Service Finder
Apply for residence permit extension for joining spouse to foreigners
Service Description
The residence permit for spousal reunification with foreigners is a temporary residence title. You can apply for the extension of the residence permit if you wish to stay in Germany and your spouse or life partner in Germany is in possession of a valid residence title.
In principle, the same conditions apply to the extension of the residence permit as to its issue.
In the case of an extension, your residence permit will be limited again. The residence permit is extended for the period of validity of the residence title of the spouse or life partner.
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 attend 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 Foreigners' Registration 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 successfully complete it or provide proof that you have been integrated into social life in some other way.
Process flow
The extension of your residence permit must be applied for at the aliens' registration office responsible for your place of residence.
- 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 the residence permit.
- If the application is only possible in person, arrange an appointment with the Aliens' Registration Office.
- During the appointment, your application will be received and your supporting documents will be reviewed (please bring them with you to the appointment). Your fingerprints will be taken for the issuance of the electronic residence permit (eAT card).
- In the case of an electronic application, the Aliens' Registration Office will contact you after receiving your online application to arrange an appointment at the Aliens' Registration Office. During the appointment, your supporting documents will be checked (please bring them to the appointment) and your fingerprints will be taken for the issuance of the eAT card.
- If your application is approved, the Aliens' Registration Office will arrange for the eAT card to be produced.
- After about six to eight weeks, you can pick up the eAT card at the Aliens' Registration Office.
There are fees for the extension of the residence permit. The timing as well as the form of payment varies depending on the authority.
Who should I contact?
The foreigners authority responsible for the applicant's place of residence
Competent authority
The immigration authority responsible for the applicant's place of residence.
Requirements
- You have a recognized and valid passport or passport replacement as well as the valid residence permit for family reunification according to §§ 29 and 30 Residence Act.
- The period of validity of your residence permit will expire in the near future.
- Your spouse or life partner is in possession of a valid residence title.
- There is no interest in deportation against you.
- Your stay does not endanger 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
- Rental contract
- If you are required to take part in an integration course: certificate of successful participation in the integration course or other proof of integration efforts
What are the fees?
Issuance of residence permit: EUR 100.00
Under certain conditions, a fee reduction or fee exemption may be considered.
Notes:
- Additional fees may apply for the issuance of the residence permit in the form of the electronic residence title, which can also be used as electronic proof of identity.
- The time and the form of the fee collection as well as the payment vary depending on the authority.
What deadlines do I have to pay attention to?
- Extension of the residence permit: at the latest eight weeks before the expiry of your still valid residence permit.
- Action deadline: 1 month
Processing duration
about six to eight weeks.
Applications / forms
An appeal against the decision of the Foreigners' Registration Office may be filed with the court specified in the decision.
Appeal
- Forms: authority-specific forms can be obtained from your foreigners authority; where applicable, these are also offered 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
Professionally released on
20.01.2023
Source: Zuständigkeitsfinder Thüringen (Linie6PLus)
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