If you have a residence permit for the purpose of looking for a place at university and its total period of validity has not yet reached nine months, you can apply for an extension of your residence permit.

In general, the same requirements that apply to the initial issuance of a residence permit must be met in order to extend it. This means:

• You would like to continue your search for a place at a university.
• Your application is expected to be completed within a reasonable period of time.
• Based on your high school diploma, you are eligible to attend a German university or a preparatory college.
• You can cover your living expenses and health insurance for the entire duration of the application process using your own funds without relying on public assistance.
• There are no grounds for deportation against you.
• Your presence in Germany does not endanger or harm the interests of the Federal Republic of Germany.

• Find out whether your immigration office allows you to submit your application online or provides a specific application form.
• If you are under 18 years of age, you may not submit the application yourself; you will need a representative (typically, the application is submitted by the parents with legal custody).
• If the application can only be submitted in person, make an appointment at the Foreigners’ Registration Office. If you submit your application online, the Foreigners’ Registration Office will contact you after receiving your application to schedule an appointment.
• If you are under 18 years of age, you must be accompanied by at least one representative when appearing in person. If the parents with legal custody cannot appear in person, a written power of attorney for the application must be provided.
• During the appointment, your identity and documents will be verified (please bring your documents to the appointment, preferably the originals).
• If your application is approved, your fingerprints will be taken to issue your residence permit in the form of a new electronic residence permit (eAT card).
• The Foreigners’ Registration Office will commission the Federal Printing Office to issue the eAT card. Once it is ready, you will be notified and can pick up the eAT card at the appropriate office. The eAT card must generally be picked up in person.
• If your application is denied, you will receive a notice of denial.

• Proceedings at the Immigration Office are generally conducted in German.
• All information provided to the Foreigners’ Registration Office should be accurate and complete to the best of your knowledge and belief so that your request can be processed without significant delays.
• Inaccurate or incomplete information can slow down the process and be detrimental to those involved. In serious cases, incorrect or incomplete information that is not supplemented or corrected in a timely manner with the Foreigners’ Registration Office may result in the revocation of already granted residence rights, a fine, imprisonment for up to three years, or deportation from the federal territory.
• Due to the complexity of residence law, this description is provided for informational purposes only and is not legally binding.

• File an appeal against the decision of the Immigration Office within one month of its notification
• Lawsuit before the court specified in the notice of decision on the appeal, if the appeal is not granted

Application Deadline

6 to 8 weeks

Note (for more information on the deadline):

You must apply to extend your residence permit before your current residence permit expires. The application should be received by the Immigration Office no later than six to eight weeks before the residence permit expires.

Validity Period

The residence permit is a temporary residence permit and can only be extended for a maximum period of nine months. An application for an extension must be submitted to the Office of Foreigners well in advance of the permit’s expiration date.

Duration (range): approx. 6 weeks 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.

In general, renewing your residence permit requires you to submit the same documents as when you first applied:

• A recognized and valid identity document (for example, a passport or passport substitute)
• A recent biometric passport-sized photo (45 x 35 mm)
• Proof of sufficient means of support (e.g., from personal assets, a security deposit into a blocked account, a bank guarantee, a declaration of financial support, a scholarship, proof of parents’ income, or similar)
• Proof of health insurance coverage (e.g., confirmation of coverage from a health insurance provider or an insurance policy)
• Proof of job search activities to date (it should be clear that the application process can be completed within a reasonable timeframe)
• For minors: Consent from all legal guardians regarding the planned stay (declaration of consent); if the parents with legal custody cannot submit the application jointly on behalf of their child, a written power of attorney from the absent parent is required; if only one parent has legal custody, that parent’s signature is sufficient

The documents and information must generally be submitted in German. In individual cases, the Foreigners’ Registration Office may require fewer or additional supporting documents.

If necessary, you may need to submit proof of your eligibility for university admission to the Foreigners’ Registration Office again.

• 96.00 euros for an additional stay of up to three months for adult applicants
• 48.00 euros for an additional stay of up to three months for minor applicants
• 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 minor applicants

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 an electronic proof of identity.

The timing and method of fee collection and payment vary depending on the agency.

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

Forms available: No

Written form required: No

Informal application possible: Yes

Personal appearance required: Yes