§19c Abs. 2 AufenthG i.V.m. §6 BeschV

Experience-Based Work Permit (Berufserfahrung)

Beschäftigung mit Berufserfahrung

What employers need to know

The §19c/§6 BeschV pathway allows non-EU professionals with at least 2 years of relevant experience and a state-recognised qualification from their home country to work in Germany — even without formal German recognition of their degree. This is one of the most flexible pathways introduced by the 2024 reform.

Salary threshold (2026): €41,040 gross/year (2026)

Typical timeline: 8-14 weeks from application to work start

The law, simplified

Section 19c paragraph 2 AufenthG, combined with §6 of the Beschäftigungsverordnung (Employment Regulation), allows non-EU nationals to work in Germany based on their professional experience. Requirements: at least 2 years of relevant professional experience in the last 5 years, a state-recognised vocational or university qualification from their home country (does not need to be recognised in Germany), and a minimum gross annual salary of €41,040 (2026, adjusted annually at 45% of the contribution ceiling). No German recognition process is required — just proof that the home-country qualification is state-recognised. The Bundesagentur für Arbeit checks working conditions.

Your obligations as employer

1Provide an employment contract with a minimum salary of €41,040 gross/year (2026)
2The position must match the candidate's professional experience and qualification field
3Ensure working conditions are equivalent to those of comparable German employees
4Complete employer declaration for the Bundesagentur working conditions check

Candidate requirements

✓At least 2 years of relevant professional experience in the last 5 years
✓A state-recognised vocational or university qualification from their home country (no German recognition required)
✓Job offer meeting the minimum salary threshold (€41,040 in 2026)
✓Valid passport and health insurance

Required documents

From the employer

■Employment contract meeting salary threshold
■Job description showing relevance to experience and qualification
■Employer declaration (Erklärung zum Beschäftigungsverhältnis)

From the candidate

■Valid passport
■Biometric photos
■Professional qualification certificate from home country with apostille and certified translation
■Proof that the qualification is state-recognised in the home country
■Proof of 2+ years relevant professional experience (employment references, contracts)
■Employment contract meeting salary threshold
■Health insurance proof

Process steps — who does what

Verify home-country qualification

relokate

Confirm that the candidate's qualification is state-recognised in their home country. No German recognition (anabin/ZAB) is needed — just proof of state recognition at home.

Document professional experience

Candidate

Gather proof of at least 2 years of relevant experience in the last 5 years: employment references, contracts, payslips.

Employment contract

Employer

The employer provides a contract meeting the €41,040 salary threshold in a field matching the candidate's experience.

Visa application

Candidate

Apply at the German embassy. The Bundesagentur conducts a working conditions check as part of the process.

Entry and permit

relokate

Enter Germany, register address, apply for residence permit at Ausländerbehörde.

EmployerCandidateAuthorityrelokate

Common pitfalls

Experience gap: The 2 years of experience must be within the last 5 years — older experience alone does not count

State recognition proof: The candidate must prove their qualification is state-recognised at home. Self-certified or private-institution qualifications may not qualify

Salary below threshold: The threshold is lower than the Blue Card but still above many entry-level positions

Field mismatch: The job must be in a field related to both the qualification and the professional experience — unrelated positions will be rejected

Frequently asked questions

Do I need German recognition of my qualification for the §19c/§6 BeschV route?

No. This is the key advantage of this pathway. You only need to prove that your qualification is state-recognised in your home country. No anabin check, no ZAB assessment, no German recognition process required.

What is the salary threshold for the experience-based permit?

The minimum salary is €41,040 gross per year (2026). This is set at 45% of the annual contribution ceiling for pension insurance and is adjusted annually.