Aufenthaltserlaubnis für den Familiennachzug eines ausländischen Kindes zu einem deutschen Elternteil: Verlängerung beantragen

Foreign, underage and unmarried children with a residence permit for family reunification with a German parent can receive an extension of the residence permit as long as the family partnership continues.

As the legal representative, you can apply to extend the residence permit for a foreign unmarried minor child so that the child can continue to live with you in Germany.

Please note that your child must not be married, divorced or widowed. Minor means that they have not yet reached the age of 18.

The establishment of a family relationship between you and the child is a prerequisite for obtaining a residence permit. This must be intended and actually possible. If you, as the parent, have custody of the child, it can generally be assumed that there is the intention and possibility of establishing a family relationship. However, it is not necessarily the case that you are entitled to exercise custody. However, it must be proven that you are the father or mother of the minor child.

If only the father is German, there must be a valid acknowledgement of paternity.

If the child has already been in possession of a residence permit for three years, an application for a settlement permit may be considered.

If the child has now reached the age of 18, the child can receive an independent right of residence independent of family reunification.

• recognized and valid identity document (e.g. passport or passport substitute) of the child and the German parent
• current biometric photo of the child in passport format (45 x 35 mm)
• Proof of acknowledgment of paternity if parents are not married and the child is to join the German father.
• If one custodial parent remains abroad:
  • Proof of custody,
  • Declaration of consent from the parent living abroad.
• The documents and information must always be submitted in German. In individual cases, the immigration authority may require less or further proof.

• One custodial parent has German citizenship.
• The child has a valid identity document.
• The child is a minor at the time of application and is neither married nor divorced or widowed.
• The German parent has his/her habitual residence in Germany.
• The German parent is still actually and legally willing and able to maintain a family relationship with the child. This is assumed if custody of the child continues to exist. However, custody of the child is not a prerequisite for the extension of the residence permit.
• There is no reason to deport the child.

Costs:

• 48.00 EUR for a further stay of up to three months
• 46.50 EUR for a further stay of more than three months

Remark:

Additional fees may apply for the issuance of a residence permit in the form of an electronic residence permit, which can also be used as electronic proof of identity.

• The extension of the residence permit for the child must be applied for before the validity of the current residence permit expires.
• Find out whether the relevant immigration office allows you to apply online or has a special application form.
• If the application can only be made in person, make an appointment at the immigration office. If you apply online, the Foreigners' Registration Office will contact you after receiving your application to arrange an appointment.
• During the appointment, your identity and the identity of the child as well as the available documents will be checked (please bring all documents, if possible in the original, to the appointment).
• If your application is approved, the child's fingerprints will be taken to produce the electronic residence permit (eAT card for short). Children under the age of six will not be fingerprinted.
• The Foreigners' Registration Office commissions the Bundesdruckerei to produce the eAT card. After completion, you will receive information and can collect the eAT card from the responsible office. The eAT card must always be collected in person.
• If your application is rejected, you will receive a notice of rejection.

Duration: approx. 6 to 8 weeks

Note for further information on the processing time:

The production of the electronic residence permit by Bundesdruckerei takes about four to six weeks.

Application deadline: 6 to 8 weeks

Note (for further information on the deadline):

At the latest six to eight weeks before the expiry of the child's still valid residence permit, the application should be received by the Foreigners' Registration Office.

Period of validity: at least 1 year

Remark:

The residence permit is extended for a limited period. After holding the residence permit for three years, a settlement permit can be applied for.

If the child has come of age in the meantime (i.e. has reached the age of 18), the child can receive an independent right of residence independent of family reunification.

• The extension of the residence permit for the child must be applied for in good time before the validity of the current residence permit expires.
• Please ensure that the information you provide is correct and complete to the best of your knowledge and belief. This is the only way the Foreigners' Registration Office can process your application without major delays.
• Incorrect or incomplete information can slow down the procedure and be disadvantageous for you. In serious cases, incorrect or incomplete information that is not completed or corrected in time vis-à-vis the Foreigners' Registration Office may result in the revocation of residence rights already granted, a fine, a prison sentence of up to three years or expulsion from the federal territory.

• Appeal against the decision of the immigration authority
• Legal action before the court named in the notice of objection if the objection is not upheld

• Residence permit for family reasons; extension for family reunification of a foreign minor child with a German parent
• In principle, the same requirements must be met for the extension of the residence permit as for the initial issue of the residence permit.
• Application requirements
  • The child is unmarried and has not yet reached the age of 18.
  • The German parent continues to have his/her habitual residence in the federal territory (Germany).
  • The family partnership continues to exist.
• The residence permit is extended for a limited period.
• After holding the residence permit for three years, a settlement permit can be applied for.
• Responsible: the foreigners authority responsible for the applicant's place of residence

Forms available: No
Written form required: No
Informal application possible: Yes
Personal appearance necessary: Yes