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Can You Change Jobs in Germany After Getting a Work Permit?

Kritika Pandey Kritika Pandey

4 min read

Updated On

Switching jobs in Germany seems tough when working on a German work permit. But you can change jobs after getting one. Scroll through to learn how to change jobs in Germany after getting a work permit.

Can You Change Jobs in Germany After Getting a Work Permit?

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change jobs in Germany before 12 months on an EU Blue Card?

The official period to change jobs with an EU Blue Card is after 12 months, but you can easily change jobs in Germany before 12 months on an EU Blue Card. Before doing that, you must notify the local immigration authority (Ausländerbehörde) in advance for approval.

What happens to my work permit if I lose my job in Germany?

If you lose your job in Germany, you must notify the Ausländerbehörde (Foreigners' Office), as they will grant you a grace period of 3-12 months to find a new job. In the process, the German government doesn’t snatch away your residence permit, but it may be shortened.

What happens if you change jobs in Germany on a skilled worker visa?

If you change jobs in Germany on a skilled worker visa, you should apply and update your skilled worker or Tier 2 work visa. If you want to change your job and your new job is with a different employer. Your job changes to a different occupation code, and you're not in a graduate training programme.

Can I transfer my German work permit to another company?

Yes, you can transfer a German work permit to a new employer, but note that the transfer is not simple. It generally requires the new employer to submit a new application, which may involve cancelling your current permit or applying for a new one before you can legally start working for them.

How long is a work permit valid for in Germany?

Work permits (residence permits for employment) in Germany are generally valid for the duration of the employment contract plus three months, with a maximum initial duration of four years for qualified professionals.

How to change employers in Germany with a Blue Card?

Changing employers with an EU Blue Card in Germany is permitted, with regulations depending on how long you have held it. In the first 12 months, you must notify the Foreigners' Authority (Ausländerbehörde) to approve the change, while after 12 months, you can change jobs but must still inform them.
Kritika Pandey

Kritika Pandey

Content Writer

Kritika Pandey is a writer and marketing enthusiast with a knack for storytelling and a love for all things creative. Her journey has taken her through diverse internships in content writing, SEO, and digital marketing, shaping her expertise along the way. A true cinephile, she’s especially drawn to Indian parallel cinema, and when it comes to books, her taste is all over the place—from autobiographies and history to food culture and politics. When she’s not working, you’ll likely find Kritika lost in a bookstore, catching a theatre performance, or curled up with a cup of tea and a good podcast. She’s a trained Kathak dancer, has dabbled in lawn tennis and the ukulele, and swears by yoga to keep her mind and body in sync.

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