If your residence permit expires before you have completed the examination procedure required for the recognition of your foreign qualification, you can apply for an extension of your residence permit.

The residence permit was issued exclusively for the purpose of taking an examination. An extension of the residence permit is therefore only possible if the examination procedure has not yet been completed.

The same requirements apply to the extension of the residence permit as to its issuance. In particular, your livelihood should be secured for the duration of your stay.

In the event of an extension, your residence permit will again be limited in time, usually for the remaining duration of the examination procedure. The validity of the residence permit covers the period from the date of the examination to the announcement of the examination results or until the competent authority issues a decision concluding the procedure.

The residence permit cannot be extended if it is foreseeable that the examination cannot be taken within a reasonable period of time or if the extension was already excluded by the immigration office when the permit was issued or last extended.

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 wish to continue residing in Germany in order to complete an examination procedure for the full recognition of your foreign professional qualifications.
• You can cover your living expenses and health insurance for the remaining duration of your stay from your own resources without claiming public benefits.
• You have language skills that correspond to the examination to be taken, but at least at level A2 of the Common European Framework of Reference. An exception applies if the acquisition of language skills is the subject of the examination to be taken.
• 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 your residence permit in the form of a new electronic residence title (eAT card).
• The Foreigners' Registration Office will commission the production of the eAT card from the Federal Printing Office. Once it is ready, 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 term "examination" covers examinations that are necessary to determine the equivalence of a foreign professional qualification with a domestic professional qualification. This includes language and technical language examinations. In principle, it is also possible to take several examinations.
• There is no entitlement to a residence permit. It is at the discretion of the immigration authorities to grant a residence permit.
• The residence permit issued for the examination procedure does not entitle the holder to pursue gainful employment.
• 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 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

Application deadline

Approximately 6 to 8 weeks

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.

The residence permit is issued for a limited period. The validity is usually based on the remaining duration of the examination procedure. The validity covers the period from taking the exam to the announcement of the exam results or until the competent authority issues a decision concluding the procedure. The extension must be applied for in good time before the expiry of the validity period at the Immigration Office.

Approximately 6 to 8 weeks

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 receipt of benefits such as parental or child allowance, proof of parents' income, or similar)
• Proof of health insurance coverage (e.g., confirmation of health insurance coverage 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 provide the immigration office with further proof of your language skills if the acquisition of language skills is not part of your examination.

• 96.00 euros for an additional stay of up to three months for adult applicants
• 93.00 euros for an additional stay of more than three months for applicants of legal age

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