Extension of residence permits for the purpose of research for persons entitled to international protection
Service description
The residence permit for the purpose of research for persons entitled to international protection is a temporary residence permit. You may apply to extend your residence permit for the purpose of research if your work at a research institution 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.
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.
In the event of an extension, your residence permit will once again be granted for a fixed period. The residence permit for the purpose of research will be extended for the duration of the research project.
As a rule, a residence permit cannot be extended if this was already ruled out when the permit was first granted or when it was last extended
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 Foreigners’ Registration Office.
Fees are payable for the renewal of a residence permit. The timing and method of payment vary depending on the relevant authority
Who should I contact?
The immigration authority responsible for the applicant’s place of residence
Prerequisites
- You hold a recognised and valid passport or passport substitute, as well as a valid residence permit for the purpose of research for persons entitled to international protection under Section 18d(6) of the Residence Act
- There is no interest in deporting you.
- Their stay does not jeopardise or impair the interests of the Federal Republic of Germany.
- You work at a research institution.
- You can cover your living expenses and health insurance cover from your income without having to rely on state benefits.
- If the Foreigners’ Registration Office has required you to attend an integration course: you may provide evidence of successful completion of the integration course or prove that you have otherwise integrated into society and community life
Which documents are required?
- Valid passport or passport substitute
- Existing residence permit
- Current biometric photo
- An admission agreement or a corresponding contract with a research institution for the purpose of carrying out the research project
- Rental agreement
- Proof of means of support (including 3 proofs of income from the last 3 months)
- 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 residence permits for the purpose of research for persons entitled to international protection:
- 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 fees may be considered
What deadlines do I have to observe?
- Extension of a residence permit: no later than eight weeks before your current residence permit for the purpose of research expires
- Objection period: 1 month
Processing time
around 6 to 8 weeks
Legal basis
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
- You can obtain the forms from your local immigration office; they may also be available online.
- Online procedure occasionally possible
- Written form required: yes
- Personal appearance required: yes