If you have already received a residence permit for the purpose of attending school, you must apply for an extension in good time before the residence permit expires.

The immigration office will extend your residence permit if the requirements are met. One of the requirements for obtaining a residence permit is that attending school is the main purpose of your stay. Part-time schooling alone does not meet these requirements.

This is generally granted for the duration of your purpose of stay.

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

• You want to continue attending a public or state-recognized school with an international focus or a private school that prepares its students for international qualifications, qualifications from other countries, or state-recognized qualifications (such as the International Baccalaureate [IB]).
• Your chosen school continues to guarantee school classes with a mix of students of different nationalities.
• You can cover your living expenses and health insurance for the duration of your stay from your own resources without claiming public benefits. The current BAföG rate (Federal Training Assistance Act) serves as a guideline here.
• There is no interest in expelling you.

• 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 custody).
• If the application can only be submitted in person, make an appointment with the immigration office. If you submit your application 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, a written power of attorney must be provided for the application.
• 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 an electronic residence title (eAT card).
• The Foreigners' Registration Office will commission the production of 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.

• The extension of the residence permit is at the discretion of the competent immigration authority. Applicants are therefore only entitled to a decision that is free of discretionary errors.
• During the period of validity of the residence permit, gainful employment is not permitted. An exception may be made for the period of school holidays.
• During the period of residence for school attendance, i.e., until the successful completion of the educational program and the awarding of the corresponding certificate, a residence permit for another purpose of residence should generally only be granted if there is a legal entitlement (e.g., family reunification or study).
• If you have attended school in Germany while holding another residence permit, this does not justify the issuance of a residence permit for school attendance.
• The procedure is usually conducted in German.
• All information provided to the immigration authorities 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 authorities 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

Duration (range): 6 to 8

Note (for further information on the deadline):

The application should be received by the immigration office no later than six to eight weeks before the current residence permit expires.

Duration (range): approx. 6 to 8

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.

In principle, the renewal of your residence permit requires the submission of the same documents as for the initial issuance:

• 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, scholarship, proof of your parents' income, or similar)
• Proof of health insurance coverage (e.g., confirmation of health insurance coverage or insurance policy).
• Certificate from the school stating the duration and conditions of school attendance
• For minors: consent of all legal guardians to the planned school attendance (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.

Cost (fixed):

• 96.00 for an additional stay of up to three months
• 48.00 for minor applicants for a further stay of up to three months
• 93.00 for a further stay of more than three months
• 46.50 for minor applicants for a further stay of more than three months

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 for Turkish citizens.

Forms available: No

Written form required: No

Informal application possible: Yes

Personal appearance required: Yes