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Residence permits in Munich: the KVR's SZE

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

In shortIn Munich, residence permits are handled by the Servicestelle für Zuwanderung und Einbürgerung (SZE), part of the Kreisverwaltungsreferat (KVR). You apply online and upload PDFs. The SZE emails you an invitation for a personal appointment once it has reviewed the application. The city advises applying about four months before your current permit expires.
On this page
  1. Who handles it
  2. Apply online first
  3. Appointment by invitation
  4. Timing
  5. Help and English
  6. Munich at a glance

Who handles it

Munich's immigration authority is the Servicestelle für Zuwanderung und Einbürgerung (SZE), the Service Office for Immigration and Citizenship. It is part of the Kreisverwaltungsreferat (KVR). People often just say "the KVR". The office is at Ruppertstraße 19, and visits are by appointment only.

Apply online first

Munich directs almost everything online. The SZE online services page has separate forms for:

  • employment: Blue Card, skilled workers and the accelerated skilled-worker procedure (which employers can start online)
  • study, language courses and training
  • family reunification
  • settlement permits (Niederlassungserlaubnis)
  • humanitarian permits and travel documents

You upload your documents as PDF files. For a work-related permit, you receive a confirmation PDF that proves your continued right to stay and work while the application is processed.

Appointment by invitation

You do not book a general appointment yourself. After reviewing your application, the SZE sends you an email invitation for a personal meeting. Check your email, including the spam folder, while you wait.

A few services can be booked online directly: collecting your electronic residence permit (eAT), declarations of commitment (Verpflichtungserklärung), and emergency help if you have no valid residence document.

Timing

  • The city advises applying about four months before your current permit expires.
  • Munich gives a processing time of up to four months for work and residence permits.
  • After your appointment, printing the card takes six to eight weeks. You can choose delivery by post from the Federal Printing Office or pick it up at the SZE with an online-booked appointment.

Help and English

  • Service phone: 089 233-96010 (Monday–Thursday 7:30–15:30, Friday 7:30–13:00), or the city number 115.
  • The SZE online services page and the first-information page are available in English.
  • The Welcome Center München at Ruppertstraße 11 gives newcomers, international professionals, students and trainees free orientation advice. It is an advice point, not the authority.

Munich at a glance

Topic Munich
Authority SZE, Kreisverwaltungsreferat
Address Ruppertstraße 19
How to apply Online, documents as PDFs
Appointment Invitation by email
Apply About 4 months before expiry
Card production 6–8 weeks after the appointment

Official Munich sources

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