Insolvency benefits and residence status

Residence permit for the purpose of gainful employment

If you work in Germany, you need a valid “Aufenthaltserlaubnis mit einer Gestattung der Berufstätigkeit" = residence permit with permission to work / a work permit. The responsible Foreigners' Registration Office can restrict your residence permit to a specific job and/or a job with a specific employer. This type of extra provision is either included directly in the residence permit or on the so-called "Zusatzblatt” (supplementary sheet). If you have worked as stipulated in the extra provisions of your residence permit, you can apply for insolvency benefits.

Insolvency benefits as a refugee

If you have a residence permit with the extra provision "Erwerbstätigkeit gestattet" (gainful employment permitted), then you are allowed to carry out any employed or self-employed activity. If you have a temporary residence permit or tolerated stay permit, you usually need a work permit from the Foreigners' Registration Office.

Insolvency benefits without a work permit

If you have worked, you are generally entitled to a wage, even if you have worked without a (valid) work permit. Then you may also be entitled to insolvency benefits. You should seek advice from your Fair Integration advice centre!