The residence permit for the purpose of employment, regardless of your qualifications as a skilled worker, is a temporary residence permit. You can apply for an extension of your residence permit if your employment is to continue beyond the period of validity of your residence permit.

Apply for an extension of your residence permit at the immigration office responsible for your place of residence at least eight weeks before the expiry date.

The same requirements apply to the extension of the residence permit as to its issuance. In particular, you should be able to present an employment contract or a concrete job offer.

If you were required to attend an integration course when your residence permit was first issued, this will be taken into account when extending your residence permit. If you have not yet participated in an integration course, the immigration office may reject your application for an extension of your residence permit. If you have not yet completed the integration course, your residence permit will generally only be extended for one year at a time until you have successfully completed the course or provided evidence that you have integrated into social life in some other way.

In the event of an extension, your residence permit will again be limited in time. The residence permit will be extended for the duration of the employment contract.

The residence permit cannot be extended if this was already excluded when it was issued or last extended.

• You hold a recognized and valid passport or passport substitute, as well as a valid residence permit authorizing you to work, regardless of whether you qualify as a skilled worker under Section 19c(1) of the Residence Act in conjunction with the Employment Regulation.
• The validity period of your residence permit will 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.
• The Federal Employment Agency has approved your employment (approval is generally obtained from the Foreigners’ Registration Office when required).

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’ Registration Office.
• Fees apply for the renewal of your residence permit. The timing and method of payment vary depending on the agency.

You can also get free advice on entry, residence, and employment from the “Working and Living in Germany Hotline” on the German federal government’s portal for foreign skilled workers.

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 19c(1) of the Residence Act

in conjunction with the Employment Regulation

• File an appeal against the decision of the Immigration Office within one month of its notification.
• File a lawsuit with the court specified in the appeal decision if the appeal is denied.

• Renewal of a residence permit: no later than eight weeks before your current residence permit expires
• Appeal period: 1 month

about six to eight weeks

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

• Passport or Passport Substitute
• 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 concrete job offer (please use the nationwide standard form “Declaration of Employment Status ” for this) or an employment contract
• Current biometric photo
• Current certificate of residence registration
• Rental agreement
• Proof of health insurance
• If required to participate in an integration course: Certificate of successful completion of the integration course or other proof of integration efforts

• Renewal of a residence permit for the purpose of employment, regardless of whether the individual qualifies as a skilled worker
  :- 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