Applying for an extension of a residence permit for refugees
Service description
Residence permits are issued for a fixed period. They may be renewed provided that the conditions which must be met at the time of the initial issue continue to be met.
No extension will be granted if the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees has stated that the conditions for revoking refugee status have been met.
Furthermore, your residence permit will not be renewed if you have been deported on the grounds of a particularly serious reason for deportation.
You must ensure, as a matter of urgency, that you submit an application for the extension of your residence permit or for the grant of a different type of residence permit (such as a settlement permit) before your current residence permit expires. If the application is submitted in good time, i.e. before the expiry of the period specified, your continued residence is deemed to be authorised until the Foreigners’ Registration Office has reached a decision, with all the associated consequences (e.g. the right to engage in gainful employment). Submitting an application late (after the expiry of the period specified in the residence permit) may result in significant legal disadvantages.
Procedure
As a rule, you must apply in person to your local immigration authority to extend your residence permit – well in advance of its expiry date.
Arrange an appointment with your local immigration office. You can also find out about the application process and which documents you need to submit and in what form on the relevant immigration authority website.
If your application is approved, the Foreigners’ Registration Office will instruct the Federal Printing Office to issue the electronic residence permit (eAT) with a new expiry date
For information on the duration of the procedure until the residence permit is issued, please contact the relevant immigration office.
Who should I contact?
Contact the foreigners authority.
Prerequisites
- The residence permit will be renewed provided that the conditions which must be met when it is first granted continue to be met.
- Existence of an application for an extension
- There must be no grounds for refusal.
Which documents are required?
- Application for an extension
- current biometric photo
- previous residence permit
Further documents may be required depending on the circumstances and can be requested from your contact person.
What fees are incurred?
You are exempt from the fee for renewing your residence permit.
If you are issued with a new travel document for refugees, the fee is 60 euros from the age of 24, and 38 euros for those under 24.
What deadlines do I have to observe?
Apply to your local immigration office to renew your residence permit in good time before it expires. Please contact your local immigration office for further information.
Processing time
When you apply for an extension, the relevant immigration authority will usually inform you of the duration of the procedure (approximately 6 to 8 weeks).
Please note: The residence permit/settlement permit is issued as an electronic residence permit
Legal basis
Section 8(1) in conjunction with Section 25(2), first alternative, of the Residence Act (AufenthG)
§ Section 78 Residence Act
§ Section 52 (3) AufenthV
§ Section 48 Residence Ordinance
§ Section 26 Residence Act
§ Section 9 Residence Act
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
Obtain this from your local immigration office
Personal appearance required: yes
What else should I know?
As you hold a residence permit on the basis of having been granted refugee status, you are entitled to be granted a settlement permit, provided you meet the relevant requirements, if you have held the residence permit for five years.
Furthermore, if you are able to cover the vast majority (at least 75 per cent) of your and your family’s living expenses from your own income and have a command of the German language (equivalent to level C1), you are already eligible for a settlement permit if you have held a residence permit for three years.
Author
Forwarding service: Deep link to the original portal- Residence permit on grounds of international law, humanitarian or political reasons – extension for refugees in Saxony-Anhalt
Display of performance in the source portal
- Residence permit on grounds of international law, humanitarian or political reasons – extension for refugees in Saxony-Anhalt