If you are a third-country national who is a family member of a German citizen and wish to continue residing in Germany in order to avoid exceptional hardship, you must apply for an extension of your residence permit in good time before it expires.

To extend your residence permit, you must meet the same requirements and submit the same documents as when you first applied for a residence permit.

The residence permit is a temporary residence title and is usually extended for at least one year.

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

• You are a citizen of a country outside the EU or the EEA.
• The person you are joining has German citizenship and usually resides in Germany.
• You still belong to the group of other family members of a German citizen, i.e. you are neither their spouse nor an unmarried minor child. Other family members include, for example, unmarried children of full age, siblings, parents, parents-in-law, grandparents, uncles, aunts, nephews, nieces, sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, foster children. Fathers of biological German children who are not married to the mother are also included in the group of eligible persons.
• A special hardship case also exists, for example, if your German family member is dependent on your help due to illness, disability, or the need for care.
  Please note : Unfavorable conditions in your home country do not constitute a hardship case.
• Your subsequent immigration continues to serve the purpose of establishing a family life with the German citizen (e.g., shared apartment). In the case of a separation due to work or training, or a community of support or care due to accommodation in a nursing facility, a family life can also be affirmed if you maintain regular contact with the German citizen that goes beyond mere visits.
• You can continue to secure your livelihood and health insurance coverage without claiming public benefits.
  Please note : This requirement does not apply to minor family members.
• There is no interest in expelling you.
• Your stay does not jeopardize or impair the interests of the Federal Republic of Germany.

• Find out whether your immigration office allows you to submit your application online or provides a special application form.
• If you are under 18 years of age, you may not submit the application yourself, but will need a representative (usually the application is submitted by the parents with parental authority).
• If the application can only be submitted in person, make an appointment with the immigration office. If you apply online, the immigration office will contact you after receiving your application to arrange an appointment.
• If you are under 18 years of age, you must be accompanied by at least one representative when you attend the appointment in person. If your parents with parental custody are unable to attend in person, you must provide written authorization for the application to be submitted.
• During the appointment, your identity and documents will be checked (please bring your documents, preferably the originals, with you to the appointment).
• If your application is approved, your fingerprints will be taken for the production of your residence permit in the form of a new electronic residence permit (eAT card).
• The Foreigners' Registration Office will order the eAT card from the Federal Printing Office. Once it has been produced, you will be notified 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.

• When extending a residence permit, the immigration authorities may waive the requirement of "securing a livelihood" for adult family members.
• The residence permit entitles the holder to pursue gainful employment.
• You are not entitled to an extension of your residence permit. The immigration office has discretion (a margin of appreciation) as to whether to grant family reunification.
• The procedure at the immigration 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 matter can be processed without major delays.
• Incorrect or incomplete information can slow down the procedure and be detrimental to those affected. In serious cases, incorrect or incomplete information that is not completed or corrected in time to the immigration office can result in the withdrawal of already granted residence rights, a fine, imprisonment for up to three years, or expulsion from the federal territory.
• Due to the complexity of residence law, this description is for informational purposes only and is not legally binding.

• Appeal against the decision of the immigration authority within one month of notification
• Action before the court specified in the notice of objection if the objection is not upheld

Application deadline:

6 weeks to 8 weeks

Note (for further information on the deadline):

The extension of the residence permit must be applied for before the current residence permit expires. The application should be received by the immigration office at least six to eight weeks before the residence permit expires.

Note (for further information on the deadline):

In the event of an extension, the residence permit will be issued for at least one year.

(for margin): approx. 6 to 8 weeks

Note for further information on processing time:

The processing time may vary depending on the workload of the immigration office.

It takes approximately 4 to 6 weeks for the Federal Printing Office to produce the electronic residence permit.

 The immigration office responsible for the applicant's place of residence is responsible for processing the application.

• Recognized and valid identity document (e.g., passport or passport substitute)
• Current biometric photo in passport format (45 x 35 mm)
• Proof of sufficient funds to cover living expenses (e.g., from your own assets, deposit of a security deposit into a blocked account, bank guarantee, letter of commitment)
• Proof of health insurance coverage (e.g., confirmation of insurance coverage from your health insurance provider or insurance policy).
• For minors: consent of all legal guardians to the planned stay (declaration of consent); if the parents with custody cannot submit the application for their child together, a written power of attorney from the absent parent is required; if only one parent has custody, the signature of that parent is sufficient

The documents and information must always be submitted in German. In individual cases, the immigration office may require less or more evidence.

You may have to submit further proof of the family relationship and a justification of the exceptional hardship to the immigration authorities.

• 96.00 euros for an additional stay of up to three months for applicants of legal age
• 48.00 euros for an additional stay of up to three months for applicants who are minors
• 93.00 euros for an additional stay of more than three months for adult applicants
• 46.50 euros for an additional stay of more than three months for applicants who are minors

Note:

Additional fees may apply for the issuance of a new residence permit in the form of an electronic residence permit (eAT card), which can also be used as electronic proof of identity.

The timing and form of fee collection and payment vary depending on the authority.

In certain cases, fee reductions or exemptions may be considered (for example, for persons entitled to asylum or recognized refugees). Lower fees may apply to Turkish citizens.

Forms available: No

Written form required: No

Informal application possible: Yes

Personal appearance required: Yes