Signing a new contract does not always authorise you to start the new job. Check your residence permit and supplementary sheet first. An employer change is often called Arbeitgeberwechsel or, informally, Zustimmungsänderung.
1. Read your current employment conditions
Check whether your permit names a specific employer or job, or allows broader employment. Record the exact wording. If the new work falls outside your permission, obtain the required authorisation from the immigration authority before starting. A signed contract or submission receipt does not replace it.
2. Understand the procedure
The formal service may be called Änderung der Nebenbestimmungen. The immigration authority examines the requested change and may involve the Federal Employment Agency (BA). BA consent is part of the process and does not replace the required residence-related permission.
3. Prepare a document folder
- Valid passport, residence permit and complete supplementary sheet.
- New contract showing duties, pay, hours and proposed start date.
- The new employer’s Erklärung zum Beschäftigungsverhältnis.
- In Munich, the employment declaration requested on the city’s service page.
- Where relevant or requested: termination letter, correspondence and reference number.
4. Submit the request yourself
Identify the authority responsible for your home address; the City of Munich and Munich district are separate.
Open its official employer-change or employment-conditions service.
Check that employer details, duties, pay, hours and dates match across the documents.
Submit readable files through the designated channel.
Save the submission receipt and documents, and respond to requests for additions.
Wait for any required approval before starting and check the updated supplementary sheet.
Special rules for the Western Balkans route
Do not assume every worker can freely change employers after two years. Section 26(2) of the Employment Ordinance generally excludes section 9, with an exception for certain earlier consents under the rule applicable until the end of 2020. Check your specific legal basis and permit conditions.
Changing employer during your stay differs from pre-approval for an initial visa application abroad. A restricted employer change normally goes through your immigration authority.
How mucOFFICE helps
We help gather and organise documents, prepare forms technically from your information and coordinate communication in Bosnian, Croatian and Serbian, in Munich and digitally. Contact us to agree the scope of support. Authorities decide on permissions; individual legal assessments require an authorised legal adviser.
Frequently asked questions
Can I start as soon as I apply?+
If prior approval is required, an application alone is insufficient. Wait for permission.
Is permission from my old employer enough?+
No. Ending an existing contract and obtaining official permission for a new job are separate matters.
How long does it take?+
Timing depends on the authority, your status, complete documents and any BA involvement. Plan the start date accordingly.
Official sources & useful links
- Stadt München: Arbeitserlaubnis – Änderung der Nebenbestimmungen
- Landkreis München: Fragen und Antworten zur Arbeit
- § 4a AufenthG: Zugang zur Erwerbstätigkeit
- § 26 BeschV: Westbalkanregelung
General information, not individual legal or tax advice. Current official requirements take precedence. Appointments and decisions remain with the responsible authorities.