The residence permit for the purpose of employment, regardless of your qualifications as a skilled worker, is a temporary residence permit. You can apply for an extension of your residence permit if your employment is to continue beyond the period of validity of your residence permit.

Apply for an extension of your residence permit at the immigration office responsible for your place of residence at least eight weeks before the expiry date.

The same requirements apply to the extension of the residence permit as to its issuance. In particular, you should be able to present an employment contract or a concrete job offer.

If you were required to attend an integration course when your residence permit was first issued, this will be taken into account when extending your residence permit. If you have not yet participated in an integration course, the immigration office may reject your application for an extension of your residence permit. If you have not yet completed the integration course, your residence permit will generally only be extended for one year at a time until you have successfully completed the course or provided evidence that you have integrated into social life in some other way.

In the event of an extension, your residence permit will again be limited in time. The residence permit will be extended for the duration of the employment contract.

The residence permit cannot be extended if this was already excluded when it was issued or last extended.

• You have a recognized and valid passport or passport substitute as well as a valid residence permit to pursue employment regardless of your qualifications as a skilled worker in accordance with Section 19c (1) of the Residence Act in conjunction with the Employment Regulation.
• The validity of your residence permit will expire in the near future.
• There is no interest in expelling you.
• Your residence does not jeopardize or impair the interests of the Federal Republic of Germany.
• You can cover your living expenses and health insurance from your income without claiming public benefits.
• You have a concrete job offer or an employment contract with the same or another employer.
• The Federal Employment Agency has approved your employment (approval is usually obtained from the immigration office if necessary).

You must apply for an extension of your residence permit at the immigration office responsible for your place of residence.

• Depending on the immigration office and your specific situation, it may be possible to apply online. Find out whether your immigration office offers electronic applications for residence permits.
• If the application can only be made in person, make an appointment with the immigration office.
• During the appointment, your application will be accepted and your supporting documents will be checked (please bring these with you to the appointment). Your fingerprints will be taken for the issuance of the electronic residence permit (eAT).
• If you apply electronically, the immigration office will contact you after receiving your online application to arrange an appointment for an interview at the immigration office. During the appointment, your supporting documents will be checked (please bring them with you to the appointment) and your fingerprints will be taken for the issuance of the eAT card.
• If your application is approved, the Foreigners' Registration Office will arrange for the eAT card to be produced.
• After about six to eight weeks, you can pick up your eAT card at the Foreigners' Registration Office.
• There are fees for extending your residence permit. The timing and form of payment vary depending on the authority.

You can also obtain free advice on entry, residence, and employment from the "Working and Living in Germany Hotline" on the German government's portal for skilled workers from abroad.

Phone: 030 1815-1111

Service hours: Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Section 8 (1) in conjunction with Section 19c (1) of the Residence Act

in conjunction with the Employment Regulation

• Extension of residence permit: no later than eight weeks before your current residence permit expires
• Appeal period: 1 month

about six to eight weeks

The immigration office responsible for the applicant's place of residence is responsible for processing the application.

• Passport or passport replacement
• Residence permit
• Proof of means of subsistence:
  - Copy or original of the employment contract (only to be submitted in the event of changes)
  - Proof of income for the last 3 months
  - If changing employers: specific job offer (please use the standard nationwide form Declaration of Employment ) or employment contract
• Current biometric photo
• Current registration certificate
• Rental agreement
• Proof of health insurance
• If you are required to participate in an integration course: Certificate of successful participation in the integration course or other proof of integration efforts

• Extension of the residence permit to pursue employment regardless of qualification as a skilled worker:
  - for a further stay of up to three months: EUR 96
  - for a further stay of more than three months: EUR 93

• Under certain conditions, a fee reduction or exemption may be considered.
  Note: The residence permit in the form of an electronic residence title must be reissued for the extension. The fee for reissuing the card is EUR 67.00.

• Forms: Declaration of employment (standardized nationwide); additional forms specific to the authorities can be obtained from your immigration office and may also be available online.
• Personal appearance required: yes