Transferring a work permit between companies

Ok, so I have a query regarding the work permit/residence permit that I have.

I have a permit with a stamp on the page says that it is valid till I keep on working for me present company. The name of me firm also appears on it.

Now I want to find out that if I apply for a job here with another company, the first thing they ask is whether I have a company sponsored permit or not and its validity. A natural question and a bit of a barrier.

Question is : Can I apply for a new permit on me own? Or is this a transferable thingy that I have or does the new company have to first give me a job and I apply to the KVR on the basis of this new contract?

Have spoken to the Indian consulate here and they are pretty vague, they said it is the same procedure as if you were applying for one from India and so is the time required to process it - about 6-9 weeks.

Oh, me nationality - Indian!

Anyone with any useful links or info on this?

Much appreciated!

As I understand during the first 3 years you can only worik for the company that gave you the sponsorship, if you change jobs during this time you need the contract first and reapply for the permit again. After 3 years of paying taxes you are free to work for any new company you will like.

what is the status of your residency? do you have a limited residence permit or heaven forbid, a green card? if you've worked here 5 years or soon to be, then try applying for a Niederlassungserlaubnis. then you get permit residency and work permits.


this is true, but the 3 year rule isn't a hard and fast one.


misleading. you need a permanent residence permit as the basis for a permanent work permit. usually, it is a minimum of 5 years of working consistently and paying taxes, etc. that is a requierement to getting this.

It is true that you can have a workpermit independent of the company if you have worked in germany for 3 years . It is called Beschäftigung Erlaubt (BE).
The goverment rule is provided in this link http://www.aufenthaltstitel.de/beschverfv.html#9
There is no special application form in the Foreign Office for this and you have to write a application on your own.

With this BE there is no worry about getting kicked out of the country as long as you hold some job.

If you want a template of the self written application and necessary documents give me your e-mail and i will send it to you.

Hello shumi77,

Could you please send me additional information how to get BE?

Thank you.

There is another discussion on that topic with all the relevant information: Work permits that are not bound to a company, Advice on eligibility for "Beschäftigung erlaubt"