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§16d AufenthG

Anerkennungspartnerschaft

Recognition Partnership (Anerkennungspartnerschaft)

Das Wichtigste für Arbeitgeber

Die Anerkennungspartnerschaft (§16d) ist ein 2024 eingeführter neuer Weg, der es Fachkräften ermöglicht, nach Deutschland zu kommen und zu arbeiten, während ihre Berufsqualifikation anerkannt wird. Dies beseitigt den größten Engpass bei der Fachkräfteeinwanderung — das monatelange Anerkennungsverfahren.

Übliche Dauer: 2-4 months to entry, then 6-18 months for recognition completion

Das Gesetz, vereinfacht

§16d AufenthG schafft die Anerkennungspartnerschaft — einen 2024 eingeführten Weg, der es Drittstaatsangehörigen ermöglicht, nach Deutschland einzureisen und sofort zu arbeiten, während die Anerkennung ihrer beruflichen Qualifikation noch läuft. Arbeitgeber und Arbeitnehmer unterzeichnen eine Vereinbarung zur Durchführung des Anerkennungsverfahrens.

Ihre Pflichten als Arbeitgeber

  • 1Sign a recognition partnership agreement (Anerkennungspartnerschaftsvereinbarung) with the employee
  • 2Commit to supporting the employee through the recognition process (time off for courses, exams, etc.)
  • 3Employ the worker in a position related to their qualification during the recognition process
  • 4Pay a salary appropriate to the qualification level being recognised
  • 5Cooperate with the recognition authority and meet agreed timelines

Prozessschritte — wer macht was

1

Qualification assessment

relokate

Assess the candidate's qualification and identify the competent German recognition authority. Determine what adaptation measures may be needed.

2

Recognition partnership agreement

Arbeitgeber

Employer and candidate sign the recognition partnership agreement, committing to the recognition timeline and mutual obligations.

3

Visa application

Kandidat

Apply at the German embassy with the signed partnership agreement and employment contract. Faster processing than standard recognition route.

4

Entry and work start

Kandidat

Enter Germany, register address, start working in the qualified position while the recognition process runs in parallel.

5

Complete recognition measures

relokate

Complete any required adaptation measures (courses, exams, practical assessments) while working. The employer provides time and support.

6

Permit conversion

relokate

Once full recognition is granted, convert the §16d permit to a regular §18a or §18b skilled worker permit at the Ausländerbehörde.

ArbeitgeberKandidatBehörderelokate

Häufige Fehler

Recognition failure: If the candidate fails to achieve recognition within the agreed timeframe, they may need to leave Germany — set realistic timelines
Language barrier: Even at A2, the candidate may struggle with recognition exams in German — build in language support
Employer commitment: The employer must genuinely support the process — companies that treat it as a way to get cheap labour risk the permit being revoked
Regulated professions: For nursing, medicine, and engineering, additional state-level approvals may be needed alongside the recognition

Häufig gestellte Fragen

What is a recognition partnership (Anerkennungspartnerschaft)?

A recognition partnership is a new immigration pathway introduced in March 2024. It allows skilled workers to come to Germany and start working immediately while their professional qualification is being formally recognised. The employer, employee, and recognition authority agree on a plan and timeline for completing the recognition process.

Can the worker be employed full-time during the recognition process?

Yes. The worker can be employed full-time in a position related to their qualification from day one. They must be given adequate time for any required qualification measures (language courses, exams, practical training).

Verwandte Visa-Typen

Verwandte Glossar-Begriffe

relokate übernimmt den Anerkennungspartnerschaft-Prozess für Ihr Team

Von der Dokumentensammlung bis zur Behördeneinreichung — wir managen den gesamten §16d AufenthG-Prozess, damit sich Ihr HR-Team auf das Onboarding konzentrieren kann.

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Volkswagen
Henkel
Marquardt
Flink
KoRo
Netlight
CODE University
Medwing
Feather Insurance
Handtmann
Lano