Use Case
Employer change & visa conversion in Germany
Hiring someone who is already in Germany — on a Blue Card, student visa, job seeker visa, or ICT Card? The rules for changing employers or converting a residence permit depend on the visa type, how long the employee has held it, and the new position. relokate manages the full process with the Ausländerbehörde.
12 months
Blue Card free-switch threshold
2–8 weeks
Typical processing time
€50,700
Blue Card salary threshold 2026
18 months
Post-study job search window
Common employer-change scenarios
Each scenario has different rules, timelines, and authority requirements.
Blue Card employer change (first 12 months)
During the first 12 months, EU Blue Card holders need written approval from the Ausländerbehörde before starting with a new employer. The new employer must meet the Blue Card salary threshold (€50,700 or €45,934 for shortage occupations in 2026). relokate files the approval application and coordinates with the authority.
Blue Card employer change (after 12 months)
After 12 months, Blue Card holders can switch employers freely. They only need to notify the Ausländerbehörde of the change. relokate handles the notification and ensures the electronic residence permit (eAT) is updated.
Student visa → EU Blue Card or work permit (§16b → §18g/§18b)
Graduates with a student residence permit (§16b) or post-study job search visa (§20) can convert to an EU Blue Card (§18g) or a skilled worker visa (§18b) once they have a qualifying job offer. The EU Blue Card requires a minimum salary of €50,700 (or €45,934 for shortage occupations) — use the relokate Blue Card salary calculator to check eligibility. If the salary is below the Blue Card threshold, the skilled worker visa (§18b) is the alternative route, provided the degree is recognized. The candidate can continue residing in Germany during processing. relokate manages the full conversion at the Ausländerbehörde, including via the BIS partnership in Berlin.
Job seeker visa → Work permit or Blue Card (§20 → §18b/§18g)
Candidates in Germany on a job seeker visa (§20) or Chancenkarte (§20a) can convert to a skilled worker visa (§18b) or EU Blue Card (§18g) once they secure qualifying employment. The choice depends on salary level and qualifications — the Blue Card salary calculator helps determine the best route. relokate handles the application, ensuring no gap in residence status.
Skilled worker visa employer change (§18a/§18b)
Skilled worker visa holders changing employers need approval from both the Ausländerbehörde and the Federal Employment Agency (Bundesagentur für Arbeit). The new position must match the recognized qualification. relokate coordinates with both authorities.
ICT Card transfer to local contract
Employees on an ICT Card (§19) transferring to a local employment contract need to apply for a new residence permit (Blue Card or §18b). relokate manages the transition to ensure continuity.
How relokate manages the employer-change process
Step 1
Case assessment
We evaluate the current visa type, duration, and the new position to determine the exact process, timeline, and requirements.
Step 2
Document preparation
We prepare the complete application package — employment contract review, qualification matching, salary threshold verification, and all required forms.
Step 3
Authority submission
We submit directly to the Ausländerbehörde. In Berlin, we use our BIS partnership for dedicated appointments. We coordinate with the Federal Employment Agency where required.
Step 4
Monitoring & completion
We track the case through to approval, manage any authority queries, and ensure the electronic residence permit (eAT) is updated with the new employer.
In Practice
Real-world employer changes handled by relokate
Student visa → Blue Card
relokate regularly converts student residence permits (§16b) to EU Blue Cards for fast-growing companies like Flink. The process includes eligibility verification, salary threshold check, document preparation, and Ausländerbehörde coordination — ensuring the candidate can continue working without interruption.
Read Flink case study →International professors → Berlin
CODE University needed to relocate international professors with various visa types — from researcher visas (§18d) to Blue Cards. relokate handled all conversions and new applications, with 100% of professors starting on time for the semester.
Read CODE University case study →Employer changes by city & related tools
Processing times and procedures vary by Ausländerbehörde.
Employer change in Berlin
BIS partnership for dedicated English-language appointments at the LEA
Employer change in Munich
KVR processing typically 2–4 weeks for employer-change notifications
Blue Card salary calculator
Check if the salary qualifies for a Blue Card or requires the §18b route
Student to Blue Card guide
Step-by-step §16b to §18g/§18b conversion process
Frequently asked questions — Employer change in Germany
Can my employee start working for us before the employer change is approved?
For Blue Card holders in the first 12 months: no — the employee must wait for written approval from the Ausländerbehörde before starting. After 12 months: yes — they can start immediately and notify afterwards. For other visa types: it depends on the specific permit conditions. relokate advises on the exact rules for each case.
What happens if the employer change is denied?
Denials are rare when applications are properly prepared. Common reasons include: the new position doesn't match the qualification, the salary is below the threshold, or documentation is incomplete. relokate's pre-submission review catches these issues before filing. If a denial occurs, we advise on alternatives including appeal options.
Can we hire someone who is currently on a student visa?
Yes. Students with a §16b permit can work up to 140 full days or 280 half days per year. Once they graduate, they can convert to a Blue Card or work permit with a qualifying job offer. The salary must meet the applicable threshold. Graduates have up to 18 months on a post-study job search visa (§20) to find qualifying employment.
Does the Beschleunigtes Fachkräfteverfahren apply to employer changes?
No — the fast-track procedure (§81a AufenthG) applies only to employees who are still abroad and need to enter Germany for the first time. It accelerates the visa process by running Ausländerbehörde, Federal Employment Agency, and embassy steps in parallel. For employer changes within Germany (where the employee already holds a residence permit), the process goes directly through the Ausländerbehörde — typically 2–4 weeks for Blue Card holders and 4–6 weeks for skilled worker visa holders. In Berlin, relokate's BIS partnership provides dedicated access for faster processing of in-country changes.
What documents are needed for a Blue Card employer change?
Typically: the new employment contract, proof that the salary meets the Blue Card threshold, the employee's current residence permit, passport, degree certificate (with ZAB recognition if applicable), and a completed application form. relokate prepares the complete document package and handles the submission.
Legal Disclaimer: The information provided here is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration rules change frequently — relokate partners with specialized attorneys for case-specific legal questions.
Hiring someone already in Germany?
relokate handles the employer change, visa conversion, and Ausländerbehörde process — so your new hire can start on time.
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