Applying for an Extension of a Residence Permit for Academic Professionals

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The residence permit for qualified employment for skilled workers with academic training is a temporary residence title. You can apply for an extension of the residence permit for the purpose of qualified employment if your employment is to be continued beyond the period of validity of your residence permit.

You must apply for the extension of your residence permit at the foreigners authority responsible for your place of residence at least eight weeks before the expiry of the time limit.

The same requirements apply to the extension of the residence permit for the purpose of qualified employment for skilled workers with academic training as to the granting of the residence permit. In particular, you should be able to present a concrete job offer or an employment contract and be able to pursue an occupation that is professionally related to your qualification.

If you were obliged to attend an integration course when your residence permit was first issued, this will be taken into account when your residence permit is extended. If you have not yet taken part in an integration course, the Aliens Department 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 by one year at a time until you successfully complete the course or provide proof that you have been integrated into social life in some other way.

In the case of an extension, your residence permit will be limited again. The residence permit for qualified employment 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 ruled out when the residence permit was issued or last extended.

Section 8 sub-section 1 i. in conjunction with section 18b(1) of the Residence Act

Section 39 Residence Act

Aufenthaltsgesetz

Passport or passport replacement
Existing residence permit
Proof of means of subsistence:

Copy or original of employment contract (to be submitted only in case of changes).
Proof of income for the last 3 months
In case of change of employer: concrete job offer (please use the nationwide standardized form Declaration of Employment Relationship ) or an employment contract

Current biometric photo
Current certificate of residence
Tenancy agreement
Proof of health insurance
If you are obliged to take part in an integration course: certificate of successful participation in the integration course or other proof of your integration efforts

You hold a recognised and valid passport or passport substitute as well as the valid residence permit for the pursuit of qualified employment for skilled workers with academic training in accordance with Section 18b (1) of the Residence Act.
The period of validity of your residence permit will expire in the near future.
There is no interest in deportation 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 cover from your income without claiming public benefits.
You have a concrete job offer or an employment contract with the same or another employer.
You are employed in a job that is professionally related to your qualifications.
If necessary, you have a licence to practise your profession (e.g. licence to practise as a pharmacist).
The Federal Employment Agency has agreed to your taking up employment (approval is usually obtained from the Foreigners' Registration Office). For the approval, among other things, your working conditions (especially salary) must be comparable to those of a German employee in the same position.

Extension of the residence permit for the purpose of qualified employment for skilled workers with academic 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 fee exemption can be considered.
Note: The residence permit in the form of the electronic residence title must be reissued for the extension. The fee for reissuing the card body is EUR 67.00.

Fee: 96,00 EUR
Payment in advance: no

Fee: 93,00 EUR
Payment in advance: no

Fee: 67,00 EUR
Payment in advance: no

You must apply for the extension of your residence permit at the aliens' registration office responsible for your place of residence.

Depending on the foreigners authority and your concerns, it may be possible to apply via the internet. Find out whether your foreigners authority offers electronic application for the residence permit.
If the application can only be submitted in person, arrange an appointment with the Aliens' 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 issuing of the electronic residence permit (eAT).
In the case of an electronic application, the Aliens' Registration Office will contact you after receiving your online application to arrange an appointment at the Aliens' Registration Office. During the appointment, your documents will be checked (please bring them with you to the appointment) and your fingerprints will be taken for the issuing of the eAT card.
If your application is granted, the Aliens' Registration Office will arrange for the eAT card to be produced.
After about six to eight weeks, you can collect your eAT card from the Aliens' Registration Office.
There are fees for the extension of the residence permit. The time and form of payment vary depending on the authority.

about six to eight weeks.

Extension of the residence permit: no later than eight weeks before the expiry of your still valid residence permit for the exercise of qualified employment for professionals with academic training.

Forms: Declaration of employment relationship (uniform nationwide); further forms specific to the authorities can be obtained from your foreigners authority; these may also be offered online.
Online procedure possible in some cases
Written form required: yes
Personal appearance required: yes

Information on the residence permit for skilled workers with a university degree on the website of the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (german): https://www.bamf.de/DE/Themen/MigrationAufenthalt/ZuwandererDrittstaaten/Arbeit/Hochschulabsolvent/hochschulabsolvent-node.html
Information on residence permits for qualified employment can be found on the website of the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees:
https://www.bamf.de/EN/Themen/MigrationAufenthalt/ZuwandererDrittstaaten/Arbeit/Hochschulabsolvent/hochschulabsolvent-node.html
You can also get free advice on the topics of entry, residence and work from the "Hotline Working and Living in Germany" from the Federal Government's portal for skilled workers from abroad.
Phone: 030 1815-1111
Service hours: Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.