The residence permit for skilled employment for professionals with vocational training is a temporary residence permit. You can apply to extend your residence permit for skilled employment if your employment is to continue beyond the validity period of your residence permit.

Apply for an extension of your residence permit no later than eight weeks before it expires at the Foreigners’ Registration Office responsible for your place of residence.

The same requirements apply to the extension of a residence permit for skilled employment for professionals with vocational training as to its initial issuance. In particular, you must be able to present a concrete job offer or an employment contract and be engaged in work that is professionally related to your qualifications.

If you were required to participate in an integration course when your residence permit was first issued, this will be taken into account when renewing your residence permit. If you have not yet participated in an integration course, the Foreigners’ Registration Office may reject your application to renew your residence permit. If you have not yet completed the integration course, your residence permit will generally be extended for only one year at a time until you successfully complete the course or provide proof that you have otherwise integrated into social and community life.

In the event of an extension, your residence permit will again be issued for a limited period. The residence permit for skilled workers with vocational training to engage in qualified employment is extended for the duration of the employment contract.

As a rule, the residence permit cannot be extended if this possibility was already ruled out at the time the permit was issued or during the most recent extension.

• You hold a recognized and valid passport or passport substitute, as well as a valid residence permit to engage in skilled employment for professionals with vocational training pursuant to Section 18a of the Residence Act (AufenthG).
• Your residence permit is set to expire in the near future.
• There are no grounds for deportation against you.
• Your presence does not endanger or impair the interests of the Federal Republic of Germany.
• You can cover your living expenses and health insurance coverage from your income without relying on public benefits.
• You have a concrete job offer or an employment contract with the same or another employer.
• You are engaged in employment that is professionally related to your qualifications.
• If required, you have a license to practice your profession.
• The Federal Employment Agency has approved your employment (approval is typically obtained by the Foreigners’ Registration Office) To obtain approval, your working conditions (particularly your salary) must be comparable to those of a German employee in the same position.

You must apply to extend your residence permit at the immigration office responsible for your place of residence.

• Depending on the Foreigners’ Registration Office and the nature of your request, it may be possible to apply online. Check to see if your Foreigners’ Registration Office offers the option to apply for a residence permit electronically.
• If you can only apply in person, schedule an appointment with the Foreigners’ Registration Office.
• During the appointment, your application will be accepted and your supporting documents will be reviewed (please bring these with you to the appointment). Your fingerprints will be taken for the issuance of the electronic residence permit (eAT).
• If you submit your application online, the Foreigners’ Registration Office will contact you after receiving your online application to schedule an in-person appointment at the office. During the appointment, your supporting documents will be reviewed (please bring them with you to the appointment) and your fingerprints will be taken for the issuance of the eAT card.
• If your application is approved, the Foreigners’ Registration Office will arrange for the eAT card to be produced.
• After about six to eight weeks, you can pick up your eAT card at the Foreigners’ Office.
• Fees apply for the renewal of your residence permit. The timing and method of payment vary depending on the agency.

• Information on residence permits for skilled workers with vocational training to engage in qualified employment on the website of the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (in German): https://www.bamf.de/DE/Themen/MigrationAufenthalt/ZuwandererDrittstaaten/Arbeit/Fachkraft/fachkraft-node.html
• Information on the residence permit for skilled employment on the website of the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (English): https://www.bamf.de/EN/Themen/MigrationAufenthalt/ZuwandererDrittstaaten/Arbeit/Fachkraft/fachkraft-node.html
• You can also receive free advice on entry, residence, and employment from the “Working and Living in Germany Hotline” on the Federal Government’s portal for skilled workers from abroad.
  Phone: 030 1815-1111
• Hours of operation: Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Section 8 (1) in conjunction with Section 18a of the Residence Act (AufenthG)

Section 39 Residence Act

• Extension of a residence permit: no later than eight weeks before the expiration of your currently valid residence permit for skilled workers with vocational training
• Appeal period: 1 month

about six to eight weeks

The immigration office responsible for the applicant's place of residence

• Passport or passport substitute
• Valid residence permit
• Proof of sufficient funds to cover living expenses:

• Copy or original of the employment contract (to be submitted only if there have been changes)
• Proof of income for the last 3 months
• If changing employers: a specific job offer (please use the nationwide standard form “Declaration of Employment” for this)

• Current biometric photo
• Current certificate of residence
• Rental agreement
• Proof of health insurance
• If you are required to participate in an integration course: Certificate of successful completion of the integration course or other evidence of integration efforts

• Extension of a residence permit to engage in skilled employment for professionals with vocational training:

• for an additional stay of up to three months: EUR 96
• for an additional stay of more than three months: EUR 93

• Under certain conditions, a fee reduction or exemption may be granted. Note: The residence permit in the form of an electronic residence card must be reissued for the extension. The fee for reissuing the card is EUR 67.00.

• Forms: Declaration of Employment Status (standardized nationwide); additional agency-specific forms are available from your immigration office; in some cases, these may also be available online.
• In-person appearance required: yes