Applying for an extension of the EU Blue Card

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The residence permit for skilled workers with vocational training is a temporary residence permit. You can apply for the extension of your residence permit for the purpose of qualified employment if you wish to continue your employment beyond the period of validity of your residence permit.

Apply for the extension of your residence permit at least eight weeks before the expiry of the time limit at the immigration authority responsible for your place of residence.

The extension of the residence permit for skilled workers with vocational training for the purpose of exercising qualified employment is subject to the same conditions as for the grant. In particular, you should be able to submit a concrete job offer or an employment contract and pursue employment that is professionally related to your qualifications.

If you were obliged to attend an integration course when you first issued your residence permit, this will be taken into account when your residence permit is extended. If you have not yet taken part in an integration course, the Foreigners' Registration Office may reject your application for an extension of your residence permit. If you have not yet completed the integration course, the residence permit will only be extended by one year until you successfully complete it or provide proof that your integration into social life has taken place elsewhere.

In the event of an extension, your residence permit will be limited again. The residence permit for skilled workers with vocational training is extended for the duration of the employment contract.

As a rule, the residence permit cannot be extended if this was already excluded when the residence permit was issued or last extended.

The foreigners' authority responsible for the applicant's place of residence

You have a recognised and valid passport or passport substitute as well as a valid residence permit for skilled workers with vocational training in accordance with § 18a AufenthG.
The validity period of your residence permit will expire in the near future.
There is no interest in expulsion against you.
Your stay does not endanger or impair the interests of the Federal Republic of Germany.
You can secure your livelihood and health insurance coverage from your income without using public benefits.
You have a specific 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 necessary, you have a professional license.
The Federal Employment Agency has agreed to take up work (consent is usually obtained from the Foreigners' Registration Office) their working conditions (in particular salary) be comparable to those of a German employee in the same position.

Forms: Declaration of employment relationship (uniform throughout Germany); further authority-specific forms can be obtained from your Foreigners' Registration Office, which may also be offered online.
Online procedures possible in some cases
Written form required: yes
Personal attendance required: yes

Passport or passport substitute
Existing residence permit
Proof of subsistence:

Copy or original of the employment contract (to be submitted only in case of amendments)
Proof of income of the last 3 months
in case of change of employer: concrete job offer (please use the nationwide uniform form Declaration on the employment relationship )

Current biometric photo
Current registration certificate
Lease
Proof of your health insurance
In case of obligation to participate in the integration course: certificate of successful participation in the integration course or other proof of integration efforts

Extension of the residence permit for skilled workers with vocational training:

for a further stay of up to three months: EUR 96
for a further stay of more than three months: EUR 93

Under certain conditions, a fee reduction or exemption may be considered. Note: The residence permit in the form of the electronic residence title must be reissued for renewal. The fee for the reissue of the card body is EUR 67.00.

Fee: 96,00 EUR
Payment in advance: no
Further stay of up to three months

Fee: 93,00 EUR
Payment in advance: no
Further stay of more than three months

Fee: 67,00 EUR
Payment in advance: no
Reissue of the card body

The extension of your residence permit must be applied for at the immigration authority responsible for your place of residence.

Depending on the immigration authority and concerns, it may be possible to apply via the Internet. Find out whether your immigration authority offers the electronic application for a residence permit.
If the application is only possible in person, make an appointment with the Foreigners' Registration Office.
During the appointment, your application will be received and your supporting documents will be checked (please bring them with you to the appointment). Your fingerprints will be taken for the issuance of the electronic residence title (eAT card).
In the event of an electronic application, the Foreigners' Registration Office will contact you upon receipt of your online application in order to arrange an appointment for an interview at the Foreigners' Registration Office. During the appointment, your proof will be checked (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 granted, 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 extension of the residence permit. The timing and form of payment varies depending on the authority

Extension of the residence permit: at the latest eight weeks before the expiry of your still valid residence permit for skilled workers with vocational training.

about six to eight weeks

§ 8 Abs. 1 i. V. m. § 18a Aufenthaltsgesetz (AufenthG)

§ 39 Residence Act