Residence permit in Germany: types, the Ausländerbehörde and renewals

Who needs it

Whether you need a residence permit depends on your nationality.

• EU and EEA citizens (EU countries plus Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway) have freedom of movement. You don't need a permit. You only register your address like everyone else (see Anmeldung).
• Swiss citizens have similar rights under an EU–Switzerland agreement. Ask your local office whether you need a residence document.
• Everyone else needs an Aufenthaltstitel (residence title) for any stay longer than 90 days. This includes British citizens who moved to Germany after Brexit. British citizens who already lived in Germany before 2021 may hold different rights; check with your office.

Visa first, or apply in Germany?

Most non-EU citizens must get a national visa (D visa) at a German embassy or consulate before travelling. The visa lets you enter. The residence permit is then issued in Germany.

Citizens of Australia, Israel, Japan, Canada, South Korea, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the USA can enter without a visa and apply for their residence permit in Germany (§ 41 AufenthV). They must apply within 90 days of arrival. Citizens of Andorra, Brazil, El Salvador, Honduras, Monaco and San Marino have the same option only if they won't work. The Federal Foreign Office keeps the official overview of visa rules.

The main permit types

A residence permit is always tied to a purpose. Your permit states whether you may work and under which conditions (§ 4a AufenthG).

The Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte)

The Chancenkarte is a permit to look for work in Germany for up to one year. You qualify if you are a recognised skilled worker. You can also qualify through a points system (minimum six points) based on qualifications, language skills, experience, age and ties to Germany. You also need a foreign qualification recognised in your home country, at least basic German (A1) or English at B2, and proof that you can support yourself. While searching, you may work up to 20 hours per week on average and do trial work of up to two weeks per job.

What you need

Exact lists vary by permit and office. Usually:

• valid passport
• biometric passport photo
• completed application form of your local office
• Anmeldung certificate (Meldebescheinigung)
• proof of health insurance
• documents for your purpose: employment contract, university admission, marriage certificate, proof of funds
• rental contract (some offices ask for it)

How to do it

1. Find your Ausländerbehörde. The Ausländerbehörde (immigration office) of your city or district handles your permit. Some cities call it Landesamt für Einwanderung, Welcome Center or KVR.
2. Book early. Appointments in big cities can take weeks. Many offices accept online applications or contact forms first.
3. Apply before your visa or 90 days run out. Applying in time is what protects your legal status.
4. Attend the appointment. Staff take your fingerprints and check your documents.
5. Collect your card. The eAT (elektronischer Aufenthaltstitel) is a credit-card-sized document made by the federal printing office. It usually takes several weeks.

What happens afterwards

Waiting for a decision: the Fiktionsbescheinigung

If you apply before your current permit or visa runs out, your stay counts as legal until the office decides (§ 81 AufenthG). The office gives you a Fiktionsbescheinigung (certificate of provisional residence) as proof. It usually also shows whether you may keep working.

Renewals

A temporary permit (Aufenthaltserlaubnis) has an end date. Apply for an extension before it expires. If you are late, you lose the automatic protection and the office only has discretion to help.

After some years you may qualify for permanent residence, and later citizenship.

Common problems

My visa expires before my Ausländerbehörde appointment. What now?

Submit your application in writing or online before the visa expires and keep proof that you sent it. The application date is what counts. Ask the office for a Fiktionsbescheinigung.

Can I travel while waiting for my residence permit?

It depends on the document you hold. Some Fiktionsbescheinigungen allow re-entry, others don't. Ask your office before booking travel.

Can I work on a Fiktionsbescheinigung?

Only if the document says so. The office adds employment permission when your future permit will allow that work.

I am an EU citizen. Do I need any permit?

No. You need to register your address, and you may need proof of health insurance or income for some services, but no residence title.

Costs

The standard fee to issue a residence permit or Blue Card is €100. Extending one for more than three months costs €93. A Fiktionsbescheinigung costs €13. Visa fees at embassies are separate. Some nationalities pay less under international agreements. Ask your office.