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Apply for an extension of the residence permit if you have extensive practical work experience

Service Description

The residence permit was issued for a limited period of time for the purpose of pursuing employment with extensive practical professional knowledge. You can apply to extend your residence permit if you wish to continue your employment beyond the period of validity of your residence permit.

Apply for the extension of your residence permit at least eight weeks before the expiry of the time limit at the immigration authority responsible for your place of residence.

The same conditions apply for the extension as for the issue. In particular, you should continue to work in the IT sector and be able to demonstrate a certain salary.

The Federal Employment Agency approved your residence permit when it was first issued. If the validity of the approval has expired, it must be granted again for the extension of your residence permit.

You may have been obliged to take part in an integration course when your residence permit was first issued. If this is the case, this must be taken into account when extending your residence permit. If you have not yet taken part in an integration course, the immigration authority may reject your application to extend your residence permit. If you have not yet completed the integration course, the residence permit will generally only be extended for one year at a time until you successfully complete the course or provide proof that you have been integrated into society and social life in another way.

If your residence permit is extended, it will be limited in time again. The duration of the time limit depends on the duration of your employment contract or the period of validity of the approval of the Federal Employment Agency.

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

Process flow

You must apply for an extension of your residence permit at the foreigners authority responsible for your place of residence. The procedure is as follows:

  • Depending on the foreigners authority and your request, it may be possible to apply via the Internet. Find out whether your foreigners authority offers electronic application for a residence permit.
  • If you can only apply in person, make an appointment with the immigration office.
    During the appointment, your application will be accepted and your supporting documents will be checked (bring these with you to the appointment). Your fingerprints will be taken for the renewal of the electronic residence permit (eAT card).
  • In the case of an electronic application, the Foreigners' Registration Office will contact you after receiving your application to arrange an appointment at the Foreigners' Registration Office. During the appointment, your documents will be checked (bring them with you to the appointment) and your fingerprints will be taken for the renewal of the electronic residence permit (eAT card).
  • If your application is approved, the Foreigners' Registration Office will arrange for the eAT card to be issued.
  • After about six to eight weeks, you can collect the eAT card from the immigration office.
  • The eAT card must always be collected in person.
  • Fees are charged for the extension of the residence permit. The time and form of payment vary depending on the authority.

Who should I contact?

The foreigners authority responsible for the applicant's place of residence.

Competent authority

The foreigners authority responsible for the applicant's place of residence.

Requirements

  • You have a recognized and valid passport or passport substitute as well as a valid residence permit for the purpose of employment with a high level of practical professional knowledge.
  • Your residence permit will expire in the near future.
  • There is no interest in deporting you.
  • Your stay does not jeopardize or impair the interests of the Federal Republic of Germany.
  • You have a new employment contract or a new binding job offer with the same or another employer in the IT sector.
  • Your salary will continue to reach at least 60% of the contribution assessment ceiling for pension insurance. In 2023, 60% corresponds to a gross minimum salary of EUR 4,380 per month or EUR 52,560 per year (limit applies to the whole of Germany). The amount of the minimum salary is announced each year by the Federal Ministry of the Interior and Home Affairs in the Federal Gazette by December 31 of the previous year (see further information).
  • You can continue to secure your livelihood and health insurance cover independently without claiming public benefits.
  • You have received or renewed approval from the Federal Employment Agency to take up employment (approval is usually obtained from the immigration authority). For approval to be granted, your working conditions (in particular salary) must be comparable to those of a German employee in the same position.

Which documents are required?

  • Valid passport or passport substitute
  • Current residence permit
  • Original of your employment contract or a binding job offer with salary details (please use the standard federal form for this) Declaration of employment)
  • Current biometric photo
  • Current registration certificate
  • Proof of your health insurance
  • Tenancy agreement

What are the fees?

Under certain conditions, a fee reduction or fee exemption may be possible.

Fee: 96,00 EUR
Payment in advance: no
for a further stay of up to three months

Fee: 93,00 EUR
Payment in advance: no
for a further stay of more than three months

What deadlines do I have to pay attention to?

  • The extension should be applied for at least eight weeks before your valid residence permit expires.
  • In the event of an extension, the new residence permit will again be issued for a limited period. The validity depends on the duration of your employment contract and the approval of the Federal Employment Agency.
  • Deadline: 1 month

Processing duration

about six to eight weeks

Legal basis

Applications / forms

The decision of the immigration authority can be appealed to the court named in the decision.

Appeal

  • Forms: Declaration of employment (standardized nationwide); you can obtain other forms specific to the authorities from your foreigners authority; these may also be available online
  • Online procedure occasionally possible
  • Written form required: yes
  • Personal appearance required: yes

Author

The text was automatically translated based on the German content.

Technically approved by

Thuringian Ministry for Migration, Justice and Consumer Protection (TMMJV)

Professionally released on

03.04.2023

Source: Zuständigkeitsfinder Thüringen (Linie6Plus)

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