Applying for an extension of a residence permit to seek employment for skilled workers with vocational training

• 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.

To extend your residence permit, you must meet the same requirements as when it was first granted, that is to say:

• You hold a recognised and valid identity document (for example, a passport or a passport substitute).
• You have
  • a domestic qualified vocational training programme, or
  • an equivalent foreign vocational qualification.
• The aim of your job search must be to take up skilled employment for which you are qualified on the basis of your professional qualifications.
• You have a command of German that is appropriate for the role you are applying for. As a general rule, a command of German at least at level B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages is required.
• If the aim is to work in a regulated profession – such as a medical profession – a licence to practise must already have been granted or promised.
• You are able to support yourself and maintain your health insurance cover from your own resources without having to rely on state benefits.
• The maximum duration of the residence permit, which is six months, has not yet been exhausted.
• There is no interest in deporting you.

Their 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)
• Original vocational training certificate confirming the successful completion of vocational training
• In the case of a foreign professional qualification:
  • Training certificate, together with a German translation
  • Decision on the recognition of the equivalence of the foreign vocational qualification with a domestic vocational qualification, where applicable
• For regulated professions: licence to practise or notification that a licence will be granted
• 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)
• Act on the Residence, Employment and Integration of Foreign Nationals in the Federal Territory (Residence Act – AufenthG) Section 20: Job-seeking by skilled workers

• Appeal against the decision of the Immigration Authority
• An action before the court specified in the notice of decision on the appeal, if the appeal is not upheld

Informal application possible: No

Personal appearance required: Yes

An extension of the residence permit beyond the maximum period of six months is not permitted if the holder has been unable to find suitable employment during the period of validity. A residence permit for the purpose of seeking employment for qualified professionals with vocational training may only be reissued if, following their departure, the foreign national has resided abroad for at least as long as they had previously resided in Germany.

The residence permit does not entitle the holder to carry out self-employed work.