Extension of residence permit for the purpose of research for beneficiaries of international protection

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The residence permit for the purpose of research for beneficiaries of international protection is a temporary residence title. You can apply for an extension of the residence permit for the purpose of research if your activity at a research institution is to be continued beyond the period of validity of your residence permit.

Apply for the extension of your residence permit at the foreigners authority responsible for your place of residence no later than eight weeks before the expiry of the time limit.

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' Registration 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 successfully complete it 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 the purpose of research is extended for the duration of the research project.

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

Valid passport or passport replacement
Existing residence permit
Current biometric photo
Hosting agreement or a corresponding contract with a research institution for the implementation of the research project
Tenancy agreement
Proof of living expenses (incl. 3 proofs of income for the last 3 months)
Proof of health insurance
If you are required to take part in an integration course: certificate of successful participation in the integration course or other proof of your integration efforts

You possess a recognised and valid passport or passport substitute as well as the valid residence permit for the purpose of research for persons entitled to international protection according to § 18d paragraph 6 Residence Act.
There is no interest in deportation against you.
Your stay does not endanger or impair the interests of the Federal Republic of Germany.
You are working at a research institution.
You can secure your livelihood and health insurance cover from your income without claiming public benefits.
In the case of an obligation to participate in an integration course by the Aliens' Registration Office: You can prove successful participation in the integration course or provide evidence that your integration into social and societal life has taken place in another way.

Extension of the residence permit for the purpose of research for beneficiaries of international protection:

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 may be considered

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

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.

about 6 to 8 weeks

Extension of the residence permit: at the latest eight weeks before the expiry of your still valid residence permit for the purpose of research

An action may be brought before the competent administrative court against a negative decision of the immigration authority.

A preliminary procedure (opposition) does not take place in Lower Saxony.

Detailed information can be found in the rejection decision.

You can obtain forms from your Aliens' Registration Office (Ausländerbehörde); these may also be available online.
Online procedure possible in some cases
Written form required: yes
Personal appearance required: yes

Information on residence permits for the purpose of research (german):
https://www.bamf.de/DE/Themen/Forschung/AnerkennungForschungseinrichtungen/Aufenthaltstitel/aufenthaltstitel.html
Information on residence permits for the purpose of research
https://www.bamf.de/EN/Themen/MigrationAufenthalt/ZuwandererDrittstaaten/Arbeit/Wissenschaftler/wissenschaftler-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 portal of the Federal Government Phone: 030 1815-1111
Service hours: Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.