The residence permit for the purpose of completing a qualification measure is a temporary residence permit. You can apply for an extension of your residence permit if the qualification measure(s) has/have not yet compensated for the identified deficits in your foreign qualification, for example because you have to retake an exam or there are long waiting times for the exams.

The same requirements apply to the extension of the residence permit for the purpose of completing a qualification measure as to its issuance. In particular, your livelihood must be secured for the entire duration of the qualification measure(s).

In the event of an extension, your residence permit will again be limited in time. The residence permit for the purpose of completing a qualification measure can be extended by six months. However, the total duration of stay for the purpose of completing the qualification measures may not exceed two years.

As a rule, the residence permit cannot be extended if this was already excluded when the residence permit was issued or last extended.

• You have a recognized and valid passport or passport substitute as well as a valid residence permit to undertake a qualification measure for the purpose of recognizing your foreign professional qualification in accordance with Section 16d (1) of the Residence Act.
• The period of validity of your residence permit will expire in the near future.
• There is no interest in expelling you.
• Your stay does not jeopardize or impair the interests of the Federal Republic of Germany.
• The qualification measure is still suitable for enabling the recognition of your professional qualification or access to the profession.
• Your livelihood is secure.

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 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 Immigration 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.

• Central Office for Professional Recognition:
  https://www.anerkennung-in-deutschland.de/html/de/pro/zsba.php#
  (German)
  https://www.anerkennung-in-deutschland.de/html/en/pro/service-center.php
  (English)
• Recognition in Germany:
  https://www.anerkennung-in-deutschland.de/html/de/index.php
  (German)
  https://www.anerkennung-in-deutschland.de/html/en/index.php
  (English)
• You can also obtain free advice on entry, residence, and employment from the "Hotline Working and Living in Germany" on the German government's portal for skilled workers from abroad.
  Telephone: 030 1815-1111
  Service hours: Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
• Federal Government portal for skilled workers from abroad:
  https:// www (German)
  https://www.anerkennung-in-deutschland.de/html/en/pro/service-center.php
  (English)
• Recognition in Germany:
  https://www.anerkennung-in-deutschland.de/html/de/index.php
  (German)
  https://www.anerkennung-in-deutschland.de/html/en/index.php
  (English)
• You can also obtain free advice on entry, residence, and employment from the "Hotline Working and Living in Germany" on the German government's portal for skilled workers from abroad.
  Telephone: 030 1815-1111
  Service hours: Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
• Federal Government portal for skilled workers from abroad:
  https:// www (German)
  https://www.anerkennung-in-deutschland.de/html/en/pro/service-center.php
  (English)
• Recognition in Germany:
  https://www.anerkennung-in-deutschland.de/html/de/index.php
  (German)
  https://www.anerkennung-in-deutschland.de/html/en/index.php
  (English)
• You can also obtain free advice on entry, residence, and employment from the "Hotline Working and Living in Germany" on the German government's portal for skilled workers from abroad.
  Telephone: 030 1815-1111
  Service hours: Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
• Federal Government portal for skilled workers from abroad:
  https:// (English)
• Recognition in Germany:
  https://www.anerkennung-in-deutschland.de/html/de/index.php
  (German)
  https://www.anerkennung-in-deutschland.de/html/en/index.php
  (English)
• You can also obtain free advice on entry, residence, and employment from the "Hotline Working and Living in Germany" on the German government's portal for skilled workers from abroad.
  Telephone: 030 1815-1111
  Service hours: Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
• Federal Government portal for skilled workers from abroad:
  https:// www.ma (German)
  https://www.anerkennung-in-deutschland.de/html/en/index.php
  (English)
• You can also obtain free advice on entry, residence, and employment from the "Hotline Working and Living in Germany" on the German government's portal for skilled workers from abroad.
  Telephone: 030 1815-1111
  Service hours: Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
• Federal Government portal for skilled workers from abroad:
  https:// www.ma (German)
  https://www.anerkennung-in-deutschland.de/html/en/index.php
  (English)
• You can also obtain free advice on entry, residence, and employment from the "Hotline Working and Living in Germany" on the German government's portal for skilled workers from abroad.
  Telephone: 030 1815-1111
  Service hours: Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
• Federal Government portal for skilled workers from abroad:
  https:// www.mak (English)
• You can also obtain free advice on entry, residence, and employment from the "Hotline Working and Living in Germany" on the German government's portal for skilled workers from abroad.
  Telephone: 030 1815-1111
  Service hours: Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
• Federal Government portal for skilled workers from abroad:
  https:// www.make-it-in-germany.com/de/ueber-das-portal/kontakt/hotline/

• 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

• Passport or passport replacement
• Current biometric photo
• Existing residence permit
• Proof of means of subsistence (e.g., blocked account at a bank)
• Proof of health insurance
• Rental agreement
• Proof of qualification measures, continuing education plan if applicable

• Extension of residence permit to complete a qualification measure for the recognition of foreign professional qualifications:
  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.

• Forms: You can obtain official forms from your immigration office; these may also be available online.
• Online procedures possible in some cases
• Written form required: yes
• Personal appearance required: yes