Professional Driver — Entry for German Licence and Initial Qualification

Explore the five recorded questions, answers and sources for this pathway.

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What type of worker, employment situation, occupation or professional activity is this pathway actually designed for?

People without the EU/EEA driving licence or the EU/EEA (accelerated) initial qualification, who obtain both by completing qualification measures in Germany.

See recorded sources

https://www.make-it-in-germany.com/en/visa-residence/types/other/professional-drivers
If you do not possess either the necessary EU or EEA driving licence or the EU/EEA (accelerated) initial qualification, you can earn both by successfully completing qualification measures in Germany.

Does the applicant need a job offer, employer, sponsor, transfer relationship or other employer involvement? What is important about that employer relationship?

An employment contract with a German employer obliging participation in the licence/qualification measures, and a concrete job offer as professional driver with the same employer once they are obtained.

See recorded sources

https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/englisch_beschv/englisch_beschv.html
1. the employment contract requires the foreigner to participate in measures to obtain the means necessary for practicing the profession of a professional driver for the carriage of goods by road or the carriage of passengers by coach or bus,
https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/englisch_beschv/englisch_beschv.html
3. for the period after obtaining the driving licence and qualifications there is a concrete job offer for employment in Germany as a professional driver for the carriage of goods by road or the carriage of passengers by coach or bus with the same employer, and

What are the few decisive professional characteristics of the pathway: occupation, qualifications, experience, salary, skill level, shortage status, labour-market condition or equivalent?

The applicant must already hold a professional driving licence in the home country, and working conditions must allow the German licence and qualification to be obtained within 15 months.

See recorded sources

https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/englisch_beschv/englisch_beschv.html
2. working conditions for the period of the measures are such that the driving licence and qualifications required under no. 1, including issue of the necessary documents, can be obtained within 15 months,
https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/englisch_beschv/englisch_beschv.html
4. proof is provided that such persons possess the relevant driving licence in their country of origin

What work does the permission allow? Is the holder tied to an employer, occupation or sector? Can family accompany where clearly established?

Employment with the company is allowed during the qualification measures, but not as a professional driver until the licence and qualification are obtained. The official source does not state whether family members may accompany the holder.

See recorded sources

Limits of the record

family position not stated in the captured sources

https://www.make-it-in-germany.com/en/visa-residence/types/other/professional-drivers
While taking part in the qualification measures and having your licence converted, you may be employed by a company.
https://www.make-it-in-germany.com/en/visa-residence/types/other/professional-drivers
During this time, you are not permitted to work as a professional driver.

How long is the permission normally granted for, how is it renewed, and what longer-term residence direction exists if officially stated?

Approval is granted for up to 15 months, extendable by up to six more months in justified cases; afterwards, extension is generally possible while the employment contract is valid, with a permanent residence permit possible after five years of employment.

See recorded sources

Limits of the record

the make-it page gives the extension/5-year rule for professional drivers generally, not specifically for this sub-route

https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/englisch_beschv/englisch_beschv.html
Approval is granted for up to 15 months. In justified individual cases, approval may be granted for up to a further six months.
https://www.make-it-in-germany.com/en/visa-residence/types/other/professional-drivers
As long as your employment contract is valid, your residence permit can generally be extended. After five years of employment, you can apply for a permanent residence permit. The general regulations according to Section 9 of the Residence Act (AufenthG (External link) <desc>box with arrow to the right</desc> ) apply.

These are the answers currently recorded in the catalogue. A missing or partial answer is not an eligibility decision.

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Professional Driver — Entry for German Licence and Initial Qualification

What type of worker, employment situation, occupation or professional activity is this pathway actually designed for?

Does the applicant need a job offer, employer, sponsor, transfer relationship or other employer involvement? What is important about that employer relationship?

What are the few decisive professional characteristics of the pathway: occupation, qualifications, experience, salary, skill level, shortage status, labour-market condition or equivalent?

What work does the permission allow? Is the holder tied to an employer, occupation or sector? Can family accompany where clearly established?

How long is the permission normally granted for, how is it renewed, and what longer-term residence direction exists if officially stated?

Your story.Your next step.

Your story.
Your next step.