Applying for an extension of a residence permit for qualified persons granted temporary leave to remain for the purpose of employment

• Find out whether your foreigners authority allows you to apply online or has a special application form.
• If the application can only be submitted in person, make an appointment at the Foreigners' Registration Office. If you apply online, the Foreigners' Registration Office will contact you after receiving your application to arrange an appointment.
• During the appointment, your identity and documents will be checked (please bring your documents to the appointment, preferably in the original).
• If your application is approved, your fingerprints will be taken for the production of a new electronic residence permit (eAT card). The Foreigners’ Registration Office commissions the Bundesdruckerei to produce the eAT card. Once it is ready, you will be notified and can collect your residence permit from the relevant office. As a general rule, you must collect the eAT card in person.
• If your application is rejected, you will receive a rejection notice.

The immigration authority responsible for the applicant’s place of residence is responsible for processing the application.

In principle, to renew your residence permit, you must meet the same requirements as when it was first granted, namely:

• You hold a recognised and valid identity document (for example, a passport or a passport substitute).
• You are in Germany
  • have completed a recognised vocational training programme in a state-recognised or similarly regulated occupation, or a university degree, or
  • have been in continuous employment for at least two years in a role commensurate with their qualification, having obtained a recognised foreign higher education qualification or a foreign higher education qualification comparable to a German higher education qualification, or
  • have been in qualified employment without interruption for at least three years and have not been dependent on public funds during the past year (with the exception of benefits to cover essential costs for accommodation and heating).
• You have a sufficient command of German, at least at level B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.
• You may submit a specific job offer or a contract (the form ‘Declaration of Employment’ serves as proof of the specific job offer).
• You have enough living space for yourself and your family.
• The Federal Employment Agency has given its approval for the person to take up employment.
• You are able to support yourself and maintain your health insurance cover from your own resources without having to rely on state benefits.
• There is no interest in deporting you.

Your stay does not jeopardise or impair the interests of the Federal Republic of Germany

In principle, renewing your residence permit requires you to submit the same documents as when it was first issued:

• Recognised and valid identity document (e.g. passport or passport substitute)
• Current biometric photo in passport format (45 x 35 mm)
• Evidence of completed education and training (e.g. university degree, certificates of completed vocational training)
• For foreign higher education qualifications:
  • Decision on the recognition or comparability of the higher education qualification, if available
  • Assessment of qualifications by the Central Office for Foreign Education (ZAB), where available
• An employment contract or the ‘Declaration of Employment’ form, completed and signed by the employer (see Forms).
• Evidence of previous employment (e.g. employment references, employment contracts), where available
• Proof of German language proficiency
• Evidence of means of support (e.g. personal funds, blocked account, declaration of financial commitment)
• Proof of health insurance cover
• Current registration certificate

In individual cases, the Immigration Authority may require less or more supporting documentation.

• Section 45(2) of the Residence Ordinance (AufenthV)

• § Section 8 (1) Residence Act (AufenthG)
• Section 19d of the Residence Act

• Appeal against the decision of the Immigration Authority
• Action before the court named in the notice of objection if the objection is not upheld

Informal application possible: No

Personal appearance required: Yes