Apply for residence permit extension to look for a job after professional recognition procedure

Prerequisites

• You already have a residence permit for the purpose of looking for a job after a successful recognition procedure for your foreign professional qualification in Germany.
• Your current residence permit is limited to a period of less than 12 months.
• Their livelihood is secure.
• Her identity has been established.
• You have a valid national passport.

Documents required

• Valid national passport
• Proof of secure livelihood (e.g. employment contract and pay slips, bank statements, declaration of commitment by third parties)
• Proof of health insurance
• Proof of qualification (certificate of completion, certificate or confirmation from your training company or educational institution about the successful completion of training
• 1 current biometric photo

If necessary, further documents may be requested from you.

Please note

• If you do not find a job during the validity of your residence permit, an extension beyond 12 months is not possible. If there is no other reason justifying your stay, you must leave Germany.
• This residence permit allows unrestricted employment.

Deadlines

You must submit your application before your current residence permit expires (4-6 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

96.00 EUR for a further stay of up to three months


93.00 EUR for a further stay of more than three months

Legal remedies

You can appeal against a rejection within one month of notification.

Legal basis

§ 8 Residence Act (AufenthG)

https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/aufenthg_2004/__8.html


§ 20 Residence Act (AufenthG)

https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/aufenthg_2004/__20.html