Applying for an extension of a residence permit for the purpose of research

You can extend your residence permit for the purpose of research before it expires if you wish to continue your work as a researcher in Germany.

The residence permit for the purpose of research is a temporary residence permit. You can apply for an extension of your residence permit for the purpose of research if you want to continue your work at a German research institution 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 same conditions apply to the extension of the residence permit for the purpose of research as to the grant. In particular, you should be able to submit a hosting agreement or a corresponding contract with a research institution.

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 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 the purpose of research is extended for the duration of the research project.

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

• Valid passport or passport substitute
• Existing residence permit
• Current biometric photo
• Hosting agreement or a corresponding contract with a research institution for the implementation of the research project
• Lease
• Proof of subsistence (incl. 3 proof of income from the last 3 months)
• 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 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 appearance required: yes

• You have a recognised and valid passport or passport substitute as well as a valid residence permit for the purpose of research in accordance with § 18d paragraph 1 AufenthG.
• 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 hosting agreement or equivalent contract to carry out a research project at a research institution.
• In the case of the obligation to participate in the integration course by the immigration authority: You can prove successful participation in the integration course or provide proof that your integration into social life has taken place elsewhere.

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, make 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 in order to arrange an appointment for an interview 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 varies 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 research
• Opposition period: 1 month

about six to eight weeks

Extension of residence permit for research purposes

• 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.