You can apply for an extension of your residence permit for qualified tolerated persons issued for the purpose of employment if you wish to continue working and still meet the other requirements. In principle, the same requirements must be met for the extension of the residence permit as for the initial issuance. In particular, you must be able to cover your living expenses and health insurance coverage from your own resources without recourse to public benefits.

To process your application, the Foreigners' Registration Office usually involves the Federal Employment Agency, which checks the working conditions. After two years of holding a residence permit and if you have been employed in a job corresponding to your professional qualifications during this time, there are no longer any restrictions on your access to the labor market.

In the event of an extension, your residence permit will again be limited in time. As a rule, the residence permit cannot be extended if this was already excluded when the residence permit was issued or last extended.

In principle, you must meet the same requirements for extending your residence permit as you did when you were first granted a residence permit, i.e.:

• You have a recognized and valid identity document (e.g., passport or passport substitute).
• You have completed
  • have completed qualified vocational training in a state-recognized or comparably regulated training occupation or a university degree, or
  • with a recognized or German university degree comparable to a foreign university degree, have been employed for at least two years without interruption in a position appropriate to your degree, or
  • have been in qualified employment without interruption for at least three years and have not been dependent on public funds within the last year (with the exception of benefits to cover the necessary costs of accommodation and heating).
• You have sufficient German language skills at least at level B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.
• You can present a concrete job offer or a contract (the form "Declaration of Employment" serves as proof of the concrete job offer).
• You have sufficient living space for yourself and your family.
• The Federal Employment Agency has approved the employment.
• You can cover your living expenses and health insurance from your own resources without claiming public benefits.
• 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 apply online or provides a special application form.
• If you can only apply 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.
• 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 a new electronic residence permit (eAT card). The immigration office will order the production of the eAT card from the Federal Printing Office. Once it is ready, you will be notified and can pick up your residence permit from the relevant office. The eAT card must always be picked up in person.
• If your application is rejected, you will receive a rejection notice.

• Appeal against the decision of the immigration authorities
• Action before the court named in the notice of objection if the objection is not upheld

Application deadline:

The application must be received by the immigration office no later than 8 days before your current residence permit expires.

Duration: maximum 2

Appeal period:

1 month

Duration: approx. 8

Note for further information on processing time:

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 completed education (e.g., university degree, certificates of completed vocational training)
• For foreign university degrees:
  • Notification of recognition or comparability of the university degree, if available
  • Certificate evaluation from the Central Office for Foreign Education (ZAB), if available
• Employment contract or the form "Declaration of Employment" completed and signed by the employer (see forms).
• Proof of previous employment (e.g., employment certificates, employment contracts), if available
• Proof of German language skills
• Proof of sufficient funds to cover living expenses (e.g., equity capital, blocked account, letter of commitment)
• Proof of health insurance coverage
• Current registration certificate

In individual cases, the immigration office may request less or more documentation.

The following fees apply:

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

Note:

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

Forms available: Yes

Written form required: Yes

Informal application possible: No

Personal appearance required: Yes