Hamburg Welcome Center

Apply for or extend a residence permit for family reasons at the Hamburg Welcome Center for Professionals

Prerequisites

• You would like to live with a close family member in Germany. The close family circle includes
  • underage unmarried children,
  • Spouses
  • Partner of a registered and recognized civil partnership
• You have a recognized and valid passport or passport substitute and – if required for your entry – an appropriate visa.
• There is no interest in deporting you.
• The foreign person with whom you want to live in Germany,
  • has a valid residence permit.
  • has health insurance.
  • has sufficient financial resources to provide for all family members.
  • has an apartment in Germany that offers enough space for all family members.

Depending on your individual circumstances, different requirements may apply. The responsible authority can inform you accordingly.

Documents required

• Valid passport
• Current biometric photo in digital form
  • You can have your passport photo taken on-site. A photo booth is available.
  • You can also have a passport photo taken by a photographer or a drugstore. It can be retrieved electronically from there during your appointment.
• Proof of secure livelihood
• Proof of sufficient living space
• Proof of family ties (e.g. marriage certificate or birth certificate)
• For the first application, additionally: Visa, if this was required for your entry

Depending on your individual case, other documents may be required. The responsible authority can inform you accordingly.

Please note

Deadlines

Submit your application immediately after entry or at the latest 8 weeks before your current residence permit expires.

Procedure

• They use the online service "Residence Permit Hamburg" to apply for the residence permit and upload the required documents.
• The relevant authority will then send you an appointment for a consultation.
• Please bring all necessary documents, preferably in original form, to the appointment.
• The relevant authority will verify your identity and documents.
• The responsible authority will involve other authorities if necessary.
• You pay the necessary fees.
• If your application is approved, your fingerprints, signature and a biometric photo will be taken for the production of the electronic residence permit (eAT).
• The responsible authority commissions an external body, the Federal Printing Office, to produce your eAT.
• Once your electronic residence permit (eAT) is ready, you will receive a notification and can collect it in person from the responsible office. The responsible office will contact you to schedule an appointment.
• If your application is rejected, you will receive a rejection notice stating the reasons for the rejection.

Processing time

Processing will begin immediately at the appointment if all documents are complete. The delivery time for the electronic residence permit from the Federal Printing Office is typically two to four weeks.

Fees

• Granting of residence permit: 100.00 EUR


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


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


• Taking a biometric photo on site: EUR 6.00

Legal remedies

• Contradiction


• Lawsuit before the Administrative Court

Legal basis

Sections 28 ff. Residence Act (AufenthG)


https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/aufenthg_2004/__28.html