Elektronischen Aufenthaltstitel (eAT) beantragen

EU Regulation laying down a uniform format for residence permits for third-country nationals (Council Regulation (EC) No. 1030/2002 of 13.06.2002)

EU Regulation amending Regulation (EC) No. 1030/2002 (Council Regulation (EC) No. 380/2008 of 18.04.2008)

Act on the Adaptation of German Law to Council Regulation (EC) No. 380/2008 of April 18, 2008 amending Regulation No. 1030/2002 laying down a uniform format for residence permits for third-country nationals of April 12, 2011

From September 1, 2011, you will receive a residence permit in the form of a check card with additional electronic functions. Babies and children will also receive their own card. The eAT has a contactless chip inside the card. It stores

• biometric features (photo, two fingerprints from the age of six),
• ancillary provisions in connection with the residence permit (e.g. conditions) and
• personal data.

The following residence permits are issued as eATs:

• Residence permit
• Settlement permit
• EU permanent residence permit
• EU Blue Card
• Residence card for third-country nationals who are family members of nationals of an EU or EEA state
• Permanent residence card for third-country nationals who are family members of EU or EEA nationals
• Residence permit for Swiss nationals and their family members from third countries if they opt for an eAT

Tip: "Everything you need to know about the electronic residence permit" is available in various languages on the website of the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees:

• Passport or passport replacement documents
• a biometric photograph
• other documents, depending on the previous procedures

Please enquire in advance at the foreigners authority which documents you need to submit.

The residence permit must be valid for at least one month.

Please note: The existing residence permit in your passport or passport replacement documents will continue to be valid after the introduction of the eAT, but until August 31, 2021 at the latest. Apply for the electronic residence permit in credit card format in good time before your previous residence permit or travel document expires.

The amount of the fee depends on the individual case.

You must apply for the electronic residence permit in person at the relevant office. Your fingerprints will be taken on the spot. Children aged six and over must also give their fingerprints.

The card offers you additional functions such as electronic proof of identity and a qualified electronic signature (electronic signature function). The competent authority can switch these functions on or off at your request.

You can use the electronic residence permit in the same way as the new ID card for German nationals. Detailed information on the electronic use of the card can be found on the website of the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees.

To the foreigners authority in whose district you usually reside (depending on your place of residence, the district administrator or the mayor).