Apply for an extension of the residence permit for in-company training and further education

Prerequisites

• Your livelihood (including health insurance) is secured for the entire duration of your training or further education.
• The Federal Employment Agency may have to re-examine the employment requirements and approve the employment (this is usually done by the immigration authorities).
• If you are under 18 years of age, a person authorized to care for you must agree to the extension of your stay in Germany.
• There must be no reasons of public safety and order that prevent you from staying in Germany. There is no interest in deporting you.

Documents required

• Recognized and valid identity document (for example: passport or passport substitute)
• Current residence permit
• Current biometric passport photo (45 x 35 mm)
• Proof of health insurance coverage (for example: confirmation of health insurance coverage or insurance policy)
• Training or further education contract
• Approval from the Federal Employment Agency if this has already expired (usually obtained through the immigration authorities)
• In the case of qualified vocational training: proof of sufficient knowledge of the German language (for example: language certificate, German school, training or university certificates, proof of successful participation in the integration course, confirmation from the training company of sufficient language skills for the desired vocational training, confirmation of registration for a job-related German language course)
• Evidence of securing a livelihood (for example: proof of income, training or employment contract, pension certificate, proof of receipt of benefits such as parental or child benefit, maintenance payments)

If you are a minor:

• Consent of the person with custody to the extended stay

If you are required to attend an integration course:

• Proof that an integration course has been completed or that integration into social life has taken place in another way. If an integration course has not yet been completed, the immigration authorities can refuse to extend the permit or only extend the residence permit for one year until the course has been successfully completed or proof has been provided that integration into social life has taken place in another way.

The documents and information must generally be presented in German. In individual cases, the immigration authorities may require less or more evidence.

Please note

• Information from the Federal Employment Agency on vocational training assistance (BAB): https://www.arbeitsagentur.de/bildung/ausbildung/berufsausbildungsbeihilfe-bab;
• You can also get free advice on entry, residence and employment from the “Hotline Working and Living in Germany” on the Federal Government’s portal for skilled workers from abroad.

Telephone: 030 1815-1111
Service hours: Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Deadlines

Duration (in range): 6 to 8 weeks before visa expiry




The extension should be applied for at least eight weeks before the expiry of your valid residence permit.




Duration (range): 6 weeks to 3 months




If your residence permit is extended, it will be limited again. The duration of the limitation is usually based on the duration of the training or further education.

Procedure

The application must be submitted to the immigration office responsible for you via the online residence permit service.
During the processing, questions may be asked and, if necessary, necessary documents may be submitted.
The appointment and interview will take place on the appointment date.

Processing time

Duration (in range): approx. 6 to 8 weeks




The processing time may vary depending on the workload of the immigration authorities.




It takes about 4 to 6 weeks for the Federal Printing Office to produce the electronic residence permit.

Fees

• 96.00 euros for a further stay of up to three months


• 93.00 euros for a further stay of more than three months

Remark:


Additional fees may apply for issuing a residence permit in the form of an electronic residence permit (eAT card), which can also be used as electronic proof of identity.




The timing and form of fee collection and payment vary depending on the authority.




In certain cases, fee reductions or exemptions may be possible (for example: for those entitled to asylum or recognized refugees). Lower fees may apply for Turkish nationals.

Legal remedies

An appeal against the negative decision can be lodged with the authority within one month of notification.

Legal basis

Section 16a (1), (3) and (4) Residence Act (AufenthG)

§ 8 Residence Act (AufenthG)