Apply for extension of a residence permit for job search for qualified professionals with professional training

For the extension of the residence permit, you must fulfill the same requirements as for the initial issuance of the residence permit, that is:

• You possess a recognized and valid identity document (for example, passport or passport substitute).
• You possess
  • a domestic qualified professional training or
  • an equivalent foreign professional qualification.
• The object of your job search must be the pursuit of qualified employment to which you are qualified on the basis of your professional qualification.
• You must have German language skills that correspond to the desired occupation. As a rule, German language skills of at least level B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages are required here.
• If employment in a regulated - for example medical - profession is sought, a professional practice permit must already have been granted or promised.
• You must be able to secure your livelihood and health insurance cover from your own resources without recourse to public benefits.
• The maximum duration of the residence permit of six months has not yet been exhausted.
• There is no interest in deportation against you.

Your stay does not endanger or impair the interests of the Federal Republic of Germany.

Forms available: No

Written form required: Yes

Informal application possible: No

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)
• Training certificate/training certificate on the successfully completed vocational training in original format
• In case of a foreign professional qualification:
  • Training certificate/training certificate together with German translation
  • Notification of the equivalence of the foreign professional qualification with a domestic qualified professional training, if available.
• For regulated professions: Permit to practice the profession or promise of issuance
• Proof of German language skills
• Proof of livelihood security (e.g. equity capital, blocked account, declaration of commitment)
• Proof of health insurance coverage
• Current certificate of registration

In individual cases, the Aliens Department may require less or further proof.

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

• Section 45 No. 2 of the Residence Ordinance - Fees for the Residence Permit, the EU Blue Card, the ICT Card and the Mobile ICT Card

• Find out whether your Foreigners' Registration Office allows you to apply online or whether you have a special application form.
• 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.
• 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 creating a new 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 residence permit from the competent authority. The eAT card must always be picked up in person.

If your application is rejected, you will receive a rejection notice

The residence permit is issued for a maximum of six months. An extension is only possible if this 6-month period has not yet been exhausted.

Deadline for filing an action: 1 month

The time it takes to process the application depends on the local conditions as well as on the factual accuracy of the information in the application and the completeness of the application documents.

An extension of the residence permit beyond the maximum period of six months is excluded if no appropriate gainful employment could be found within the validity. A residence permit for the purpose of seeking employment for qualified specialists with vocational training can only be issued again if the foreigner, after leaving the country, has stayed abroad for at least as long as he or she previously stayed in the Federal territory.

The residence permit does not entitle the holder to pursue self-employment.

• Information from the Federal Employment Agency on access to the labour market for people from abroad (e.g. Migration Check for Employees, Fact Sheet on the Employment of Foreign Workers in Germany):
• Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs:
• International Placement Service (ZAV):
• Information portal on the recognition of foreign professional qualifications:

• § 8 Absatz 1 Aufenthaltsgesetz (AufenthG) - Verlängerung der Aufenthaltserlaubnis
• § 20 Absatz 1 Aufenthaltsgesetz (AufenthG) - Arbeitsplatzsuche für Fachkräfte mit Berufsausbildung

• Appeal against the decision of the Foreigners' Registration Office
• Action before the court named in thehsbescheid, if the objection is not granted.