Prerequisites
In principle, the same requirements must be met to extend the residence permit as when the residence permit was first issued. This means:
- You are not yet able to provide evidence of the skills, knowledge and abilities in operational practice that the recognition body has identified as missing. You would therefore like to continue working in the non-regulated profession in order to create the conditions for the full recognition of your foreign professional qualification.
- The maximum period of validity of your residence permit of two years has not yet been exhausted.
- Your employer has guaranteed in your employment contract that he will continue to provide you with professional recognition.
- You can secure your livelihood and health insurance coverage for the remainder of your stay from your own resources without having to rely on public benefits.
- You have German language skills that correspond to your job; usually at least language skills at level A2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.
- The Federal Employment Agency has, where necessary, approved the continuation of your employment (approval is usually obtained from the immigration authorities).
- There is no interest in deporting you.
- Your stay does not endanger or impair the interests of the Federal Republic of Germany.
Documents required
In principle, the extension of your residence permit requires the submission of the same documents as when it was first issued. This includes:
- Recognized and valid identity document (for example: passport or passport substitute)
- Current biometric passport photo (45 x 35 mm)
- Employment contract and the “Employment Statement” form completed and signed by the employer (see forms)
- Description of how the missing skills, knowledge and abilities are to be compensated (for example: training plan)
- Evidence of securing your livelihood (for example: from your own assets, payment of security into a blocked account, bank guarantee, declaration of commitment, scholarship, proof of receipt of benefits such as parental or child benefit, proof of parents' income or similar)
- Proof of health insurance coverage (for example: confirmation of health insurance coverage or insurance policy)
The documents and information must generally be presented in German. In individual cases, the immigration authorities may require less or more evidence.
If necessary, you may have to submit proof of your language skills or the deficit notice from the recognition body to the immigration authorities again.
Please note
Information from the Federal Ministry of Education and Research on the recognition of foreign professional qualifications
Information portal of the Federal Government on the recognition of foreign professional qualifications
Guide to the IQ funding programme “Integration through Qualification (IQ)” and handout for skilled workers
Federal government portal for skilled workers from abroad
Deadlines
Application deadline:
approx. 6 weeks to 8 weeks
The extension of the residence permit must be applied for before the validity of the current residence permit expires. The application should be received by the immigration authorities at least six to eight weeks before the expiry of the residence permit.
Period of validity:
maximum 2 years
Note (for further information on the deadline):
The residence permit is usually limited to two years when it is first issued (maximum period of validity). An extension of the residence permit is therefore only possible if this time frame has not yet been exhausted.
The extension must be applied for at the immigration authorities in good time before the expiry of the current residence permit.
