Aufenthaltserlaubnis zur Arbeitsplatzsuche für Fachkräfte mit akademischer Ausbildung: Verlängerung beantragen

As a skilled worker with an academic qualification who has already received a residence permit to look for a job, you can apply for an extension of the residence permit up to a maximum total duration of six months.

You have already received a residence permit to look for a job for qualified specialists with an academic qualification. If you have not yet found a job that matches your academic qualifications but would like to continue looking for a job, you can apply for an extension of your residence permit.

Please note that the residence permit is issued for a maximum of six months. An extension of your residence permit is only possible if this 6-month period has not yet been exhausted. The extension must be applied for in good time before your previous residence permit expires.

If you have already been in possession of a six-month residence permit, the residence permit can only be issued again if you have stayed abroad after your departure for at least as long as you previously stayed in Germany to look for a job.

The residence permit will be issued again for a limited period, but for no longer than six months in total.

In principle, the extension of your residence permit requires the submission of the same documents as for the initial issue:

• recognized and valid identity document (e.g. passport or passport substitute)
• current biometric photo in passport format (45 x 35 mm)
• Proof of means of subsistence (e.g. proof of income, equity, blocked account, declaration of commitment); in addition, proof of the financial means required for departure must be provided.
• Proof of health insurance cover (e.g. confirmation of health insurance cover or insurance policy)
• Proof of academic degree
• for foreign university degrees: Notification of recognition or comparability of the university degree or a certificate assessment from the Central Office for Foreign Education (ZAB)
• for regulated professions: valid professional license or confirmation that it has been issued
• if a residence permit for six months has already been issued: Proof of departure and the duration of the stay abroad

The documents and information must always be submitted in German. In individual cases, the foreigners authority may require less or further proof.

In principle, the same requirements must be met for the extension of the residence permit as for the initial issue of the residence permit. This means that

• This total validity period of your residence permit of six months has not yet been exhausted. Alternatively, you have stayed abroad after your departure for at least as long as you were previously in Germany to look for work.
• You have a German or a recognized foreign university degree or a foreign university degree that is comparable to a German one (the recognition/determination of comparability was usually already checked when the residence permit was first issued).
• You are still seeking employment in a profession for which you are qualified on the basis of your (academic) qualifications.
• In the case of regulated professions (e.g. doctor, lawyer, teacher or engineer): You still have the required professional license or have been granted an extension.
• You can secure your livelihood and health insurance cover from your own resources without claiming public benefits.
• Your stay does not impair or jeopardize the interests of the Federal Republic of Germany. There is no interest in deporting you.

Cost type:

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

Remark:

Additional fees may apply for the issue of a new residence permit in the form of an electronic residence permit (eAT card), which can also be used as electronic proof of identity.

The time and form in which fees are charged and paid vary depending on the authority.

In certain cases, fee reductions or exemptions may apply (e.g. for persons entitled to asylum or recognized refugees). Lower fees may apply for Turkish nationals.

• Find out whether your foreigners authority allows you to apply online or has a special application form.
• If the application can only be submitted in person, make an appointment at the immigration office. If you apply online, the immigration office will contact you after receiving your application to arrange an appointment.
• During the appointment, your identity and documents will be checked (please bring your documents to the appointment, in the original if possible).
• If your application is approved, your fingerprints will be taken to produce a new electronic residence permit (eAT card).
• The Foreigners' Registration Office will commission the Bundesdruckerei to produce the eAT card. After completion, you will receive information and can collect the eAT card from the relevant office. The eAT card must always be collected in person.
• If your application is rejected, you will receive a notice of rejection.

Duration (for span): approx. 6 to 8 weeks

Note for further information on the processing time:
The processing time may vary depending on the workload of the immigration office. The production of the electronic residence permit by the Bundesdruckerei takes about 4 to 6 weeks.

Duration (for span): 6 to 8 weeks

Note (for further information on the deadline):
At the latest six weeks to eight weeks before the current residence permit expires, the application should be received by the Aliens' Registration Office.

Duration (for a fixed period): maximum 6 weeks

Note (for further information on the deadline):
The residence permit will be limited again, but for a maximum total period of six months.

• The extension of the residence permit is at the discretion of the responsible immigration authority. Applicants are therefore only entitled to a discretionary decision.
• In principle, the residence permit does not entitle the holder to gainful employment, but does allow trial employment for up to ten hours per week in accordance with the purpose of the stay, provided the applicant is qualified to do so.
• The procedure is usually carried out in German.
• All information provided to the Immigration Office should be correct and complete to the best of your knowledge and belief so that your application can be processed without major delays.
• Incorrect or incomplete information can slow down the procedure and be detrimental to the person concerned. In serious cases, incorrect or incomplete information that is not completed or corrected in good time vis-à-vis the immigration authority can result in the revocation of residence rights that have already been granted, a fine, a prison sentence of up to three years or expulsion from the federal territory.
• Due to the complexity of residence law, this description is for information purposes only and is not legally binding.

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

• Residence permit for the purpose of gainful employment; extension for job search for qualified specialists with an academic education
• In principle, the same requirements must be met for the extension of the residence permit as for the initial issue of the residence permit.
• The applicant must have a German or a recognized foreign university degree or a foreign university degree that is comparable to a German one (the recognition/determination of comparability was usually already checked when the residence permit was first issued).
• The aim of the job search must be employment in a profession for which the applicant is qualified on the basis of their (academic) qualifications.
• For a regulated profession, such as medicine, the required professional license must still be available or its extension must have been approved.
• The residence permit entitles the holder to carry out trial employment for up to ten hours per week for which they are qualified.
• Living expenses (including health insurance) must be secured.
• The residence permit is issued for six months.
• Responsible: the foreigners authority responsible for the applicant's place of residence

The foreigners authority responsible for the applicant's place of residence is responsible for processing the application.

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