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Electronic residence permit issuance

The electronic residence titles (eAT) are issued and handed out as a separate document in credit card format with additional electronic functions. Inside the card, the eAT has a contactless chip on which biometric features (features: photograph and two fingerprints after reaching the age of 6), ancillary provisions in connection with the residence permit (e.g. for gainful employment) and personal data are stored. In addition, the chip receives an electronic proof of identity and the possibility to use an electronic signature.

The following residence permits are issued in the format of the electronic residence title (eAT):
  • Residence permit
  • Settlement permit
  • EC long-term residence permit
  • Residence card for third-country national family members of an EU citizen or of an EEA national
  • Permanent residence card for third-country national family members of an EU citizen or of an EEA national
  • Residence permit for Swiss nationals and their third-country family members if they opt for an eAT

Process flow

The introduction of the electronic residence title (eAT) has an impact on the entire processes at the competent authority. In any case, a waiting time of four to six weeks is to be expected between the application and delivery of the eAT, as the cards are produced exclusively at the Bundesdruckerei in Berlin.
 
Due to the need to store biometric data on the chip inside the card, two fingerprints will have to be taken from applicants (including children and adolescents aged 6 and over). Therefore, a personal interview is necessary in all cases - even with existing authorizations. Longer processing and waiting times at the responsible office are to be expected.
 
The previous residence titles, which were affixed to the travel documents as a label, will remain valid even after the introduction of the eAT, at the latest until 31.08.2021. An issuance of the eAT before the expiry of the valid residence permit is therefore only provided for if there is a legitimate interest in the reissue.

Who should I contact?

The responsibility lies with the district, the district-free city, the large independent city as well as the region of Hanover, the state capital Hanover and the city of Göttingen.

Which documents are required?

  • Passport and other documents - depending on which procedures have been preceded

Since the individual case is decisive, the necessary documents should be requested in advance from the competent authority.

What are the fees?

Fee: 100,00 EUR
Payment in advance: No
Issuance of a residence permit for up to one year

Fee: 110,00 EUR
Payment in advance: No
Issuance of a residence permit of more than one year

Fee: 65,00 - 80,00 EUR
Payment in advance: No
Extension of residence permit

Fee: 135,00 - 250,00 EUR
Payment in advance: No
Settlement permit

What deadlines do I have to pay attention to?

Please apply for the renewal of a residence permit at least 2 months before the expiry of your previous residence permit.
In the case of temporary residence permits, the date of validity of the permit is used to determine the period of validity.

Period of Validity: 10 Years
Maximum period of validity for permanent residence permits. It is subject to passport validity.

Processing duration

Processing Time: 4 - 6 Weeks
The electronic residence permit (eAT) is issued by Bundesdruckerei in Berlin and sent to the responsible office.

Legal basis

Regulation (EC) No 1030/2002 laying down a uniform format for residence permits for third-country nationals

Act adapting German law to Regulation (EC) No. 380/2008 on the uniform design of residence permits for third-country nationals (380/2008/EG-AnpG) (eAT-Gesetz)

What else should I know?

Information on the electronic residence permit (eAT) in various languages on the website of the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF)

Technically approved by

Lower Saxony Ministry of the Interior and Sport

Author

The text was automatically translated based on the German content.

Source: Serviceportal Niedersachsen (Portalverbund des Bundes und der Länder)

Further Links

Single points of contact of the state of Lower Saxony, Single points of contact of the countries of Europe, advice and assistance for EU citizens and their families.
Access information on the single point of contact for the state of Lower Saxonyvisit Website Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEsVisit advice and assistance for EU citizens and their families