Residence Permit; General Information

A residence permit is a temporary residence authorization. It is issued for the purposes specified in the Residence Act, e.g., for

• humanitarian reasons,
• for the purpose of studying or training,
• to engage in employment, self-employment, or research,
• for family reunification for spouses/civil partners and minor children, provided that the foreign national living here has a right of residence,
• for spouses/life partners and minor children of German citizens,
• under the “Opportunity Residence Permit” introduced on December 31, 2022 (see: further information)

The Residence Act governs not only the eligibility requirements for the various purposes of residence but also whether there is a legal entitlement to a residence permit or whether the Foreigners’ Registration Office must make a discretionary decision.

The residence permit is normally valid throughout the entire federal territory, but may be granted and renewed subject to conditions and restrictions. Conditions, such as a geographical restriction, may also be imposed retroactively. Holders of a residence permit as persons entitled to asylum, recognized refugees, beneficiaries of subsidiary protection, or those subject to a confirmed ban on deportation under Section 60(5) or (7) of the Residence Act must also notify the competent Foreigners’ Registration Office of any travel to their home country.

The residence permit—despite initially being temporary—forms the basis for a permanent right of residence, unless an extension is ruled out from the outset, e.g., in cases of temporary residence purposes.

Just as with the initial issuance, an application for the extension of the residence permit must be filed with the immigration office.

The requirements for obtaining a residence permit vary depending on the purpose of the stay.

In general, the issuance of a residence permit usually requires that

• the foreign national has sufficient means of support,
• the foreign national’s identity and, if he or she is not entitled to return to another country, nationality have been established,
• there are no grounds for deportation,
• provided there is no entitlement to a residence permit, the foreign national’s stay does not otherwise impair or endanger the interests of the Federal Republic of Germany, and
• the passport requirement under Section 3 of the Residence Act (AufenthG) is met;

and that the foreign national

• entered the country with the required visa and
• has already provided the information relevant to the issuance of the visa in the visa application.

The same provisions apply to the extension of a residence permit as to its issuance. Before extending the residence permit, it must be determined whether the foreign national has complied with any obligation to properly participate in the integration course.

Foreign nationals subject to visa requirements must apply for the residence permit required for their continued stay while their visa is still valid.

Foreign nationals exempt from the visa requirement for a specific purpose of stay must apply for the residence permit required for their continued stay immediately after entry or, at the latest, within 90 days.

• The documents to be submitted can vary widely.
  

  Please check with your local immigration office. However, the following documents are generally required, among others:

  • valid passport
  • a recent biometric photo (full-face shot)
  • Proof of sufficient financial means
  • Proof of adequate housing
  • Proof of health insurance coverage
  • Proof of the purpose of stay, e.g., employer’s letter or employment contract, marriage certificate
  • Additional documents, if applicable

Issuance:

• Valid for up to one year: 100 euros
• Valid for more than one year: 100 euros

Renewal:

• Up to three months: 96 euros
• For more than three months: 93 euros