Residence permit initial issue or extension

Would you like to find out more about obtaining a residence permit or extending your existing residence permit? You can find further information here.

Detailed description

If you have applied for asylum in Germany, you will be granted temporary residence for the duration of your asylum procedure, as long as no final decision has been made on your application. The residence permit is an official document you receive to prove that you are legally residing in Germany for the duration of the asylum procedure.


You do not need to apply for the residence permit; it will be issued to you automatically as part of your ongoing asylum procedure. The permit is granted for a limited period.


You must apply for an extension of your residence permit yourself in good time. As a rule, the residence permit is extended until your asylum procedure is concluded with a final decision by the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF).

 

Information

Prerequisites

  • You have submitted an asylum application, but no final decision has yet been made by the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF).
  • There are no grounds that would lead to the expiry of your residence permit (for example, violation of reporting obligations, serious criminal offenses or endangering public safety).

Documents required

  • Proof of income for the last 3 months or proof of benefit receipt
  • in case of change of residence or longer absence: current registration certificate

If necessary, additionally:

  • Proof of completed school or vocational training in Germany
  • Proof of a fully completed integration course (language course and orientation course) or naturalization test or “Living in Germany” test
  • Language certificate A2 or higher
  • existing residence permit

Please note

The initial issuance of the residence permit is carried out by the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) after the asylum application has been submitted. The Office for Migration at Hammer Straße 30-34 is always responsible for renewals.

Deadlines

An extension is possible no earlier than 4 weeks before the expiry of the existing residence permit.

Procedure

  • They submit an asylum application at the arrival center.
  • You will receive proof of arrival.
  • They appear in person at the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) (asylum application).
  • You will automatically receive a temporary residence permit.
  • Before your permit expires, submit an extension application, along with the required documents, to the responsible state office in Hammer Straße (Office for Migration).
  • The immigration office will review your application and extend your residence permit if all requirements continue to be met.

Processing time

The processing time depends on the individual case.

Fees

No

Legal remedies

Lawsuit before the Administrative Court

Legal basis

Section 55 of the Asylum Act (AsylG)


https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/asylvfg_1992/__55.html


Section 63 of the Asylum Act (AsylG)


https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/asylvfg_1992/__63.html

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Last updated: 09.02.2026