylum procedure. Even if you have a residence permit according to §60b (tolerated stay for persons with unclear identity), you are not allowed to work.

https://www.bamf.de/DE/Themen/AsylFluechtlingsschutz/Sonderverfahren/SichereHerkunftsstaaten/sichereherkunftsstaaten-node.html

https://bleiberechtstattabschiebung.de/deinerechte/60b/

Do I need a permit from the foreigners authority to be allowed to work?

Yes, if you have a residence permit or a tolerated stay permit, the foreigners authority must approve the work. You must submit an application for this. The few exceptions include work shadowing, most school internships and voluntary work.

How do I apply for a work permit?

If you would like to start training or work and have a tolerated stay permit or permit, you will need a permit from the Foreigners' Registration Office. Once you have found a company, it must complete a "Declaration of employment". This will then be checked by the foreigners authority. The Federal Employment Agency often also has to give its approval, so this can take a few weeks. So apply for the work permit as early as possible!

Can I work in another city?

Maybe. If you are subject to a residence requirement, you are not allowed to live in another city. If you have a residence obligation, you are not allowed to leave the district. If you then wish to work and live in another city, the foreigners authority must give its consent. The regulations regarding accommodation, place of residence and relocation are very complicated. Seek support from a LAT project. The requirements for relocation are explained in the BLEIBdran work aid. Here you will also find links to the various application forms.

https://www.ibs-thueringen.de/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Residenzpflicht_Wohnsitzauflage_Wohnsitzregelung.pdf

Conclusion

Do you have further questions about asylum and residence law? You can get advice from the Thuringia Refugee Council or from our local LAT projects.

What career path is open to me?

What can I do for a living? Which professions are open to me?

In Germany, you need certificates for many jobs. Perhaps you have already obtained certificates in your life? Let us advise you. But there are also professions for which no qualification is required. These are so-called helper occupations.

Who will help me find my career path?

Vocational counselling can help here. Career counselling can provide you with support on the following topics:

vocational orientation
Placement in language courses
Searching for an internship
Searching for a qualification
Job search and taking up employment
Searching for an apprenticeship, school or university place

Our LAT projects all offer vocational counselling: LAT projects - contact persons in Thuringia

How important is a school-leaving qualification?

If you have a school-leaving qualification, you have a good chance of getting a job. There are these school-leaving qualifications in Germany:

Haupt-Schulabschluss
Real school-leaving certificate
Fach-Hochschulreife
Abitur
Vocational school-leaving certificate
Specialised school-leaving certificate

With a Hauptschulabschluss or Realschulabschluss, you can do an apprenticeship. With the Abitur, you can study at a university.

For some training programmes, you need a Realschulabschluss. For example, if you want to become a carer or nursery school teacher. However, there are also training programmes for which you do not need a school-leaving certificate.

https://bildung.thueringen.de/schule/schularten

https://www.arbeitsagentur.de/bildung/schule/wege-nach-schulabschluss

How do I have my school certificate recognised?

Do you have a school-leaving qualification from another country?
And you live in Thuringia?

Then the Thuringian Ministry of Education, Science and Culture (TMBWK) will decide whether your school-leaving qualification is equivalent to a German school-leaving qualification.

You must submit an application to the Ministry for recognition.

The staff at specialised counselling centres will help you to submit your application to a recognition body. There are three counselling centres in Thuringia. Which advice centre you can contact depends on where you live.

