Extending a residence permit to pursue highly qualified employment

The extension of your EU Blue Card must be applied for at the foreigners authority responsible for your place of residence.

• Depending on the foreigners authority and your request, it may be possible to apply online. Find out whether your foreigners authority offers electronic applications for the EU Blue Card.
• If the application can only be made in person, arrange an appointment with the immigration office.
• During the appointment, your application will be accepted and your supporting documents checked (please bring these with you to the appointment). Your fingerprints will be taken to issue the EU Blue Card.
• In the case of an electronic application, the Foreigners' Registration Office will contact you after receiving your online application to arrange an appointment to visit the Foreigners' Registration Office. During the appointment, your documents will be checked (please bring them with you to the appointment) and your fingerprints will be taken for the issue of the EU Blue Card.
• If your application is approved, the Foreigners' Registration Office will arrange for the EU Blue Card to be issued.
• After around six to eight weeks, you can collect your EU Blue Card from the immigration office.
• Fees are charged for the extension of the EU Blue Card. The time and form of payment vary depending on the authority.

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

You can also obtain free advice on entry, residence and employment from the "Hotline Working and Living in Germany" of the Federal Government's portal for skilled workers from abroad:

Telephone: 030 1815-1111

Service hours: Monday to Friday from 8:00 to 16:00

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

• You have a recognized and valid passport or passport replacement and a valid EU Blue Card.
• The validity of your EU Blue Card will expire in the near future.
• There is no interest in deporting you.
• You can secure your livelihood and health insurance cover from your income without claiming public benefits.
• Your stay does not jeopardize or impair the interests of the Federal Republic of Germany.
• You have a concrete job offer or an employment contract with the same or another employer.
• Your salary will reach at least 2/3 of the contribution assessment ceiling for pension insurance, or 52% of the annual contribution assessment ceiling for shortage occupations (scientists, mathematicians, engineers, medical doctors, IT specialists). For 2020, the minimum annual gross salary for standard occupations is EUR 55,200 and EUR 43,056 for shortage occupations.
  The Federal Ministry of the Interior, Building and Community publishes the contribution assessment ceiling in the Federal Gazette each year by December 31 of the previous year.
• The employment performed must be appropriate to the qualification.
• The Federal Employment Agency has approved the taking up of 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.
• If necessary, you must have a license to practice the profession (e.g. license to practice as a pharmacist).

• Passport or passport replacement
• EU Blue Card
• Proof of livelihood:

• Copy or original of employment contract (to be submitted only in case of changes)
• Proof of income for the last three months
• If you are changing employer: specific job offer (please use the standardized nationwide employment declaration form for this) or an employment contract

• Current biometric photo
• Current registration certificate
• Tenancy agreement
• Proof of your health insurance
• If you are obliged to attend an integration course: certificate of successful participation in the integration course or other proof of integration efforts

• Extension of the EU Blue Card

• 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 EU Blue Card 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.

• Extension of the EU Blue Card: no later than eight weeks before your valid EU Blue Card expires
• Objection period: 1 month

about six to eight weeks

§ Section 8 (1) in conjunction with. § Section 18b (2) Residence Act

§ Section 39 Residence Act

• Residence Act

• 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

03.06.2020