As a legal representative, you can apply for an extension of the residence permit for a foreign minor unmarried child so that the child can continue to live with you in Germany.

Please note that your child must not be married, divorced, or widowed. Minor means that the child has not yet reached the age of 18.

The establishment of a family life between you and the child is a prerequisite for obtaining a residence permit. This must be intended and actually possible. If you, as a parent, have custody of the child, the intention and possibility of establishing a family life can generally be assumed. However, it is not necessarily required that you are entitled to exercise custody. However, paternity or maternity of the minor child must be proven.

If only the father is German, there must be a valid acknowledgment of paternity.

If the child has already had a residence permit for three years, it is possible to apply for a settlement permit.

If the child has since reached the age of 18, they can obtain an independent right of residence that is not dependent on family reunification.

• One parent with custody holds German citizenship.
• The child has a valid identification document.
• At the time of application, the child is a minor and is neither married, divorced, nor widowed.
• The German parent has his or her habitual residence in Germany.
• The German parent remains, in fact and in law, willing and able to maintain a family life with the child. This is presumed if custody of the child continues. However, custody is not a prerequisite for the extension of the residence permit.
• There are no grounds for the child’s deportation.

• You must apply for an extension of the child’s residence permit before the current residence permit expires.
• Find out whether the relevant immigration office allows you to submit the application online or provides a specific application form.
• If the application can only be submitted in person, make an appointment at the immigration office. If you submit the application online, the immigration office will contact you after receiving the application to schedule an appointment.
• During the appointment, your identity and the child’s identity, as well as the documents you have provided, will be verified (please bring all documents to the appointment, preferably the originals).
• If your application is approved, the child’s fingerprints will be taken to produce the electronic residence permit (eAT card for short). Fingerprints are not taken from children under the age of six.
• The Foreigners’ Registration Office will commission the Federal Printing Office to produce the eAT card. Once it is ready, you will be notified and can pick up the eAT card at the appropriate office. The eAT card must generally be picked up in person.
• If your application is denied, you will receive a notice of denial.

• You must apply for the renewal of the child’s residence permit in a timely manner, before the current residence permit expires.
• Please make sure to provide accurate and complete information to the best of your knowledge and belief. This is the only way the Immigration Office can process your application without significant delays.
• Incorrect or incomplete information can slow down the process and be to your disadvantage. In serious cases, incorrect or incomplete information that is not supplemented or corrected in a timely manner with the Foreigners’ Registration Office may result in the revocation of residence rights already granted, a fine, imprisonment for up to three years, or deportation from the federal territory.

• Appeal against the decision of the Immigration Office
• Lawsuit before the court specified in the notice of decision on the appeal, if the appeal is denied

Application deadline: 6 to 8

Note (for more information on the deadline):

The application should be received by the Immigration Office no later than six to eight before the child’s current residence permit expires.

Validity period: at least 1

Note:

The residence permit is extended for a limited period. After holding the residence permit for three years, an application for a settlement permit may be submitted.

If the child has since reached the age of majority (i.e., turned 18), the child may obtain an independent right of residence that is separate from family reunification.

Duration: approx. 6 to 8

Note regarding further information on processing time:

It takes about four to six weeks for the Bundesdruckerei to issue the electronic residence permit

: The immigration office with jurisdiction over the applicant's place of residence is responsible for processing the application.

• A recognized and valid identification document (such as a passport or passport substitute) for the child and the German parent
• A recent biometric passport-sized photo of the child (45 x 35 mm)
• Proof of acknowledgment of paternity, if the parents are not married and the child is to join the German father.
• If a parent with custody remains abroad:
  • Proof of custody,
  • a declaration of consent from the parent living abroad.
• The documents and information must generally be submitted in German. In individual cases, the Foreigners’ Registration Office may require fewer or additional documents.

Cost:

• 48.00 for an additional stay of up to three months
• 46.50 for an additional stay of more than three months

Note:

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

Forms available: No

Written form required: No

Informal application possible: Yes

Personal appearance required: Yes