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Change of employer for foreigners
All information on the requirements and procedures for changing employers.
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apply for a change of employer as a foreigner
Requirements for changing employers as a foreigner
Procedure for changing employers at the immigration office
Common problems and pitfalls when changing employers
1. Change of employer for foreigners
2. Process of changing employers
3. Accelerating the change of employer
4. Special cases when changing employers at the immigration office
5. FAQ on changing employers with a work visa
6. Conclusion on changing employers with a work visa
3. Accelerating the change of employer
Changing employers is often a time-critical process . A quick change of employer is often crucial to avoid any potential employment gaps. A complete and accurate compilation of all required documents is the most important factor in avoiding delays. It is recommended to prepare all documents, such as employment contracts, proof of qualifications, and any necessary consent forms, well in advance.
1. Change of employer for foreigners
Changing employers during the term of a work visa in Germany is often necessary when new career opportunities arise or the employment relationship ends . Certain legal requirements must be observed to avoid jeopardizing legal residency. Anyone wishing to change employers should gather information early on to meet deadlines and avoid potential problems. Careful preparation saves time and reduces the risk of delays. This can be quite relevant, as employers sometimes lose interest if the change of employer takes too long.
In principle, a work visa allows you to change employers, but only with the permission of the responsible immigration authorities . This is because most residence permits for work are subject to a so-called “ employer restriction ” (see Section 4a, Paragraph 2, Sentence 2 of the Residence Act ). This means that the work visa only permits work for a specific employer in a specific job (“ employment permitted with … as … ”). If you then want to change employers, you must obtain permission from the immigration authorities. Please note: Approval from the Federal Employment Agency is not sufficient for a change of employer , as it has no external legal effect. Approval from the Federal Employment Agency is only approval within the authority and not an administrative act in its own right. The new employer restriction must therefore be included in the residence permit by the immigration authorities; only then is the new job permitted.
4. Special cases when changing employers at the immigration office
In certain situations , special rules apply when changing employers . This applies, for example, to persons with an EU Blue Card . Holders of an EU Blue Card only need to inform the immigration authorities of the change of employer during the first year (see Section 18g Paragraph 4 of the Residence Act). After the first year, foreign nationals with an EU Blue Card may change employers at will and without permission, as long as the salary limit of the Blue Card and the so-calledqualification link are also met with the new employer.
All residence permits that are not tied to an employer (e.g., settlement permits and family reunification ) do not require permission to change employers . Therefore, if your residence permit allows you to work without restrictions (e.g., only " employment permitted " or " gainful employment permitted "), you may change employers without permission. For special residence permits, such as residence for training purposes (Section 16a of the Residence Act) or for temporary projects, additional requirements may apply. Individual counseling is particularly important in these cases to avoid legal pitfalls and not jeopardize your residency.
5. FAQ on changing employers with a work visa
Which residence permits require permission to change employers?
All residence permits that are tied to an employer require permission from the immigration authorities to change employers.
Which residence permits do not require permission to change employers?
All residence permits without employer ties (usually outside of Sections 18 ff. of the Residence Act, e.g. family reunification and settlement permits) usually do not require permission to change employers.
How does changing employers work?
At most government agencies, you can apply for a change of employer online using the contact form. The relevant forms must then be submitted there.
How long does it take to get permission to change employers?
Processing time varies depending on the authority, but is usually between two and eight weeks. If the permit takes longer than three months, you can file a lawsuit for failure to act (Section 75 of the Administrative Court Code).
Can I start working for my new employer without permission?
No, starting work without official permission is not permitted and may have legal consequences.
Is a new employment contract declaration required when changing employers?
Whether a new ECB is required for a change of employer depends on the administrative practice of the respective authority and on whether approval from the Federal Employment Agency is necessary for the change of employer.
Do self-employed people need permission to change employers?
No, self-employed persons according to Section 21 of the Residence Act are not affected by the change of employer.
6. Conclusion on changing employers with a work visa
Changing employers with a work visa in Germany is generally possible, but requires careful planning and coordination with the relevant immigration authorities. Gathering all the necessary documents in a timely manner can avoid delays and legal problems. With professional support, such as from a specialized lawyer, the process can be significantly accelerated and made legally secure. This ensures a smooth transition without interrupting your legal residence in Germany.
2. Process of changing employers
Changing employers usually begins with the termination of an existing employment contract or the receipt of a new job offer. Foreign nationals should then immediately notify the immigration authorities and apply for the change of employer (e.g., using the contact form). If approval from the Federal Employment Agency is required for the change of employer, the immigration authorities will then obtain approval. Depending on the type of visa, different documents may be required, such as a new employment contract or proof of qualifications.
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List of Sources (Paywall)
[1] Timmermann/Uznanski/Mävers/Klaus, Employment of foreign workers, 2nd edition 2025
[2] Administrative instructions for residence in Berlin (VAB), as of 18 February 2025, § 4a
The Federal Employment Agency and the immigration authorities will then review the employment contract and compliance with all legal requirements, such as the classification of the new job and the salary level. Once approval is granted, the residence permit will be adjusted, and the change can be officially completed. The entire process usually takes a few weeks, but can vary depending on the workload of the authorities.
In addition, a lawyer specializing in immigration law can significantly expedite the entire process. They are familiar with the procedures at the authorities, can point out potential problems, and help submit applications correctly and completely. If there is a significant delay in applying for a change of employer, a lawyer can also threaten and, if necessary, enforce a claim for failure to act against the immigration authorities. In this respect, a change of employer is also a completely normal application, which can be enforced with a claim for failure to act pursuant to Section 75 of the Administrative Court Code (VwGO).