Residence permit for the purpose of gainful employment Extension for the purpose of employment in qualified employment as a specialist with academic training

You can have your residence permit extended for skilled employment for skilled workers with academic training before the expiry of its period of validity if you want to continue your employment in Germany as a skilled worker.

The residence permit for the exercise of qualified employment for professionals with academic training is a temporary residence permit. You can apply for the extension of your residence permit for the purpose of qualified employment 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 extension of the residence permit for the purpose of qualified employment for professionals with academic training is subject to the same conditions as for the grant. In particular, you should be able to submit a concrete job offer or an employment contract and pursue employment that is professionally related to your qualifications.

If you were obliged to attend an integration course when you first issued your residence permit, 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, the residence permit will only be extended by one year at a time until you successfully complete it or provide proof that your integration into social life has taken place elsewhere.

In the event of an extension, your residence permit will be limited again. The residence permit for skilled workers with vocational training is extended for the duration of the employment contract.

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

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

Please contact the immigration authority responsible for the applicant's place of residence.

• Passport or passport substitute
• Existing residence permit
• Proof of subsistence:
  • Copy or original of the employment contract (to be submitted only in case of amendments)
  • Proof of income of the last 3 months
  • in case of change of employer: concrete job offer (please use the nationwide uniform form Declaration of employment relationship) or an employment contract
• Current biometric photo
• Current registration certificate
• Lease
• Proof of your health insurance
• In case of obligation to participate in the integration course: certificate of successful participation in the integration course or other proof of integration efforts

• Forms: Declaration of employment relationship (uniform throughout Germany)
• Further authority-specific forms can be obtained from your Foreigners' Registration Office, which may also be offered online.
• Written form required: yes
• Informal application possible: No
• Personal appearance required: Yes

• You have a recognised and valid passport or passport substitute as well as a valid residence permit for skilled workers with academic training in accordance with Section 18b (1) of the Residence Act.
• The validity period of your residence permit will expire in the near future.
• There is no interest in expulsion against you.
• Your stay does not endanger or impair the interests of the Federal Republic of Germany.
• You can secure your livelihood and health insurance coverage from your income without using public benefits.
• You have a specific job offer or an employment contract with the same or another employer.
• You are engaged in employment that is professionally related to your qualifications.
• If necessary, you have a professional license (e.g. license to practice medicine as a pharmacist).
• The Federal Employment Agency has approved the commencement of work (consent is usually obtained from the Foreigners' Registration Office). For approval, inter alia, their working conditions (in particular salary) be comparable to those of a German employee in the same position.

§ 8 paragraph 1 in conjunction with § 18b paragraph 1 Residence Act (AufenthG)

§ 39 Residence Act (AufenthG)

The extension of your residence permit must be applied for at the immigration authority responsible for your place of residence.

• Depending on the immigration authority and concerns, it may be possible to apply via the Internet. Find out whether your immigration authority offers the electronic application for a residence permit.
• If the application is only possible in person, please arrange an appointment with the Foreigners' Registration Office.
• During the appointment, your application will be received and your supporting documents will be checked (please bring them with you to the appointment). Your fingerprints will be taken for the issuance of the electronic residence permit (eAT).
• In the event of an electronic application, the Foreigners' Registration Office will contact you after receipt of your online application in order to arrange an appointment at the Foreigners' Registration Office. During the appointment, your proof 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 granted, the Foreigners' 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 Foreigners' Registration Office.
• Fees apply for the extension of the residence permit. The timing and form of payment vary depending on the authority

• Extension of the residence permit: at the latest eight weeks before the expiry of your still valid residence permit for the exercise of qualified employment for professionals with academic training
• Opposition period: 1 month

Duration: About 6 to 8 weeks.

• Extension of the residence permit for skilled employment for professionals with academic training:
  • 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.