Central Thuringia: https://ibs-thueringen.de/projekt/anerkennungs-und-qualifizierungsberatung-schule-und-beruf/
North: https://www.bwtw.de/themenbereiche/migration-und-integration/anerkennungsberatung-schule-und-beruf
East: https://www.bwtw.de/themenbereiche/migration-und-integration/anerkennungsberatung-schule-und-beruf

https://bildung.thueringen.de/schule/migration/anerkennung-schulabschluss#:~:text=F%C3%BCr%20Inhaberinnen%20und%20Inhaber%20ausl%C3%A4ndischer%20Schulabschl%C3%BCsse%20mit%20Wohnsitz

https://www.bwtw.de/themenbereiche/migration-und-integration/anerkennungsberatung-schule-und-beruf#:~:text=Wir%20helfen%20Ihnen,%20Ihr%20Zeugnis%20anerkennen%20zu%20lassen

https://bildung.thueringen.de/schule/migration/anerkennung-schulabschluss#:~:text=F%C3%BCr%20Inhaberinnen%20und%20Inhaber%20ausl%C3%A4ndischer%20Schulabschl%C3%BCsse%20mit%20Wohnsitz

Where can I find a counselling centre for the recognition of my school-leaving certificate?

Do you live in Erfurt, Sömmerda, Weimar, Weimarer Land, Ilm-Kreis, Gotha, Suhl and Schmalkalden-Meiningen?

Then you can request an appointment for counselling here:

Institute for Vocational Training and Social Management gGmbH
Wallstraße 18
99084 Erfurt

schulzeugnis@ibs-thueringen.de

Do you live in Jena, Saale-Holzland-Kreis, Saale-Orla-Kreis, Gera, Greiz, Altenburger Land, Hildburghausen, Sonneberg? Then you can enquire about an appointment here:

Bildungswerk der Thüringer Wirtschaft e. V.
Steinweg 24
07743 Jena

Telephone: 03641 63 75 95
schulzeugnis@bwtw.de

Do you live in Unstrut-Hainich-Kreis, Eichsfeld, Nordhausen, Kyffhäuserkreis, Saalfeld-Rudolstadt, Eisenach, Wartburgkreis? Then you can enquire about an appointment here:

Bildungswerk der Thüringer Wirtschaft e. V.
Bahnhofstraße 1
99974 Mühlhausen

Telephone: 03601 40 30 72
schulabschluss@bwtw.de

Recognition and qualification counselling - school and work - Institut für Berufsbildung und Sozialmanagement gemeinnützige GmbH (ibs-thueringen.de)

https://www.bwtw.de/themenbereiche/migration-und-integration/anerkennungsberatung-schule-und-beruf#:~:text=Wir%20helfen%20Ihnen,%20Ihr%20Zeugnis%20anerkennen%20zu%20lassen.

How can I catch up on my school-leaving qualifications?

If you do not have a school-leaving qualification or cannot provide proof of your qualification, you can obtain a school-leaving qualification in Thuringia.
You can obtain a Hauptschulabschluss or Realschulabschluss at an adult education centre or a vocational school, for example.

You can catch up on your Abitur in Thuringia at a vocational school or college.
To do this, you must be at least 19 years old and have completed an apprenticeship.
In Thuringia, you can do the Abitur at the Thüringenkolleg Weimar, for example.

If you are an adult, you can no longer attend a general school. But you can still obtain a school-leaving certificate.
There are evening schools, vocational schools and colleges for this.

If you are working and want to catch up on your school-leaving qualifications, you can also do this by distance learning. There are special courses for this. This allows you to work and study at the same time.

How do I have my professional qualification recognised?

If you have a professional qualification from another country, you can apply for recognition of this professional qualification in Germany. Professional recognition does not depend on your residence status or nationality.

You need certain documents for recognition, e.g. a professional diploma or university degree.
Sometimes you have to prove that you are good at a profession.
This is the case if you want to work in a particular profession.
For example as a nurse or educator.
Then you need recognition. This is a document that states that you are good at your profession.

You do not need this recognition for other professions.
For example, if you want to repair cars. Or if you want to work in an office.
But the recognition is still good. Because you can use it to show that you are good at your job. This will help you when you apply for a job, for example.
Or if you want to earn more money.

If you don't have these documents and have learnt a profession, you can show what you can do in other ways.
There are various options.
For example, you can do a skills analysis. Or you can do an adaptation qualification. Another option is a knowledge test.
This is a test that shows whether you have the knowledge for your profession.

