Aufenthaltserlaubnis für mobile Forscher: Verlängerung beantragen

If you have a temporary residence permit for mobile researchers and would like to continue your work at the research institution in Germany after the time limit has expired, you can extend your residence permit under certain conditions.

The residence permit for the purpose of research for mobile researchers is a temporary residence permit. You can apply to extend your residence permit if you wish to continue working at a research institution beyond the period of validity of your residence permit.

Apply for an extension of your residence permit at least eight weeks before the expiry date at the immigration office responsible for your place of residence.

The same requirements apply to the extension of a residence permit for the purpose of research as to the granting of a residence permit. In particular, you should be able to present a hosting agreement or a corresponding contract with a research institution.

If your residence permit is extended, it will be limited in time again. The residence permit for the purpose of research will be extended for the duration of the research project. However, your stay in Germany may not last longer than one year in total.

As a rule, the residence permit cannot be extended if this was already ruled out when the residence permit was issued or last extended.

• Passport or passport substitute
• existing residence permit
• current biometric photo
• Hosting agreement or a corresponding contract with a research institution for the implementation of the research project
• rental agreement
• Proof of living expenses (including 3 proofs of income for the last 3 months)
• Proof of your health insurance

• You have a recognized and valid passport or passport substitute and a valid residence permit for the purpose of research for mobile researchers in accordance with Section 18f of the Residence Act.
• There are no grounds for deportation against you.
• Your stay does not jeopardize or impair the interests of the Federal Republic of Germany.
• You can secure your livelihood and health insurance cover from your income without claiming public benefits.
• You can present a hosting agreement or a corresponding contract with a research institution to carry out the research project.

Extension of the residence permit for the purpose of research for mobile researchers:

• for a further stay of up to three months: EUR 96.00
• for a further stay of more than three months: EUR 93.00

Under certain conditions, a fee reduction or fee exemption may be possible.

The extension of your residence permit must be applied for at the foreigners authority responsible for your place of residence.

• Depending on the foreigners authority and your request, it may be possible to apply online. Find out whether your foreigners authority offers electronic application for a residence permit.
• If the application can only be made in person, arrange an appointment with the immigration office.
• During the appointment, your application will be accepted and your supporting documents checked (please bring these with you to the appointment). Your fingerprints will be taken for the issue of the electronic residence permit (eAT).
• In the case of an electronic application, the Foreigners' Registration Office will contact you after receiving your online application to arrange an appointment for an interview at the Foreigners' Registration Office. During the appointment, your documents will be checked (please bring them with you to the appointment) and your fingerprints will be taken for the eAT card to be issued.
• If your application is approved, the Foreigners' Registration Office will arrange for the eAT card to be issued.
• After about six to eight weeks, you can collect your eAT card from the Foreigners' Registration Office.

Fees are charged for the extension of the residence permit. The time and form of payment varies depending on the authority.

about 6 to 8 weeks

• Extension of the residence permit: at the latest eight weeks before your valid residence permit for mobile researchers expires
• Objection period: 1 month

You can also obtain free advice on the topics of entry, residence and employment from the "Hotline Working and Living in Germany" of the Federal Government Portal.

Telephone: +49 30 1815-1111
Service hours: Monday to Friday from 8:00 to 16:00

• Extension of the residence permit for the purpose of gainful employment for mobile researchers
• Residence permits for the purpose of research for mobile researchers can be extended if they are due to expire in the near future and the work at the research institution is to be continued
• The extension must be applied for at least eight weeks before the expiry date.
• An extension of the residence permit for the purpose of research for mobile researchers is only possible if the requirements that were met when the permit was first issued are still met.
• In the course of the extension, the residence permit is again limited in time.
• An extension is excluded if this was already ruled out by the immigration authority when the permit was issued or when it was last extended.
• Depending on the foreigners authority and your request, you can apply online or in person.
• Fees are charged for the extension. The time and form of payment vary depending on the authority.
• Responsible: foreigners authority responsible for the applicant's place of residence

the foreigners authority responsible for the applicant's place of residence

the foreigners authority responsible for the applicant's place of residence

• You can obtain forms from your foreigners authority; these may also be available online
• Online procedure occasionally possible
• Written form required: yes
• Personal appearance required: yes