Verlängerung einer ICT-Karte beantragen
You can apply to extend your ICT card if you wish to continue working in Germany as a manager, specialist or trainee and the maximum period of validity of the ICT card has not yet been exhausted.
Description
You can extend an ICT card if you want to continue working as a manager, specialist or trainee in a German branch of your company.
Online services
There is currently no online service available for this location.
Competent office
The local foreigners authority (districts and larger cities) is responsible.
The local foreigners authority can be found online here: https://bamf-navi.bamf.de/de/Themen/Behoerden/
Contact point
The local foreigners authority (districts and larger cities) is responsible.
The local foreigners authority can be found online here: https://bamf-navi.bamf.de/de/Themen/Behoerden/
Contact person
Unfortunately, no contact persons were found for District Wesermarsch (Lower Saxony). Please check the service description above for information on how to find the responsible contact person.
Forms
Applications can be submitted informally.
Prerequisites
In principle, you must fulfill the same requirements for the extension of your ICT card as for the initial issue, i.e:
- Your company or group of companies has its headquarters outside the European Union and would like to continue to employ you as a manager, specialist or trainee in a branch in Germany.
- You can present an employment contract valid for the duration of the further transfer and, if necessary, a letter of secondment.
- The Federal Employment Agency has approved your continued employment (approval is obtained from the immigration authority) or there is an exemption from the approval requirement for the intended activity.
- You can secure your livelihood and health insurance cover from your income without claiming public benefits.
- There is no interest in deporting you.
- Your stay does not jeopardize or impair the interests of the Federal Republic of Germany.
Basis for legal action
- § 19 Aufenthaltsgesetz (AufenthG)
- § 8 Aufenthaltsgesetz (AufenthG)
- § 39 Aufenthaltsgesetz (AufenthG)
- § 10a Beschäftigungsverordnung (BeschV)
- Richtlinie 2014/66/EU des Europäischen Parlaments und des Rates vom 15. Mai 2014 über die Bedingungen für die Einreise und den Aufenthalt von Drittstaatsangehörigen im Rahmen eines unternehmensinternen Transfers
Legal remedy
Action before the locally competent administrative court
Procedure
- Find out whether your foreigners authority allows you to apply online or has a special application form.
- If the application can only be made in person, make an appointment at the immigration office. If you apply online, the immigration office will contact you after receiving your application to arrange an appointment.
- During the appointment, your identity and documents will be checked (please bring your documents to the appointment, in the original if possible).
- If your application is approved, your fingerprints will be taken to produce the new ICT card (issued in the form of an electronic residence permit, or eAT card for short). The Foreigners' Registration Office will commission the Federal Printing Office to produce the ICT card. After completion, you will receive information and can collect the card from the responsible office. The card must always be collected in person.
- If your application is rejected, you will receive a notice of rejection.
Deadlines
Application deadline: 6 to 8 weeks (Die Verlängerung sollte spätestens 6 bis 8 Wochen vor Ablauf Ihrer aktuellen ICT-Karte beantragt werden.)
Period of validity: 1 to 3 years (Die ICT-Karte wird für die Dauer des unternehmensinternen Transfers erteilt (1-3 Jahre). Der Aufenthalt darf bei Führungskräften und Spezialisten jedoch 3 Jahre und bei Trainees 1 Jahr nicht überschreiten. Die Verlängerung ist ausgeschlossen, wenn die Höchstdauer des Transfers erreicht wurde.)
Processing time
approx. 6 weeks to 8 weeks
(the production of the new ICT card by Bundesdruckerei takes about 4 to 6 weeks)
Costs
- 96.00 Euro for a further stay of up to three months
- 93.00 euros for a further stay of more than three months
Additional fees may apply for the issue of the ICT card in the form of an electronic residence permit, which can also be used as electronic proof of identity.
Notes (specifics)
The following information is available:
- The ICT Directive 2014/66/EU relevant for the transfer is implemented in all EU member states with the exception of Denmark and Ireland. It is therefore not possible to enter Denmark and Ireland with an ICT card.
- A personal appearance at the authorities is required.
- The procedure is usually conducted in German.
- All information provided to the Immigration Office should be correct and complete to the best of your knowledge and belief so that your application can be processed without major delays.
- Incorrect or incomplete information can slow down the procedure and be detrimental to the person concerned. In serious cases, incorrect or incomplete information that is not completed or corrected in good time vis-à-vis the immigration authority can result in the revocation of previously granted residence rights, a fine, a prison sentence of up to three years or expulsion from the federal territory.
- Due to the complexity of residence law, this description is for information purposes only and is not legally binding.
Further Information
- Anwendungshinweise des Bundesministeriums des Innern zu Gesetz und Verordnung zur Umsetzung aufenthaltsrechtlicher Richtlinien der Europäischen Union zur Arbeitsmigration
- Information des BAMF zum unternehmensinternen Personaltransfer
- Mobilität in der EU bei unternehmensinternem Transfer
- Make-it-in-germany – Flyer für Arbeitgeber „Möglichkeiten der Fachkräfteeinwanderung“
Unterstützende Institutionen
not specified
Area of validity
Lower Saxony
Official approval
Officially approved by Lower Saxony Ministry of the Interior, Sport and Digitalization on 20.11.2025
Keywords
Work permit, Profession, Employment, Federal Employment Agency, Gainful employment, Job, Employment, Profession, Gainful employment, Work, Work permit, Job, Work