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Residence permits in Cologne: Ausländeramt and district offices

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This page only covers what is different in Cologne. The rules, documents and deadlines are the same everywhere — see the national guide: Residence permit.

In shortCologne's Ausländeramt runs a central office at Dillenburger Straße 56 and several district immigration offices. Since 20 April 2026 you can book appointments online at the district offices, which handle study, humanitarian and most settlement permits. Residence applications can be submitted digitally. Work permits and Blue Card matters go to the Arbeitsmigration team through the online contact form.
On this page
  1. Who handles it
  2. Booking at a district office
  3. Applying digitally
  4. The Infopoint
  5. Useful local services
  6. Cologne at a glance

Who handles it

Cologne's immigration authority is the Ausländeramt der Stadt Köln. It works in two layers:

  • District immigration offices (Bezirksausländerämter) issue and extend permits on humanitarian or legal grounds and for study, and issue and renew most settlement permits (Niederlassungserlaubnis).
  • Central teams handle the rest. The Arbeitsmigration (labour migration) team handles employment permits, the Blue Card and au pairs.

Booking at a district office

Since 20 April 2026 you can book your own appointment online at a district immigration office. The booking page directs you to the right office by postcode. Other services still need to be requested from the office responsible for you.

Applying digitally

Cologne offers digital applications for residence matters on its online services page. You can also send questions through a contact form or call the citizens' line.

For work: to change or get a work permit, use the online contact form and choose "Arbeitserlaubnis". Attach the Federal Employment Agency's Erklärung zum Beschäftigungsverhältnis (statement on the employment relationship), filled in and signed by your employer.

The Infopoint

The Infopoint at Dillenburger Straße 56 is an open service point you can visit without an appointment, for example with questions. It occasionally closes for staff meetings, so check the Ausländeramt page for notices before you go.

Useful local services

  • Direct delivery: Cologne can send your electronic residence permit (eAT) to you directly.
  • Passport photos on site: since digital photos became compulsory, the Ausländeramt takes them on the spot.
  • Collection by someone else: a template power of attorney is available for someone to collect residence documents for you.

For what to prepare and how the Fiktionsbescheinigung works, see the national guide. For requirements, see the Blue Card guide and permanent residence.

Cologne at a glance

Topic Cologne
Authority Ausländeramt der Stadt Köln
Study, humanitarian, most settlement permits District immigration office, online booking
Work and Blue Card Arbeitsmigration team, via contact form
Walk-in Infopoint, Dillenburger Straße 56
Applications Digital application available

Official Cologne sources

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