Leistungen A-Z

Forms available: No

Written form required: No

Informal application possible: Yes

Personal appearance required: Yes

If you have a residence permit for the purpose of finding a place to study and its total validity period of nine months has not yet been reached, you can apply for an extension of the residence permit.

In principle, the same requirements must be met for the extension of the residence permit as for the initial issuance of the residence permit. That is:

• You wish to continue your search for a study place.
• Your application can probably be completed within a reasonable period of time.
• You are entitled to attend a German university or a preparatory college on the basis of your school-leaving certificate.
• You are able to secure your livelihood and health insurance coverage for the entire duration of your study application from your own resources without recourse to public benefits.
• There is no interest in deportation against you.
• Your stay does not endanger or impair the interests of the Federal Republic of Germany.

Basically, the extension of your residence permit requires the submission of the same documents as for the initial issuance:

• Recognized and valid identity document (for example, passport or passport replacement).
• Current biometric photo in passport format (45 x 35 mm)
• Proof of subsistence (for example, from own assets, payment of a security deposit into a blocked account, bank guarantee, letter of commitment, scholarship, proof of parents' income or similar)
• Proof of health insurance coverage (for example, confirmation of health insurance coverage or insurance policy)
• Proof of previous application activities (it should be comprehensible that the application can be completed in a reasonable period of time)
• For minors: Consent of all persons entitled to custody to the planned stay (declaration of consent); if the parents entitled to custody cannot submit the application jointly for their child, a written power of attorney from the absent parent is required; if only one parent is entitled to custody, the signature of this parent is sufficient

The documents and information must always be submitted in German. In individual cases, the Aliens' Registration Office may require less or further proof.

If necessary, you will have to submit further proof of your university entrance qualification to the Aliens' Registration Office.

• 96,00 Euro for a further stay of up to three months for applicants of full age
• 48,00 Euro for a further stay of up to three months for underage applicants
• 93,00 Euro for a further stay of more than three months for applicants of full age
• 46,50 Euro for a further stay of more than three months for applicants who are minors.

Remark:

Additional fees may apply for the issuance of a new residence permit in the form of the electronic residence permit (eAT card), which can also be used as electronic proof of identity.

The timing as well as the form of fee collection and payment vary depending on the authority.

In certain cases, fee reductions or exemptions may be considered (for example, for persons entitled to asylum or recognized refugees). Lower fees may apply for Turkish nationals.

• § Section 45 number 2 Residence Ordinance (AufenthV)
• § Section 50 Residence Ordinance (AufenthV)

• Find out whether your foreigners authority allows you to submit the application online or provides a special application form.
• If you have not yet reached the age of 18, you may not submit the application yourself, but require a representative (as a rule, the application is submitted by the custodial parent).
• If the application can only be submitted in person, make an appointment at the Aliens' Registration Office. In the case of online application, the Aliens' Registration Office will contact you after receiving your application to arrange an appointment.
• If you are under the age of 18, you must be accompanied by at least one representative at the personal appointment. If the custodial parent cannot appear in person, a written power of attorney for the application must be provided.
• During the appointment, your identity and documents will be verified (please bring your documents, originals if possible, to the appointment).
• If your application is granted, your fingerprints will be taken for the production of the residence permit in the form of a new electronic residence permit (eAT card).
• The Foreigners' Registration Office will order the production of the eAT card from the Bundesdruckerei. After completion, you will receive information and can pick up the eAT card at the responsible office. The eAT card must always be collected in person.
• If your application is rejected, you will receive a rejection notice.

Application deadline

6 weeks to 8 weeks

Remark (for more information about the deadline):

The extension of the residence permit must be applied for before the validity of the current residence permit expires. At the latest six to eight weeks before the residence permit expires, the application should be received by the Aliens' Registration Office.

Period of validity

The residence permit is a temporary residence title and can only be extended up to a maximum period of validity of nine months. An extension must be applied for at the Aliens' Registration Office in good time before the expiry date.

The foreigners authority responsible for the applicant's place of residence is responsible for processing the application.

In the state of Brandenburg, this is if you

- live in a town or municipality belonging to the district: the district administration,

- live in a district-free city: the city administration.

• Directory of authorities in Brandenburg

• § Section 17 (2) Residence Act (AufenthG)
• § Section 8 Residence Act (AufenthG)

• The procedure at the Aliens' Registration Office is usually conducted in German.
• All information provided to the Aliens' Registration Office should be correct and complete to the best of your knowledge and belief, so that the request can be processed without major delays.
• Incorrect or incomplete information can slow down the procedure and be disadvantageous for the person concerned. In a serious case, incorrect or incomplete information that is not completed or corrected in time vis-à-vis the Aliens Department may result in the revocation of residence rights already granted, a fine, a prison sentence of up to three years, or expulsion from the Federal territory.
• Due to the complexity of the right of residence, this description is for information purposes only and is not legally binding.

• Information from the Federal Foreign Office on studying in Germany
• Information from the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD)
• Federal government portal for applicants from abroad

Ministry of the Interior and for Municipal Affairs of the State of Brandenburg