Seek advice on whether you need recognition and how to apply for it.

Central Thuringia: https://ibs-thueringen.de/projekt/iq-informations-und-beratungsstelle-anerkennung-und-qualifizierung-thueringen-mitte-iba-thueringen-mitte/

Southwest Thuringia: https://s-b-h.de/bildungsangebot/produkte/informations-und-beratungsstelle-anerkennung-thueringen-sued

East Thuringia: LAT projects - IBAT Ost - Recognition and qualification counselling for Eastern Thuringia (Jena)

Northern Thuringia: LAT projects - IBAT North - Recognition and qualification counselling for Northern Thuringia

What is an adaptation qualification?

These are special courses. You must attend these courses if you have a vocational qualification but it is not fully recognised in Germany. There are counselling centres that can help you find an adaptation qualification for your profession.

There are three counselling centres in Thuringia. Which advice centre you can contact depends on where you live.

https://www.anerkennung-in-deutschland.de/html/de/pro/moeglichkeiten-qualifizierung.php#:~:text=Mit%20einer%20Anpassungsqualifizierung%20kann%20die%20volle%20Gleichwertigkeit%20erreicht

How do I become self-employed in Germany?

LAT projects are not the right contacts, please contact the Federal Employment Agency.

Where do I start my career?

If you would like to work in Germany, there are various ways to get started. You can try out professions through an internship or an entry-level qualification. If you know what you want to do, you can also do an apprenticeship. There are also various programmes for refugees to make it easier for them to start training or to catch up on their school-leaving qualifications.

What is an internship?

During an internship, you work in a company or organisation for a limited period of time. This allows you to demonstrate, improve or relearn previously acquired knowledge and skills. You will find out which work processes are associated with a particular professional activity and whether the work matches your skills and interests. If you are looking for an internship, you are welcome to contact an LAT project. The LAT project staff will advise you and support you in your search. They also know in which cases an internship must be registered with the immigration authorities.

What is an entry-level qualification?

An introductory qualification (EQ) is a paid long-term internship in a company. An EQ is usually completed in preparation for an apprenticeship. During an EQ, you will be specifically introduced to the future training content and familiarise yourself with everyday life in the company. An EQ lasts between 4 and 12 months. During this time, you will be employed and subject to social security contributions. At the end, you will receive a company certificate and, on request, a certificate from the relevant chamber (e.g. IHK, HWK). If you are interested in an EQ programme, please contact a LAT project in your area.

What is an apprenticeship?

There are various ways to learn a profession in Germany. One of these is an apprenticeship. Theoretical and practical knowledge is taught here. You learn everything you need to know about your chosen profession right from the start. After the apprenticeship, you will receive a certificate of completion.

In Germany, you need an apprenticeship for many professions and your salary will also be higher if you start in a suitable profession after your apprenticeship. In school-based training, theory and practice are taught in vocational schools. You only actually work in a company during the so-called internship phases. School-based training can last between one and three years, depending on the training occupation. Examples of school-based training programmes: Nursing assistant, office administrator, media designer, educator.

In the dual training programme, theory is taught at a vocational school. The practical activities are learnt directly in a company. The dual training programme is very popular with companies because important experience in everyday working life is already gained during the training. A dual training programme usually lasts between two and three years. Examples of dual training programmes: Hairdresser, draughtsman, painter, food technician, beautician, baker.

What do I do if I am not yet ready for an apprenticeship?

The vocational preparation year (BVJ) is aimed at people who are still subject to full-time compulsory schooling and would like to orientate themselves professionally. As part of the BVJ, it is possible to obtain a qualification equivalent to the Hauptschulabschluss. The BVJ takes place at vocational schools (vocational schools).

The Vocational Preparation Year - Language (BVJ-S) can be attended before the BVJ. The BVJ-S can be used to compensate for language and technical support needs. This facilitates the transition to the BVJ. The BVJ-S also takes place at a vocational school. In Thuringia, there are other options for obtaining a school-leaving certificate and basic vocational training via the state programme Start Bildung, the employment agencies or job centres or via special projects.

