Applying for an extension of the residence permit for study preparation and study

You can have your residence permit extended for the purpose of studying before the expiry of its period of validity if you meet certain conditions for this purpose.

The residence permit for the purpose of studying is a temporary residence permit. You can apply for an extension of your residence permit if you have not yet completed your studies but can still obtain it within a reasonable period of time. For the duration of stay, a stay of ten years is usually the upper limit.

When deciding on the extension of a residence permit for the purpose of studying, the Foreigners' Registration Office may obtain and take into account opinions from the university or other institutions admitted to education or training in questions of study requirements, the course of study, the degree and other academic matters.

The same conditions apply to the extension of the residence permit for the purpose of studying as to the grant. In particular, your livelihood should be secured for the duration of your studies.

In the event of an extension, your residence permit will be limited again. The residence permit for the purpose of studying is extended by at least one year and usually by two years or for the remaining duration of the studies.

If the foreigner participates in a Union or multilateral programme with mobility measures (e.g. ERASMUS+ programme of the European Union) or if the foreigner is covered by an agreement between two or more higher education institutions, the residence permit is extended for at least two years. If the course lasts less than two years, it is extended by its duration.

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

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

• Passport or passport substitute
• Current biometric photo
• Existing residence permit
• Proof of subsistence (e.g. blocked account at a German bank, scholarship certificate or declaration of commitment)
• Proof of your health insurance
• If applicable, proof of achievements in the course of study
• Lease

• Forms: Authority-specific forms can be obtained from your Foreigners' Registration Office, which may also be offered online.
• Online procedures possible in some cases
• Written form required: yes
• Personal attendance required: yes

• You have a recognised and valid passport or passport substitute as well as a valid residence permit for the purpose of studying in accordance with § 16b paragraph 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 adversely affect the interests of the Federal Republic of Germany
• They have not yet completed their studies and can prove that they can achieve it within a reasonable period of time.
• Your livelihood is secured for the entire duration of your studies.

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 it 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 purpose of studying
• Opposition period: 1 month

about six to eight weeks

• Extension of the residence permit for the purpose of studying

• 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.