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 general, to renew your residence permit, you must meet the same requirements as when you were first granted a residence permit, which means:

• You must have a recognized and valid identity document (such as a passport or passport substitute).
• You have, within Germany,
  • completed a qualified vocational training program in a state-recognized or comparably regulated occupation, or a university degree, or
  • with a foreign higher education degree recognized as equivalent to a German degree, have been employed for at least two years without interruption in a position commensurate with your degree, or
  • have been in qualified employment without interruption for at least three years and have not been dependent on public assistance within the last year (with the exception of benefits to cover necessary costs for housing and heating).
• You have sufficient German language skills at least at level B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.
• You can provide 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 your employment.
• You can support yourself and secure health insurance coverage using your own resources without relying on public benefits.
• There are no grounds for deportation against you.

Your presence in the country 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 can only submit your application in person, make an appointment at the immigration office. If you submit your application online, the immigration office will contact you after receiving your application to schedule an appointment.
• During the appointment, your identity and documents will be verified (please bring your documents to the appointment—originals if possible).
• If your application is approved, your fingerprints will be taken to produce a new electronic residence permit (eAT card). The Foreigners’ Registration Office will commission the Federal Printing Office to produce the eAT card. Once it is ready, you will be notified and can pick up your residence permit 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.

• Appeal against the decision of the Immigration Office
• Lawsuit before the court specified in the notice of decision on the appeal, if the appeal is denied

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 regarding further information on processing time:

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

: The immigration office with jurisdiction over 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 completed education (e.g., college degree, certificates of completed vocational training)
• For foreign university degrees:
  • A decision regarding the 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 “Declaration of Employment” form completed and signed by the employer (see Forms).
• Evidence of previous employment (e.g., employment references, employment contracts), if available
• Proof of German language proficiency
• Proof of sufficient financial resources to cover living expenses (e.g., personal savings, blocked account, letter of financial support)
• Proof of health insurance coverage
• Current certificate of residence

In individual cases, the Foreigners’ Registration Office may require fewer or additional documents.

The following fees apply:

• 96.00 for an additional stay of up to three months
• 93.00 for an additional 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 an electronic proof of identity.

Forms available: Yes

Written form required: Yes

Informal application possible: No

Personal appearance required: Yes