Residence permit for the purpose of employment, regardless of whether the holder is a skilled worker: applying for an extension
Service description
A residence permit to take up employment, regardless of whether you are classified as a skilled worker, is a temporary residence permit. You may apply to have your residence permit extended if your employment is due to continue beyond the period of validity of your residence permit.
Apply to the Foreigners’ Registration Office responsible for your place of residence to extend your residence permit no later than eight weeks before it expires.
The same conditions apply to the renewal of a residence permit as to its initial grant. In particular, you must be able to provide an employment contract or a concrete job offer.
If you were obliged to attend an integration course when your residence permit was first issued, this will be taken into account when your residence permit is extended. If you have not yet taken part in an integration course, the immigration authority may reject your application to extend your residence permit. If you have not yet completed the integration course, the residence permit will generally only be extended for one year at a time until you successfully complete the course or provide proof that you have been integrated into society and social life in another way.
If your residence permit is extended, it will once again be valid for a fixed period. The residence permit will be extended for the duration of your employment contract.
The residence permit cannot be extended if this was already ruled out at the time it was granted or at the time of the most recent extension.
Procedure
The extension of your residence permit must be applied for at the foreigners authority responsible for your place of residence.
- Depending on the foreigners authority and your request, it may be possible to apply online. Find out whether your foreigners authority offers electronic applications for residence permits.
- If applications can only be made in person, please arrange an appointment with the Immigration Office.
- During the appointment, your application will be accepted and your supporting documents checked (please bring these with you to the appointment). Your fingerprints will be taken for the issuing of the electronic residence permit (eAT).
- If you submit your application electronically, the Foreigners’ Registration Office will contact you once your online application has been received to arrange an appointment for an interview at the Foreigners’ Registration Office. During the appointment, your supporting documents will be checked (please bring these with you to the appointment) and your fingerprints will be taken for the issue of the eAT card.
- If your application is approved, the Immigration Authority will arrange for the eAT card to be issued.
- After around six to eight weeks, you can collect your eAT card from the Immigration Office.
- Fees are payable for the renewal of a residence permit. The timing and method of payment vary depending on the relevant authority.
Prerequisites
- You hold a recognised and valid passport or passport substitute, as well as a valid residence permit allowing you to take up employment, irrespective of whether you qualify as a skilled worker under Section 19c(1) of the Residence Act in conjunction with the Employment Regulation.
- Your residence permit will expire in the near future.
- There is no interest in deporting you.
- Their stay does not jeopardise or impair the interests of the Federal Republic of Germany.
- You can cover your living expenses and health insurance cover from your income without having to rely on state benefits.
- You have a firm job offer or an employment contract with the same or a different employer.
- The Federal Employment Agency has approved the commencement of employment (approval is usually sought from the Immigration Authority where required).
Which documents are required?
- Passport or passport replacement
- Residence permit
- Proof of means of support:
- A copy or the original of your employment contract (to be submitted only in the event of changes)
- Proof of income for the last 3 months
- In the event of a change of employer: a specific job offer (please use the standard national form ‘Declaration of Employment’ for this) or an employment contract - Current biometric photo
- Current registration certificate
- Rental agreement
- Proof of your health insurance
- If you are obliged to attend an integration course: certificate of successful participation in the integration course or other proof of integration efforts
What fees are incurred?
- Extension of a residence permit to take up employment, irrespective of whether the individual is classified as a skilled worker:
- for a further stay of up to three months: EUR 96
- for a further stay of more than three months: EUR 93
- Under certain circumstances, a reduction in or exemption from the fee may be granted. Please
note: The residence permit in the form of an electronic residence permit must be reissued for the renewal. The fee for reissuing the card is EUR 67.00.
- Extension of a residence permit to take up employment, irrespective of whether the individual is classified as a skilled worker:
What deadlines do I have to observe?
- Extension of the residence permit: no later than eight weeks before your valid residence permit expires
- Objection period: 1 month
Processing time
about six to eight weeks
Legal basis
Section 8(1) in conjunction with Section 19c(1) of the Residence Act (AufenthG)
in accordance with the Employment Regulation
Legal remedy
- Appeal against the decision of the immigration authority within one month of notification.
- Action before the court named in the notice of objection if the objection is not upheld.
Applications / Forms
- Forms: Declaration of employment (standardised nationwide); further forms specific to individual authorities are available from your Foreigners’ Registration Office; these may also be available online.
- Personal appearance required: yes