Applying for an extension of a residence permit to look for a job for qualified skilled workers with vocational training

• Find out whether your foreigners authority allows you to apply online or has a special application form.
• If the application can only be submitted in person, make an appointment at the immigration office. If you apply online, the Foreigners' Registration Office will contact you after receiving your application to arrange an appointment.
• During the appointment, your identity and documents will be checked (please bring your documents to the appointment, in the original if possible).
• If your application is approved, your fingerprints will be taken to produce a new electronic residence permit (eAT card). The Foreigners' Registration Office will commission the Bundesdruckerei to produce the eAT card. After completion, you will receive information and can collect the residence permit from the responsible office. The eAT card must always be collected in person.

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

The foreigners authority responsible for the applicant's place of residence is responsible for processing the application.

To extend your residence permit, you must meet the same requirements as for the initial issue of the residence permit, i.e:

• You have a recognized and valid identity document (for example, passport or passport substitute).
• You possess
  • qualified vocational training in Germany or
  • an equivalent foreign professional qualification.
• The purpose of your job search must be the pursuit of qualified employment for which you are qualified on the basis of your professional qualification.
• You must have German language skills appropriate to the job you are seeking. As a rule, German language skills of at least level B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages are required.
• If you are seeking employment in a regulated - e.g. medical - profession, you must already have a license to practice the profession or have been granted one.
• You must be able to cover your living expenses and health insurance from your own resources without claiming public benefits.
• The maximum duration of the residence permit of six months has not yet been exhausted.
• There is no interest in deporting you.

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

In principle, the extension of your residence permit requires the submission of the same documents as for the initial issue:

• Recognized and valid identity document (e.g. passport or passport substitute)
• Current biometric photo in passport format (45 x 35 mm)
• Original training certificate/training certificate of successfully completed vocational training
• In the case of a foreign professional qualification:
  • Training certificate plus German translation
  • Notification of the equivalence of the foreign professional qualification with a domestic qualified professional qualification, if available
• For regulated professions: License to practice the profession or confirmation that it has been granted
• Proof of German language skills
• Proof of means of subsistence (e.g. equity capital, blocked account, declaration of commitment)
• Proof of health insurance cover
• Current registration certificate

In individual cases, the Immigration Office may require less or further proof.

Cost amount:

• 96.00 for a further stay of up to three months
• 93.00 for a further further stay of more than three months

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

• § Section 45 No. 2 Residence Ordinance - Fees for the residence permit, the EU Blue Card, the ICT Card and the Mobile ICT Card

The application should be received by the Aliens' Registration Office at least 8 months before your current residence permit expires.

Period of validity: maximum 6 months

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.

Objection period: 1 month

Duration: approx. 8

Note for further information on the processing time:

The production of the electronic residence permit by the Bundesdruckerei takes about 4 to 6 weeks

• § Section 8 (1) Residence Act (AufenthG) - Extension of the residence permit
• § Section 20 (1) Residence Act (AufenthG) - Job search for skilled workers with vocational training

• Appeal against the decision of the immigration authority
• Action before the court named in the objectioncourt named in the objection notice if the objection is not upheld

Forms available: No

Written form required: Yes

Informal application possible: No

Personal appearance necessary: Yes

An extension of the residence permit beyond the maximum period of six months is excluded if no suitable gainful employment could be found within the period of validity. A residence permit to look for a job for qualified skilled workers with vocational training can only be issued again if the foreigner has stayed abroad after leaving the country for at least as long as they previously stayed in Germany.

The residence permit does not entitle the holder to exercise a self-employed activity.

02.06.2022