Aufenthaltserlaubnis zur Studienvorbereitung und zum Studium: Verlängerung beantragen

You can have your residence permit for the purpose of studying extended before it expires if you meet certain requirements.

The residence permit for the purpose of studying is a temporary residence permit. You can apply for an extension of the residence permit if you have not yet completed your studies, but will be able to do so within a reasonable period of time. As a rule, the maximum length of stay is ten years.

When deciding on the extension of a residence permit for the purpose of studying, the Foreigners' Registration Office may obtain and take into account opinions from the university or other institutions approved for training or further education on matters relating to the study requirements, the course of study, the degree and other academic matters.

The same conditions apply to the extension of a residence permit for the purpose of studying as to the granting of a residence permit. In particular, your livelihood should be secured for the duration of your studies.

If your residence permit is extended, it will be limited in time again. The residence permit for the purpose of studying will be extended by at least one year and usually by two years or by the remaining duration of your studies.

If the foreigner is participating in an EU or multilateral program with mobility measures (e.g. ERASMUS+ program of the European Union) or if an agreement between two or more higher education institutions applies to the foreigner, the residence permit will be extended by at least two years. If the studies last less than two years, it will be extended by the duration of the studies.

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 replacement
• current biometric photo
• existing residence permit
• Proof of livelihood (e.g. blocked account at a German bank, scholarship certificate or declaration of commitment)
• Proof of your health insurance
• Proof of academic achievements, if applicable
• rental agreement

• You have a recognized and valid passport or passport substitute and a valid residence permit for the purpose of studying in accordance with Section 16b (1) of the Residence Act.
• Your residence permit will expire in the near future.
• There are no grounds for deportation against you.
• Your stay does not jeopardize or impair the interests of the Federal Republic of Germany
• You have not yet completed your degree and can prove that you will be able to complete it within a reasonable period of time.
• Your livelihood is secured for the entire duration of your studies.

Extension of the residence permit for the purpose of studying

• 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 to issue 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 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 the eAT card from the Foreigners' Registration Office.

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

about six to eight weeks

• Extension of the residence permit: no later than eight weeks before your valid residence permit for the purpose of studying expires
• Objection period: 1 month

You can also obtain free advice on the topics of entry, residence and employment from the "Working and Living in Germany Hotline" of the Federal Government's portal for skilled workers from abroad.

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

An appeal against a negative decision by the foreigners authority can be lodged with the authority named in the decision within one month of notification of the decision. The appeal may be lodged in writing, in electronic form or for the record. If the foreigners authority does not grant the appeal, an action may be brought before the court named in the notice of appeal.

• Residence permit for the purpose of education; extension for the purpose of study preparation and study
• A residence permit for the purpose of studying will be extended if it is due to expire in the near future and you wish to continue your studies in Germany beyond the expiry date.
• The extension must be applied for at least eight weeks before the expiry date.
• An extension of the residence permit for the purpose of studying is only possible if the requirements that were met when the permit was first issued are still met.
• If the residence permit is extended, it will be limited in time again.
• An extension is not possible if the degree cannot be obtained within a reasonable period of time or if the extension 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: the foreigners authority responsible for the applicant's place of residence

• Forms: You can obtain authority-specific forms from your foreigners authority; these may also be available online.
• Online procedure possible in some cases
• Written form required: yes
• Personal appearance required: yes