How can I study at a university in Germany?

Do you have a degree that allows you to study at a university?
If you have a degree from another country, the university itself will decide whether your degree is sufficient.

You can apply directly to the university with your certificate.
All universities have an office for students from abroad. You can ask there what you need for an application.

https://www.deutschland.de/de/studieren-in-deutschland#:~:text=Euer%20Guide%20zum%20Studium%20in%20Deutschland.%20Welche%20Uni

Why do I need further training or a short qualification?

If you already have experience in a job, you can deepen your knowledge with further training or a short qualification. You can also acquire new skills in your profession. You usually do further training if you already have a job. This improves your chances of promotion. You will receive a certificate after completing further training or a short qualification.

https://www.ihk.de/weiterbildung

Can I get help if my salary is very low?

Have you found a training place or a job, but only earn very little money? In Germany, you can "top up" your salary if it is below the minimum subsistence level. You can also receive support with your rent or apply for a vocational training allowance. Seek advice from your social welfare office.

What happens if I fall ill, want to take holiday or am made redundant?

There are extensive rights for employees in Germany. If you are ill, you will continue to receive your salary. You are entitled to holidays and you also have rights in the event of dismissal. Discrimination in the workplace is prohibited in Germany. You can get help in such a case. For further information or counselling, please contact Fair Integration

https://www.dgb-bwt.de/projekte/faire-integration/

How do I learn German?

There are special language courses for foreigners in Germany

Integration courses are language courses for all those who are new to Germany and want to learn German.

The integration course has two parts. A language course and an orientation course.

In the language course you learn German. At the end of this course you take a test. If you pass the test, you will receive a certificate.
In the orientation course you will learn more about Germany. For example, you will learn which rules apply in Germany and important things about the culture in Germany.

BAMF - Federal Office for Migration and Refugees - Integration courses
https://bamf-navi.bamf.de/de/Themen/Integrationskurse/

In the literacy course you will learn the Latin alphabet.

At the same time, you will also learn the German language in this course. This means that you will learn how to speak and write in German.

At the end of this course you will take a test. If you pass the test, you will receive an A2 level certificate.

https://www.bamf.de/DE/Themen/Integration/ZugewanderteTeilnehmende/Integrationskurse/SpezielleKursarten/Alphabetisierung/alphabetisierung-node.html

In the professional language courses you will learn words that you need for your job.
In the courses you will also learn how to work in Germany. At the end of the course you will take a test. If you pass the test, you will receive a certificate.

https://www.bamf.de/DE/Themen/Integration/ZugewanderteTeilnehmende/DeutschBeruf/deutsch-beruf.html

In a second language course you will learn the Latin script. This will help you not only to understand German, but also to read and write it. You will also learn a lot about life in Germany. How the healthcare system works, what traditions there are, how democracy works in Germany and much more.

https://www.bamf.de/DE/Themen/Integration/ZugewanderteTeilnehmende/Integrationskurse/SpezielleKursarten/Zweitschrift/zweitschrift-node.html

The Start Deutsch state programme offers German language courses at various language levels throughout Thuringia. In addition, individual "Work and Language Acquisition" pilot projects are being carried out. If you have to wait a long time for an integration course, it is worth attending a "Start Deutsch" course. You can find information on the Start Deutsch state programme here: https://www.vhs-th.de/start-deutsch/

The "Start Bildung" qualification programme is intended for young adults aged between 18 and 35 who are no longer subject to compulsory schooling and do not have sufficient language and technical skills to obtain a school-leaving certificate or start an apprenticeship. The course lasts 11 months. Afterwards you can, for example, catch up on a school-leaving qualification or start a dual training programme.
German language skills at level A2 are a prerequisite for participation in the "Start Bildung" course. https://www.vhs-th.de/projekte/aktuelle-projekte/start-bildung

First steps on the path to work and training

Legal matters

What career path is open to me?

Where do I start my career?