The immigration office (Ausländerbehörde) is an authority for people who do not have German citizenship. It decides whether you may stay in Germany and for how long. For example, it issues residence permits and extends them. Every city or district has its own immigration office. The office responsible for you is always the one where you live. The name is not the same everywhere. In some cities, the office is called Ausländeramt, Amt für Migration or Welcome Center, for example.
Where you will see the word
You will often see the word in letters and on documents related to your stay. Typical situations are:
- You entered Germany with a visa and now need a residence permit (Aufenthaltstitel).
- Your residence permit will expire soon and you want to extend it.
- You receive an invitation to an appointment or a request to send documents.
- You change jobs, get married, or your family wants to join you.
- You want to apply for permanent residence.
EU citizens usually do not need a residence permit. This is why they deal with the immigration office less often.
What you should do
- Find the right office: Look for the immigration office on the website of your city or district. It also explains how to get an appointment.
- Book an appointment early: In many cities, you have to wait a long time for an appointment. So take care of it in good time, ideally a few months before your permit expires.
- Apply before your permit expires: Always apply for an extension before your residence permit expires. If you cannot get an appointment, submit your application in writing or online and keep proof that you did so.
- Prepare your documents: You often need your passport, a biometric photo, the registration certificate (Meldebescheinigung) from your residence registration (Anmeldung), proof of your health insurance (Krankenversicherung), and proof of your income and housing. Exactly which documents you need depends on your situation.
- Take letters seriously: Read letters from the immigration office right away. Pay attention to the deadlines in the letter and reply in time.
- Report changes: Ask whether you need to report changes, such as a new employer.
Procedures, waiting times and fees vary depending on the city and federal state. If you are unsure, ask a migration counselling service (Migrationsberatung).
Examples
- “Please bring your passport and a recent photo to your appointment at the immigration office.”
- “Your residence permit expires in three months. Please contact the immigration office.”
- “I applied to the immigration office to extend my temporary residence permit.”
Related terms
- Aufenthaltstitel (residence permit): The document that allows you to live in Germany.
- Aufenthaltserlaubnis (temporary residence permit): A residence permit that is only valid for a certain period of time.
- Niederlassungserlaubnis (settlement permit): A residence permit with no time limit.
- Fiktionsbescheinigung (provisional certificate): A document that temporarily confirms your right to stay while your application is being processed.
- Bürgeramt (citizens’ office): This is where you register your address. It is not the same as the immigration office.
- Botschaft oder Konsulat (embassy or consulate): This is where you apply for a visa abroad before you come to Germany.
- Integrationskurs (integration course): A course in language and orientation. The immigration office can entitle you or require you to take it. Find out more under Learning German.