A residence permit (Aufenthaltstitel) is the official permission to live in Germany. It also shows whether you are allowed to work or study here. There are different types, for example the residence permit (Aufenthaltserlaubnis), the EU Blue Card (Blaue Karte EU) or the settlement permit (Niederlassungserlaubnis), which is a permanent permit. Many people come to Germany with a visa (Visum). A visa is permission to enter the country and is often only valid for a limited time. After that, you need a residence permit. The immigration office (Ausländerbehörde) is responsible for this. It is the office that deals with questions about the residence of people from other countries. You have to take this step if you do not come from the EU, the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland. Citizens of these countries usually do not need a residence permit. Important: appointments at the immigration office are often only available weeks in advance. So book as early as possible.
What you need
Exactly which documents you need depends on the reason for your stay, for example work, study or family. The rules can also differ from one immigration office to another. Documents that are often requested:
- your valid passport (Reisepass) and your visa, if you have one
- the immigration office's application form (Antragsformular), filled in and signed
- a recent biometric passport photo (biometrisches Passfoto) (a photo that follows fixed rules, for example a neutral expression and a light background)
- the registration certificate (Meldebescheinigung), which confirms that you have registered your home (see Registering your address)
- proof of your health insurance (Krankenversicherung) (see Getting health insurance)
- proof that you can support yourself (Lebensunterhalt), meaning you have enough money to live on, for example an employment contract, payslips or bank statements
- your rental contract (Mietvertrag)
- depending on the purpose, other documents, for example a certificate from your university, a marriage certificate or certificates of your education or training
Documents in a foreign language often have to be translated into German. Sometimes the office requires a translation by an officially recognised translator.
Step by step
- Check your visa. See until when it is valid. Write down the date.
- Find the right immigration office. The responsible office is the one in the city or district (Landkreis) where you live. In some cities the office has a different name. Your city's website can help you.
- Register your home. Many immigration offices require the registration certificate. Find out more under Registering your address.
- Book an appointment. Many offices offer appointments online. Others work by email or with a contact form. Book as early as possible, ideally right after you arrive.
- Gather your documents. Use the office's checklist. Make copies of all documents.
- Arrive on time for your appointment. Bring all the originals. For many permits, the office takes your fingerprints.
- Wait for your card. The residence permit is usually a card with a chip, the electronic residence permit (elektronischer Aufenthaltstitel, eAT). The card is produced centrally. This often takes several weeks. You then pick up the card at the office.
- Read the card carefully. The card or an additional sheet states whether and how you are allowed to work. These rules are called additional conditions (Nebenbestimmungen). Also check the expiry date.
Costs and deadlines
Costs: You pay a fee for the residence permit. The amount is set by law and depends on the type of permit. Your immigration office can tell you the exact fee.
Deadlines:
- Apply before your visa or your current permit expires. This is the most important rule.
- If you applied in time but have not yet received a decision, you will usually get a provisional certificate (Fiktionsbescheinigung). This is a document that shows your application is being processed and your stay counts as permitted until a decision is made.
- If you entered without a visa, as a tourist you can usually stay in the Schengen Area for no more than 90 days within 180 days. Citizens of certain countries may apply for a residence permit after entering Germany. Ask the immigration office whether this applies to you.
Common problems for newcomers
There are no appointments available
This happens often. Keep trying regularly, because appointments sometimes become free. If your visa is about to expire, still submit your application in time. Ask the office whether you can apply in writing or online. Keep proof, for example the confirmation of receipt or the email you sent.
You do not have a registered address yet
Without a permanent home, registering is difficult. But many immigration offices need the registration certificate. Register as soon as you have a home. If this is not possible before your visa expires, inform the immigration office and ask how you should proceed.
You do not speak much German yet
At the office, people usually speak German. If possible, bring someone who speaks German well. Write down important sentences and questions beforehand. Some cities have advice centres for immigrants that help with filling in forms.
You are missing proof of your finances
To show that you can support yourself, you often need bank statements or payslips. So open a bank account early (see Opening a bank account). If you have only just started a job, your employment contract is often enough at first. Ask the office.
Frequently asked questions
Can I work while I am waiting for the decision?
That depends on your current visa or permit. The provisional certificate usually states whether you are allowed to work. If you are unsure, ask the immigration office before you start working.
Can I travel abroad with the provisional certificate?
Travelling abroad with it can be difficult. Before every trip, ask the immigration office whether you can re-enter without problems.
I come from an EU country. Do I need to do anything?
You usually do not need a residence permit. But you do have to register your home. Read Registering your address.
What should I do if my permit expires soon?
Apply for an extension early, before the expiry date. Many offices recommend contacting them a few weeks in advance.
Can I get advice on my individual situation?
This page only gives general information. For difficult questions, you can get help from the immigration office, a migration advice centre (Migrationsberatungsstelle) or a lawyer specialising in residence law.