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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 authorize work in cases that fall outside the main skilled-worker paths. It is 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 authorizes 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 path: 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 toward 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 path, 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 recognized qualification? It depends on the sub-category. Some § 19c paths — such as § 26 BeschV for citizens of certain countries — do not require formal qualification recognition, while others do.
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Last reviewed: August 2026 — RAin Fiona Macdonald
This article reflects information available at the review date above and may not remain current as rules and practice change. It is general information only, not legal advice, and does not create a lawyer–client relationship. Liability for reliance on its contents is excluded to the extent permitted by law.