Applying for an extension of the residence permit to attend a general education school

The immigration authority responsible for the place of residence of the applicant is responsible for processing the application.

In principle, the same requirements must be met for the renewal of the residence permit as when the residence permit was first issued. That is:

• They still want to attend a public or state-approved school with an international orientation or a private school that prepares its students for international degrees, qualifications from other countries or state-recognized qualifications (such as the International Baccalaureate [IB]).
• Your chosen school will continue to provide school classes with a composition of students of different nationalities.
• You can secure your livelihood and health insurance cover for the duration of your stay from your own resources without recourse to public benefits. As a guideline, the current rate according to the Federal Training Assistance Act (BAföG) applies.
• There is no interest in expulsion 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 subsistence (for example, from own assets, payment of a security deposit into a blocked account, bank guarantee, letter of commitment, scholarship, proof of parents' income or similar)
• Proof of health insurance coverage (for example, confirmation of health insurance coverage or insurance policy).
• Certificate from the school stating the duration and general conditions of school attendance.
• In case of minors: Consent of all persons entitled to custody to the planned school attendance (declaration of consent); if the parents entitled to custody cannot submit the application jointly for their child, a written power of attorney of the absent parent is required; if only one parent is entitled to custody, the signature of this parent is sufficient.

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

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

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

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

• Find out whether your Foreigners' Registration Office allows you to apply online or whether you have a special application form.
• If you have not yet reached the age of 18, you are not allowed to apply yourself, but you will need a representative (as a rule, the application is made by the parents with custody).
• If the application is only possible in person, make an appointment at the Foreigners' Registration Office. In the case of an online application, the Foreigners' Registration Office will contact you after receiving your application to make an appointment.
• If you have not yet reached the age of 18, you must be accompanied by at least one representative during the personal interview. If the custodial parents are unable to appear in person, a written power of attorney for the application must be provided.
• During the appointment, your identity and documents will be checked (please bring your documents, preferably in the original, to the appointment).
• If your application is granted, your fingerprints will be taken for the purpose of obtaining a residence permit in the form of an electronic residence permit (eAT card).
• The Foreigners' Registration Office commissions the production of the eAT card from the Federal Printing Office. After completion, you will receive information and can pick up the eAT card from the responsible office. The eAT card must always be picked up 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.

• 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.
• While holding the residence permit, gainful employment is not permitted. An exception exists under certain circumstances for the time of vacations.
• During the stay for school attendance, i.e. until the successful completion of the educational measure and handing over of the corresponding graduation certificate, a residence permit for another purpose of stay should generally only be issued if there is a legal entitlement (for example family reunification or studies).
• If you have attended school in Germany while in possession of another residence title, this does not yet justify the issuance of a residence permit for school attendance.
• 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.

• § 16f Absatz 2 Aufenthaltsgesetz (AufenthG)
• § 8 Aufenthaltsgesetz (AufenthG)
• § 5 Aufenthaltsgesetz (AufenthG)

• Appeal against the decision of the Foreigners' Registration Office within one month after notification
• Action before the court named in the notice of appeal if the appeal is not granted

• 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.