Each of the district offices in Hamburg's seven districts includes a special immigration authority which handles formalities for foreigners living in Hamburg. Services include:
- Application to obtain or renew a residence document (Residence Permit, EU Blue Card, Settlement Permit, Permanent EC Residence Permit)
- Submitting a declaration of commitment for long-term stay in Germany
Finding your district office
You can easily identify the district office ("Bezirksamt") in charge of your application for a residence document (or its extension) online by using the Hamburg Administration Guide (Behördenfinder der Stadt Hamburg).
- Open the (German-language) Hamburg Administration Guide
- Enter your registered address (street name and house number) in Hamburg
- Press the red button (“Weiter”)
The Hamburg Administration Guide will now show you the relevant department’s contact details.
The district immigration offices are open at identical hours at all locations:
Monday 8 - 12 a.m. and 1 - 4 p.m.
Tuesday 7 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Wednesday 8 a.m. - 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Thursday 1:30 p.m. - 7 p.m.
Friday 8 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Alternatively, qualified professionals and managers, students and their families may also contact the Hamburg Welcome Center.
Please note: For immigrants who still reside abroad, the competence lies with the respective German diplomatic mission abroad (embassy, consulate) in their home country.
How do you get an appointment for a residence permit?
We recommend that you use the Residence Permit Online Service to submit your application. Upload all the important documents. Alternatively, you can also write directly to the responsible immigration office. You can find the contact details here.
Information on residence permits, checklists and the necessary application forms can be found on the Hamburg Welcome Portal.
