Applying for an extension of your student residence permit

A residence permit for the purpose of studying is valid for a limited period. You may apply to extend your residence permit if you have not yet completed your degree but are able to do so within a reasonable period of time. The duration of stay is generally limited to a maximum of 10 years.

When deciding on the extension of a residence permit for the purpose of study, the Foreigners’ Registration Office may seek and take into account opinions from the university or other institutions authorised to provide education or further training. This relates to questions concerning:

• Entry requirements
• Study programme
• Degree
• other academic matters

The same conditions apply to the extension of a residence permit for the purpose of studying as to its initial grant. In particular, you must be able to support yourself for the duration of your studies.

An extension is not possible if the Immigration Authority has already ruled this out when the permit was issued or when the most recent extension was granted.

If your residence permit is extended, it will once again be valid for a fixed period. A residence permit for the purpose of study is extended for at least one year and, as a rule, for a maximum of two years. If the course of study lasts for less than two years, the permit will be granted for the duration of the course.

With your residence permit for the purpose of studying, you are permitted to work for up to 140 days a year or to take on an unlimited number of part-time student jobs.