Apply for extension of residence permit for job search for professionals with academic education

The Foreigners' Registration Office responsible for the applicant's place of residence is responsible for processing the application.

In principle, the same requirements must be met for the extension of the residence permit as for the initial issuance of the residence permit. That is:

• This total period of validity of your residence permit of six months has not yet been exhausted. Alternatively, you have stayed abroad after leaving Germany for at least as long as you were previously in Germany to look for work.
• You hold a German university degree or a recognized foreign university degree or a foreign university degree that is comparable to a German one (the recognition/determination of comparability was usually already checked when the residence permit was first issued).
• You are still seeking employment in a profession to which you are qualified on the basis of your (academic) qualification.
• In the case of regulated professions (for example, doctor, lawyer, teacher or engineer): You still have the required professional license or have been promised its renewal.
• You are able to secure your livelihood and health insurance coverage from your own resources without recourse to public benefits.
• Your stay does not impair or endanger the interests of the Federal Republic of Germany. There is no interest in deportation against you.

Forms available: No

Written form required: No

Informal application possible: Yes

Personal appearance required: Yes

In principle, the extension of your residence permit requires the submission of the same documents as for the initial issuance:

• Recognized and valid identity document (for example, passport or passport replacement).
• Current biometric photo in passport format (45 x 35 mm)
• Proof of means of subsistence (for example, proof of income, equity, blocked account, declaration of commitment); In addition, proof of financial means required for departure must be provided.
• Proof of health insurance coverage (for example, confirmation of health insurance coverage or insurance policy).
• Proof of academic degree
• In the case of foreign university degrees: Notification of recognition or comparability of the university degree or a certificate evaluation from the Central Office for Foreign Education (ZAB).
• For regulated professions: Valid professional practice permit or promise of issuance.
• If there was already a residence permit for six months: Proof of departure and duration of stay abroad.

The documents and information must always be submitted in German. In individual cases, the Aliens' Registration Office may require less or further proof.

Cost type:

• 96,00 for a further stay of up to three months
• 93,00 for a further stay of more than three months

Remark:

Additional fees may apply for the issuance of a new residence permit in the form of the electronic residence permit (eAT card), which can also be used as electronic proof of identity.

The timing as well as the form of fee collection and payment vary depending on the authority.

In certain cases, fee reductions or exemptions may be considered (for example, for persons entitled to asylum or recognized refugees). Lower fees may apply for Turkish nationals.

• § 45 Aufenthaltsverordnung (AufenthV)

• Find out whether your foreigners authority allows you to apply online or has a special application form.
• If the application can only be submitted in person, make an appointment at the Aliens' Registration Office. In the case of online application, the Aliens' Registration Office will contact you after receiving your application to schedule an appointment.
• During the appointment, your identity and documents will be checked (please bring your documents, if possible in original, to the appointment).
• If your application is granted, your fingerprints will be taken for the production of the residence permit in the form of a new electronic residence permit (eATKarte).
• The Foreigners' Registration Office will order the production of the eAT card from the Bundesdruckerei. After completion, you will receive information and can pick up the eAT card at the responsible office. The eAT card must always be collected in person.
• If your application is rejected, you will receive a rejection notice.

Duration (for span): 6 to 8

Remark (for further information on the deadline):

At least six weeks to eight weeks before the expiration of the current residence permit, the application should be received by the Foreigners' Registration Office.

Duration (for fixed time): maximum 6

Remark (for further information on the time limit):

The residence permit will be limited again, but for a maximum total period of six months.

Duration (with span): approx. 6 to 8

Note for further information on processing time:

The processing time may vary depending on the workload of the Foreigners' Registration Office.

It takes about 4 weeks to 6 weeks for the Bundesdruckerei to produce the electronic residence permit.

• The extension of the residence permit is at the discretion of the competent foreigners authority. Applicants are therefore only entitled to a decision free of discretionary errors.
• In principle, the residence permit does not entitle the holder to gainful employment, but it does permit trial employment for up to ten hours per week in accordance with the purpose of the residence permit, which the qualification qualifies the holder to perform.
• The procedure is usually conducted in German.
• All information provided to the Aliens' Registration Office should be correct and complete to the best of your knowledge and belief, so that the request can be processed without major delays.
• Incorrect or incomplete information can slow down the procedure and be disadvantageous for the person concerned. In a serious case, incorrect or incomplete information that is not completed or corrected in time vis-à-vis the Aliens Department may result in the revocation of residence rights already granted, a fine, a prison sentence of up to three years, or expulsion from the Federal territory.
• Due to the complexity of the right of residence, this description is for information purposes only and is not legally binding.

Portal of the Federal Government for skilled workers from abroad (here information on the topic of recognition of degrees):

https://www.make-it-in-germany.com/de/arbeiten-in-deutschland/anerkennung/wer-benoetigt

Information portal of the Federal Government on the recognition of foreign professional qualifications

https://www.anerkennung-in-deutschland.de/html/de/fachkraefte.php

Information portal of the Standing Conference of the Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs of the Länder in the Federal Republic of Germany on foreign educational qualifications

https://anabin.kmk.org/anabin.html

Portal of the Federal Government for skilled workers from abroad (here information on job search)

https://www.make-it-in-germany.com/de/arbeiten-in-deutschland/job/jobsuche

Information from the Federal Employment Agency on labor market access for people from abroad (including Migration Check for Workers, fact sheet on employment of foreign workers in Germany)

https://www.arbeitsagentur.de/fuer-menschen-aus-dem-ausland

In principle, the extension of your residence permit requires the submission of the same documents as for the initial issuance:

• Recognized and valid identity document (for example, passport or passport replacement).
• Current biometric photo in passport format (45 x 35 mm)
• Proof of means of subsistence (for example, proof of income, equity, blocked account, declaration of commitment); In addition, proof of financial means required for departure must be provided.
• Proof of health insurance coverage (for example, confirmation of health insurance coverage or insurance policy).
• Proof of academic degree
• In the case of foreign university degrees: Notification of recognition or comparability of the university degree or a certificate evaluation from the Central Office for Foreign Education (ZAB).
• For regulated professions: Valid professional practice permit or promise of issuance.
• If there was already a residence permit for six months: Proof of departure and duration of stay abroad.

The documents and information must always be submitted in German. In individual cases, the Aliens Department may require less or further proof.

• § 20 Absatz 2 Aufenthaltsgesetz (AufenthG)
• § 8 Aufenthaltsgesetz (AufenthG)
• § 5 Aufenthaltsgesetz (AufenthG)

• Appeal against the decision of the Foreigners' Registration Office within one month of notification.
• Action before the court named in the notice of objection if the objection is not upheld.

• An appeal against a negative decision of the Foreigners' Registration Office can be brought before the competent administrative court.
• A preliminary procedure (opposition) does not take place in Lower Saxony.
• Detailed information can be found in the rejection notice.