Applying for an extension of a residence permit for the purpose of employment for (formerly) qualified tolerated persons

Foreigners who, as former tolerated persons, have been granted a residence permit for the purpose of employment may apply for an extension of their temporary residence permit.

You can apply for an extension of your residence permit for qualified tolerated persons issued for the purpose of employment if you wish to continue to pursue employment and also continue to meet the other requirements. In principle, the same requirements must be met for the extension of the residence permit as for the initial issuance. In particular, you must be able to secure your livelihood and health insurance coverage from your own resources without claiming public benefits.

In order to process your application, the Foreigners' Registration Office usually involves the Federal Employment Agency, which examines the employment conditions. After holding the residence permit for two years and if during this time you have been employed in a job corresponding to your professional qualifications, access to the labor market is no longer subject to restrictions.

In case of extension, your residence permit will be limited again. As a rule, the residence permit cannot be extended if this was already ruled out when the residence permit was issued or last extended.

The foreigners authority responsible for the applicant's place of residence is responsible for processing the application.

In principle, the extension of your residence permit requires the submission of the same documents as for the initial issuance:

• Recognized and valid identity document (for example, passport or passport replacement).
• Current biometric photo in passport format (45 x 35 mm)
• Proof of completed education (e.g. university degree, certificates of completed vocational training)
• In case of foreign university degrees:
  • Notification of recognition or comparability of the university degree, if available.
  • Certificate evaluation of the Central Office for Foreign Education (ZAB), if available
• Employment contract or the form "Declaration of Employment Relationship" filled out and signed by the employer (see forms).
• Evidence of previous employment (e.g. employer's references, employment contracts), if available
• Proof of German language skills
• Proof of livelihood security (e.g. equity capital, blocked account, declaration of commitment)
• Proof of health insurance coverage
• Current certificate of registration

In individual cases, the Aliens Department may require less or further proof.

Forms available: Yes

Written form required: Yes

Informal application possible: No

Personal appearance required: Yes

In principle, you must fulfill the same requirements for the extension of the residence permit as for the initial issuance of the residence permit, i.e.:

• You have a recognized and valid identity document (for example, passport or passport substitute).
• You have in the federal territory
  • completed qualified vocational training in a state-recognized or comparably regulated training occupation or a university degree, or
  • with a recognized university degree or a foreign university degree comparable to a German university degree, have been continuously employed for at least two years in an occupation appropriate to their degree, or
  • have been in qualified employment for at least three years without interruption and have not been dependent on public funds within the last year (with the exception of benefits to cover the necessary costs for accommodation and heating).
• You have sufficient German language skills at least at level B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.
• You can present a concrete job offer or a contract (the form "Declaration of employment relationship" serves as proof of the concrete job offer).
• You have sufficient living space for yourself and your family.
• The Federal Employment Agency has approved your employment.
• You are able to secure your livelihood and health insurance coverage from your own resources without claiming public benefits.
• There is no interest in deportation against you.

Your stay does not endanger or impair the interests of the Federal Republic of Germany.

• Appeal against the decision of the Foreigners' Registration Office
• Action before the court named in the notice of appeal if the appeal is not granted

• Find out whether your foreigners authority allows you to apply online or has a special application form.
• If the application can only be submitted in person, make an appointment at the Aliens' Registration Office. In the case of online application, the Aliens' Registration Office will contact you after receiving your application to schedule an appointment.
• During the appointment, your identity and documents will be checked (please bring your documents, if possible in original, to the appointment).
• If your application is granted, your fingerprints will be taken for the production of a new electronic residence permit (eATKarte). The Aliens' Registration Office will order the production of the eAT card from the Bundesdruckerei. After completion, you will receive information and can pick up the residence permit at the responsible office. The eAT card must always be collected in person.
• If your application is rejected, you will receive a rejection notice.

Application deadline:

At the latest 8 before the expiration of your current residence permit, the application should be received by the Foreigners' Registration Office.

Duration: maximum 2

Objection period:

1 month

Duration: approx. 8

Note for further information on processing time:

It takes about 4 to 6 weeks for the Bundesdruckerei to produce the electronic residence permit.

The following fees apply:

• 96,00 for a further stay of up to three months
• 93,00 for a further stay of more than three months

Remark:

Additional fees may apply for the issuance of the residence permit in the form of the electronic residence permit, which can also be used as an electronic proof of identity.