Extending a residence permit on the basis of extensive professional knowledge

You must apply for an extension of your residence permit at the foreigners authority responsible for your place of residence. The procedure is as follows:

• Depending on the foreigners authority and your request, it may be possible to apply via the Internet. Find out whether your foreigners authority offers electronic application for a residence permit.
• If you can only apply in person, make an appointment with the immigration office.
  During the appointment, your application will be accepted and your supporting documents checked (bring these with you to the appointment). Your fingerprints will be taken for the renewal of the electronic residence permit (eAT card).
• In the case of an electronic application, the Foreigners' Registration Office will contact you after receiving your application to arrange an appointment at the Foreigners' Registration Office. During the appointment, your documents will be checked (bring them with you to the appointment) and your fingerprints will be taken for the renewal of the electronic residence permit (eAT card).
• If your application is approved, the Foreigners' Registration Office will arrange for the eAT card to be issued.
• After about six to eight weeks, you can collect the eAT card from the immigration office.
• The eAT card must always be collected in person.
• There is a fee for extending the residence permit. The time and form of payment vary depending on the authority.

The foreigners authority responsible for the applicant's place of residence

The foreigners authority responsible for the applicant's place of residence

• You have a recognized and valid passport or passport substitute as well as a valid residence permit for the purpose of employment with a high level of practical professional knowledge.
• Your residence permit will expire in the near future.
• There is no interest in deporting you.
• Your stay does not jeopardize or impair the interests of the Federal Republic of Germany.
• You have a new employment contract or a new binding job offer with the same or another employer in the IT sector.
• Your salary will continue to reach at least 60% of the contribution assessment ceiling for pension insurance. In 2020, 60% corresponds to a minimum gross salary of EUR 4,140 per month or EUR 49,680 per year (limit applies to the whole of Germany).
  The Federal Ministry of the Interior, Building and Community publishes the contribution assessment ceiling in the Federal Gazette every year by December 31 of the previous year (see further information).
• You can continue to secure your livelihood and health insurance cover independently without claiming public benefits.
• You have received or renewed approval from the Federal Employment Agency to take up employment (approval is usually obtained from the immigration authority). For approval to be granted, your working conditions (in particular salary) must be comparable to those of a German employee in the same position.

• Valid passport
• Current residence permit
• Original of your employment contract or a binding job offer with salary details (please use the standardized form Declaration of Employment )
• Current biometric photo
• Current registration certificate
• Proof of your health insurance
• Tenancy agreement

Extension of residence permit:

• 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 possible.

Note: The residence permit in the form of the electronic residence permit must be reissued for the extension. The fee for reissuing the card body is EUR 67.00.

• The extension should be applied for at least eight weeks before your valid residence permit expires.
• In the event of an extension, the new residence permit will again be issued for a limited period. The validity depends on the period of validity of your employment contract and the approval of the Federal Employment Agency.
• Objection period: 1 month

about six to eight weeks

§ Section 8 (1) in conjunction with. § Section 19c (2) AufenthG

§ Section 19c (2) Residence Act (AufenthG)

§ Section 42 (1) no. 2 Residence Act (AufenthG)

§ Section 6 Employment Ordinance (BeschV)

• Residence Act
• Employment Ordinance

• Forms: Declaration on the employment relationship (standardized nationwide); you can obtain other forms specific to the authorities from your foreigners authority; these may also be available online
• Online procedure occasionally possible
• Written form required: yes
• Personal appearance required: yes

19.05.2020