Residence permit for the purpose of gainful employment Extension for the purpose of employment with strong practical professional knowledge

You can apply for the extension of your residence permit to work with a high level of professional knowledge if its validity is about to expire.

The residence permit for the purpose of employment with strong practical professional knowledge was issued for a limited period. You can apply for an extension of 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 conditions for renewal are the same as for grant. In particular, you should continue to work in the IT industry and have a certain salary.

When you first issued your residence permit, the Federal Employment Agency gave its consent. If the validity of the consent has expired, it must be issued again for the extension of your residence permit.

You may have been obliged to attend an integration course when you first issued your residence permit. 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 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 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 excluded when the residence permit was issued or last extended.

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

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

• Valid passport
• Current residence permit
• Original of your employment contract or a binding job offer with salary information (please use the nationwide form Declaration of Employment Relationship)
• Current biometric photo
• Current registration certificate
• Proof of your health insurance
• Lease

• Forms: Declaration of employment relationship (uniform throughout Germany)
• further authority-specific forms can be obtained from your immigration office, if necessary these are also 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 employment with strong practical professional knowledge.
• 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 have a new employment contract or a new binding job offer with the same or another employer in the IT industry.
• Your salary will continue to reach at least 60% of the contribution assessment ceiling in the pension insurance.
• The amount of the contribution assessment ceiling is announced each year by 31 December of the previous year by the Federal Ministry of the Interior, Building and Community in the Federal Gazette (see further information).
• You can continue to secure your livelihood and health insurance cover independently without recourse to public benefits.
• The approval of the Federal Employment Agency for the commencement of work has been obtained or renewed (the 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 § 19c paragraph 2 Residence Act (AufenthG)
Section 42 (1) No. 2 of the Residence Act (AufenthG)
§ 6 Employment Ordinance (BeschV)

The extension of your residence permit must be applied for at the immigration authority responsible for your place of residence. The procedure is as follows:

• 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, make an appointment with the Foreigners' Registration Office.
  During the appointment, your application will be received and your supporting documents will be checked (bring them with you to the appointment). Your fingerprints will be taken for the renewal of the electronic residence title (eAT card).
• In the event of an electronic application, the Foreigners' Registration Office will contact you upon receipt of your application in order to make 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 title (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.
• The eAT card must always be picked up in person.
• Fees apply for the extension of the residence permit. The timing and form of payment vary depending on the authority.

• The extension should be requested no later than 8 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.
• Opposition period: 1 month

about six to eight weeks

Extension of residence permit:

• 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.