Applying for an extension of your residence permit for the purpose of applying to study

• Find out whether your foreigners authority allows you to apply online or has a special application form.
• If you are under 18, you are not permitted to submit the application yourself; you will need a representative (the application is usually submitted by the parents who have parental responsibility).
• 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.
• If you are under 18, you must be accompanied by at least one representative when attending in person. If the parents with parental responsibility are unable to attend in person, a written authorisation must be provided for the application.
• 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 to produce the residence permit in the form of a new electronic residence permit (eAT card).
• The foreigners authority orders the production of the eAT card from Bundesdruckerei. After completion, you will receive information and can collect the eAT card from the relevant office. The eAT card must always be collected in person.
• If your application is rejected, you will receive a rejection notice.

the immigration authority responsible for the applicant’s place of residence

In principle, the same requirements must be met for the extension of the residence permit as for the initial issue of the residence permit. This means

• You would like to continue your search for a place at university.
• We expect your application to be processed within a reasonable timeframe.
• Based on your school-leaving qualifications, you are eligible to attend a German university or a preparatory college.
• You are able to cover your living expenses and health insurance cover for the entire duration of your application to study using your own funds, without having to rely on state benefits.
• 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)
• Proof of means of support (for example, from personal assets, a security deposit paid into a blocked account, a bank guarantee, a declaration of financial commitment, a scholarship, proof of parents’ income or similar)
• Proof of health insurance cover (for example, a confirmation of cover from your health insurance provider or an insurance policy)
• Evidence of the application activities undertaken to date (it should be clear that the application can be completed within a reasonable timeframe)
• In the case of minors: Consent from all persons with parental responsibility for the planned stay (declaration of consent); if the parents with parental responsibility are unable to submit the application jointly on behalf of their child, a written power of attorney from the absent parent is required; if parental responsibility rests with only one parent, that parent’s signature is sufficient

The documents and information must always be submitted in German. In individual cases, the foreigners authority may require less or further evidence.

You may need to submit further proof of your university entrance qualification to the Immigration Office.

• Section 45(2) of the Residence Ordinance (AufenthV)
• Section 50(1) of the Residence Regulation (AufenthV)

• Section 17 of the Residence Act (AufenthG)
• § Section 8 (1) Residence Act (AufenthG)

• 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

Informal applications accepted: Yes

Personal appearance required: Yes

• The procedure at the Foreigners' Registration Office is usually conducted in German.
• All information provided to the Immigration Office should be correct and complete to the best of your knowledge and belief so that the request can be processed without major delays.
• Incorrect or incomplete information can slow down the procedure and be detrimental to the person concerned. In serious cases, incorrect or incomplete information that is not completed or corrected in good time vis-à-vis the immigration authority can result in the cancellation of residence rights that have already been granted, a fine, a prison sentence of up to three years or expulsion from the federal territory.
• Due to the complexity of residence law, this description is for information purposes only and is not legally binding.