Department of Home Affairs and Sport

Apply for a change to the entry and residence ban

If you have a ban on entering and staying in Germany, you can, under certain conditions, apply to have this ban shortened or lifted entirely.

Detailed description

A foreign national who has been expelled, deported, or returned may not re-enter or stay in Germany until the entry and residence ban has expired due to the entry and residence ban that was issued at the same time. The entry and residence ban is limited in time upon issuance.



If you are subject to a ban on entry and residence, you can submit an application to have this decision reviewed. This means you can either re-enter the country earlier than originally scheduled or the ban can be lifted entirely.


To do so, you must submit an application to the authority that issued your entry and residence ban.

 

Information

Prerequisites

  • The purpose of the exclusion has ceased to apply, or continued exclusion is no longer proportionate. This means there are no grounds for maintaining your entry and residence ban.
  • You no longer have to reimburse any deportation costs incurred.

Documents required

  • Informal written application
  • Copy of proof of identity (for example passport or ID card)
  • If applicable: Documents proving the need to change your entry or residence ban.

Please note

The decision may be made dependent on reimbursement of deportation costs.


Violations of the entry and residence ban may lead to the rejection of your application or to the extension of the entry and residence ban.

Deadlines

No

Procedure

  • You submit your informal application in writing to the responsible authority.
  • The responsible authority will review your application and request the processing fee and any missing documents or information from you.
  • If deportation costs are still outstanding, the agency responsible for claims matters will be involved. You may then initially receive a cost assessment.
  • The responsible authority will decide on your application and inform you of the decision in writing.

Processing time

Please allow several weeks for processing.

Fees

169.00 EUR

Legal remedies

Contradiction

Legal basis

Section 11 paragraph 4 of the Residence Act (AufenthG)


https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/aufenthg_2004/__11.html


Section 47 paragraph 1 no. 1a Residence Ordinance (AufenthV)


https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/aufenthv/__47.html

Links on hamburg.de

Address and contact information

Department of Home Affairs and Sport

Mon-Tue 8 am-12pm, Thu-Fri 8 am-12pm or by appointment

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Keywords: Time limit entry ban Re-entry entry

Last updated: 10.06.2026