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Recognition Partnership Permit (S16d AufenthG)

Residence permit allowing non-EU nationals to enter Germany and complete the professional-qualification recognition process while already working.

Estimated Cost

$600

Processing Time

~3 months

Validity

36 months

Description

The Recognition Partnership (Anerkennungspartnerschaft) was introduced in 2024 to speed up skilled immigration. It allows a non-EU national who has a foreign vocational or university qualification that is not yet fully recognised in Germany to enter the country, start working immediately, and complete the recognition procedure in parallel. The employer, employee, and recognition authority enter a binding agreement. The initial permit is valid for up to 3 years.

Official informationLast updated: 2026-03-01

Timeline

Processing Time
1 months – 4 months

Average: 3 months

Visa Validity
3 years

Path to Residency

Path to Citizenship

~6 years

Requirements

Cost Breakdown

FeeAmountType
Estimated Total$600