Service Finder
Applying for an extension of the residence permit for spouses joining foreigners
Service Description
The residence permit for the reunification of spouses with foreigners is a temporary residence title. You can apply for an extension of the residence permit if you wish to stay in Germany and your spouse or partner is in possession of a valid residence permit in Germany.
In principle, the same conditions apply for the extension of the residence permit as for its issue.
If your residence permit is extended, it will be limited in time again. The residence permit is extended for the period of validity of the spouse's or partner's residence permit.
As a rule, the residence permit cannot be extended if this was already ruled out when the residence permit was issued or last extended.
If you were obliged to take part in an integration course when your residence permit was first issued, this will be taken into account when your residence permit is extended. 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 it or provide proof that you have been integrated into society and social life in another way.
Process flow
The extension of your residence permit must be applied for at the foreigners authority responsible for your place of residence.
- Depending on the foreigners authority and your request, it may be possible to apply online. Find out whether your foreigners authority offers electronic application for a residence permit.
- If the application can only be made in person, arrange 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 to issue the electronic residence permit (eAT card).
- In the case of an electronic application, the Foreigners' Registration Office will contact you after receiving your online application to arrange an appointment at the Foreigners' Registration Office. During the appointment, your documents will be checked (please bring them with you to the appointment) and your fingerprints will be taken for the eAT card to be issued.
- 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 Foreigners' Registration Office.
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 family reunification in accordance with §§ 29 and 30 of the Residence Act.
- Your residence permit will expire in the near future.
- Your spouse or partner is in possession of a valid residence permit.
- There are no grounds for deportation against you.
- Your stay does not jeopardize or impair the interests of the Federal Republic of Germany
- Your livelihood is secured.
- Sufficient living space is available for the entire family.
Which documents are required?
- Passport or passport replacement
- Current biometric photo
- Existing residence permit
- Proof of livelihood
- Proof of your health insurance
- Tenancy agreement
- If you are obliged to attend an integration course: Certificate of successful participation in the integration course or other proof of integration efforts
What are the fees?
Issuing a residence permit: EUR 100.00
Under certain conditions, a fee reduction or fee exemption may be possible.
Please 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 electronic proof of identity.
- The time and form of fee collection and payment vary depending on the authority.
What deadlines do I have to pay attention to?
- Extension of the residence permit: no later than eight weeks before your valid residence permit expires
- Deadline for appeal: 1 month
Processing duration
about six to eight weeks.
Applications / forms
The decision of the immigration authority can be appealed to the court named in the decision.
Appeal
- Forms: You can obtain authority-specific forms from your foreigners authority; these may also be available online.
- Online procedure possible in some cases
- 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
Professionally released on
20.01.2023
Source: Zuständigkeitsfinder Thüringen (Linie6Plus)
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