Applying for an extension of the residence permit for the recognition of the professional qualification on the basis of an agreement of the Federal Employment Agency

You can have your residence permit extended for the recognition of your professional qualification on the basis of an agreement with the Federal Employment Agency if you meet certain requirements for this.

You can apply for an extension of your residence permit if the procedure for recognising your foreign professional qualification is still ongoing. The recognition procedure covers the time from the submission of the application to the issuance of a recognition decision concluding the procedure by the competent recognition authority. This includes the implementation of qualification measures and subsequent examinations necessary for the determination of equivalence or the obtaining of the professional licence.

In the event of an extension, your residence permit will be limited again. The residence permit for the recognition of the professional qualification on the basis of an agreement of the Federal Employment Agency is extended by one year up to a maximum period of three years. After three years, if you have successfully completed the recognition procedure, you can obtain a residence permit to look for a job for one year or a residence permit for another purpose of residence (e.g. to study, to complete vocational training or to work as a specialist).

The Federal Employment Agency must again approve the exercise of employment in the desired occupational field. The consent is granted for a limited period of one year. This can be granted if you can prove that you continue to pursue the recognition procedure.

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

• Passport or passport substitute
• Current biometric photo
• Existing residence permit
• Proof of subsistence (e.g. blocked account at a bank)
• Proof of your health insurance
• Employment contract
• Lease
• Proof of the recognition procedure (e.g. initial decision from the recognising body or the certificate of participation for a qualification measure)

• 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 recognition of your professional qualification on the basis of an agreement of the Federal Employment Agency in accordance with Section 16d (4) of the Residence Act.
• The validity period of your residence permit will expire in the near future.
• You operate the procedure to determine the equivalence of your foreign professional qualification or, if necessary, to issue the professional license at the competent recognition authority in Germany.
• The Federal Employment Agency has approved the exercise of employment in the desired occupational field.
  Approval is usually obtained by the Foreigners' Registration Office.
• There is no interest in expulsion against you.
• Your stay does not endanger or adversely affect the interests of the Federal Republic of Germany
• Their livelihood is secured.

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 upon receipt of your online application 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 valid residence permit
• Opposition period: 1 month

about six to eight weeks

• Extension of the residence permit for the recognition of the professional qualification on the basis of an agreement of the Federal Employment Agency
  • 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.