Apply for an extension of the residence permit for exceptional hardship cases

Prerequisites

• The conditions that existed when the permit was first issued still apply.
• no grounds for refusal
• no entry or residence ban

Documents required

• previous residence permit
• current biometric photo
• Proof of identity, if available, for example passport, ID card, birth certificate, marriage certificate, citizenship certificate
• Proof of your health insurance
• Rental agreement and proof of the current rent
• Proof of income

Please note

Deadlines

You must submit your application before your current residence permit expires (6-8 weeks in advance is recommended).

Procedure

• Find out whether the office responsible for your application allows you to submit your application online or has a special application form. In Hamburg, the application can be submitted online.
• You submit your application.
• The responsible authority will examine your application and, if necessary, request any necessary documents or information from you.
• The responsible office will contact you to arrange an appointment.
• During the appointment, your identity and documents will be checked (please bring your documents, preferably in the original, with you to the appointment).
• If your application is approved, your fingerprints will be taken to produce a new electronic residence permit (eAT card).
• You pay the applicable fees.
• The Federal Printing Office will be commissioned to produce your new eAT card.
• Once completed, you will receive information and can collect the residence permit in the form of the eAT card in person.
• If your application is rejected, you will receive a rejection letter. In this case, you will also have to pay an administration fee.

Processing time

You should expect processing to take 6-8 weeks. If you submit all the required documents in full and well prepared, processing may be quicker. After approval, it will then take another 4-6 weeks for the Federal Printing Office to produce your electronic residence permit.

Fees

Extension up to three months: EUR 96.00 (minors: EUR 48.00)


Extension over three months: EUR 93.00 (minors: EUR 46.50)

Legal remedies

contradiction

Legal basis

Section 25 paragraph 4 sentence 2 Residence Act (AufenthG)
www.gesetze-im-internet.de/aufenthg_2004/__25.html

§ 8 Residence Act (AufenthG)
www.gesetze-im-internet.de/aufenthg_2004/__8.html