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Apply for an extension of the residence permit to carry out a qualification measure

You can have your residence permit extended before the expiry of its validity to carry out a qualification measure for the purpose of having your foreign professional qualification recognised if you meet certain requirements

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Residence Permit Hamburg
Residence permit Hamburg

Detailed description

The residence permit for completing a qualification measure is a temporary residence permit. You can apply for an extension of the residence permit if the qualification measure(s) has/have not yet made up for the identified deficits in foreign qualifications, for example because you have to repeat an exam or the exams are preceded by long waiting times.
The same conditions apply to the extension of the residence permit to complete a qualification measure as for the granting of the permit. In particular, your livelihood must be secured for the entire duration of the qualification measure(s).
In the event of an extension, your residence permit will be limited again. The residence permit for the purpose of completing a qualification measure can be extended by six months. However, the total length of stay for the purpose of completing the qualification measures must not exceed two years.
As a rule, the residence permit cannot be extended if this was already excluded when the residence permit was issued or last extended.

 

Information

Prerequisites

  • You have a recognized and valid passport or passport substitute as well as a valid residence permit to carry out a qualification measure for the purpose of recognition of your foreign professional qualification in accordance with Section 16d Paragraph 1 of the Residence Act.
  • The validity of your residence permit will expire in the near future.
  • There is no interest in deporting you.
  • Your stay does not endanger or impair the interests of the Federal Republic of Germany
  • The qualification measure is still suitable for enabling the recognition of the professional qualification or access to the profession.
  • Their livelihood is secure.

Documents required

  • Passport or passport replacement
  • Current biometric photo
  • Existing residence permit
  • Proof of livelihood (e.g. blocked account at a bank)
  • Proof of your health insurance
  • rental contract
  • Evidence of qualification measures, if applicable, further training plan

Please note

Central Office for Professional Recognition:

Recognition in Germany:

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.

Federal government portal for skilled workers from abroad:

Deadlines

The extension of your residence permit must be applied for at least eight weeks before your current residence permit expires.

Procedure

You must apply for an extension of your residence permit at the immigration office responsible for your place of residence.

  • Depending on the immigration authority and the matter, it may be possible to apply online. Find out whether your immigration authority offers electronic application for a residence permit.
  • If the application can only be submitted in person, arrange an appointment with the immigration authorities.
  • During the appointment, your application will be accepted and your documents will be checked (please bring these with you to the appointment). Your fingerprints will be taken to issue the electronic residence permit (eAT).
  • If you submit your application electronically, the immigration authorities will contact you after receiving your online application to arrange an appointment at the immigration authorities. During the appointment, your documents will be checked (please bring these with you to the appointment) and your fingerprints will be taken for the issuance of the eAT card.
  • If your application is approved, the immigration authorities will arrange for the eAT card to be produced.
  • After about six to eight weeks you can collect your eAT card from the immigration office.
  • Fees are charged for extending the residence permit. The timing and form of payment vary depending on the authority

Processing time

The processing time usually takes 6 to 8 weeks and also depends on the completeness of the customer's documents.


If documents are missing, the processing time will be extended.


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

Fees

Extension of the residence permit to carry out a qualification measure for the recognition of foreign professional qualifications:


  • for a further stay of up to three months: €96.00

  • for a further stay of more than three months: €93.00

Under certain conditions, a fee reduction or fee exemption may be considered.

Legal remedies

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

Legal basis

§ 8 (1) Residence Act (AufenthG)

§ 16d (1) Residence Act (AufenthG)

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Keywords: residence permit adaptation measure Educational measures Foreign professional qualification Renewal of residence permits Recognition of foreign professional qualifications Compensatory measures Qualification measure § 8 (1) Residence Act (AufenthG) § 16d (1) Residence Act (AufenthG)

Last updated: 05.02.2025