Section 19c Residence Permit: Employment in Special Cases (§ 19c AufenthG)

Section 19c of the Residence Act (Aufenthaltsgesetz – AufenthG) is the flexible employment provision German law uses to authorise work in cases that fall outside the main skilled-worker routes. It a general clause that, read together with the Employment Ordinance (Beschäftigungsverordnung – BeschV), allows the immigration authorities to grant a work permit to specific groups of foreign nationals.

What Is the Section 19c Permit?

A § 19c AufenthG permit authorises employment in situations defined by the Beschäftigungsverordnung or by inter-governmental agreement, rather than under the standard § 18a/§ 18b skilled-worker provisions. It is an employment-based route: it requires a job offer, and the general admission conditions of § 5 AufenthG apply. Depending on the sub-category, approval of the Federal Employment Agency (Bundesagentur für Arbeit) may or may not be required.

Core Requirements

A job offer or employment contract with a German employer
A sub-category of the Beschäftigungsverordnung (BeschV) or an inter-governmental agreement that permits the employment
Remuneration in line with the applicable collective-agreement or prevailing wage for the role
Approval (Zustimmung) of the Federal Employment Agency, where the relevant BeschV provision requires it
Health and long-term care insurance
Proof of accommodation
Valid passport and biometric photograph

Common § 19c Sub-Categories

Section 19c is an umbrella provision. The most frequently used sub-categories include § 26 BeschV (nationals of certain privileged states, including the Western Balkans), § 9 BeschV (employment after a qualifying period of prior residence), and a range of other occupational and personal categories set out in the Beschäftigungsverordnung. Which sub-category applies determines the exact conditions and whether Federal Employment Agency approval is needed.

Extension and Path to Permanent Residence

The § 19c permit is renewable. Time spent lawfully employed under § 19c AufenthG counts towards the qualifying period for a general settlement permit (Niederlassungserlaubnis) under § 9 AufenthG, provided the standard conditions — including the required pension contributions, B1 German, and a secured livelihood — are met.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does § 19c require a job offer? In almost all cases, yes. Section 19c is an employment-based route, so you generally need a concrete offer or contract before a permit can be issued. Self-employment is dealt with separately under § 21 AufenthG.

Can I bring my family? Yes. Spouses and children can join under family reunification rules.

Do I need a recognised qualification? It depends on the sub-category. Some § 19c routes — such as § 26 BeschV for citizens of certain countries — do not require formal qualification recognition, while others do.

Last reviewed: August 2026 — RAin Fiona Macdonald

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