Aufenthaltserlaubnis zum Besuch einer allgemeinbildenden Schule: Verlängerung beantragen

You should apply for an extension of your residence permit in good time before it expires in order to continue attending a school in Germany.

If you have already received a residence permit for the purpose of attending school, you must apply for its extension in good time before the residence permit expires.

The Foreigners' Registration Office will extend the residence permit if the requirements are met. The granting of a residence permit requires, among other things, that attending school is the main purpose of your stay. Part-time schooling alone does not meet these requirements.

This is generally issued for the duration of your purpose of residence.

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. from own assets, payment of a security deposit into a blocked account, bank guarantee, declaration of commitment, scholarship, proof of parents' income or similar)
• Proof of health insurance cover (e.g. confirmation of health insurance cover or insurance policy).
• Certificate from the school stating the duration and general conditions of school attendance
• For minors: Consent of all persons with custody rights to the planned school attendance (declaration of consent); if the parents with custody rights cannot submit the application jointly for their child, a written power of attorney from the absent parent is required; if only one parent has custody rights, the signature of this parent is sufficient

The documents and information must always be submitted in German. In individual cases, the Immigration Office 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

• You want to continue attending a public or state-recognized school with an international orientation or a private school that prepares its students for international qualifications, qualifications from other countries or state-recognized qualifications (such as the International Baccalaureate [IB]).
• Your chosen school will continue to guarantee classes with a mix of students of different nationalities.
• You can cover your living expenses and health insurance for the duration of your stay from your own resources without claiming public benefits. The current BAföG rate (Federal Training Assistance Act) is used as a guideline.
• There are no grounds for deportation against you.

Cost amount (fixed):

• EUR 96.00 for a further stay of up to three months
• 48.00 EUR for underage applicants for a further stay of up to three months
• 93.00 EUR for a further stay of more than three months
• 46.50 EUR for underage applicants 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 immigration office allows you to apply online or has a special application form.
• If you have not yet reached the age of 18, you may not submit the application yourself, but need a representative (as a rule, the application is submitted by the custodial parent).
• If the application can only be submitted in person, make an appointment at the Foreigners' Registration Office. If you apply online, the immigration office will contact you after receiving your application to arrange an appointment.
• If you have not yet reached the age of 18, you must be accompanied by at least one representative at the personal appointment. If the parent with custody is unable to attend in person, a written power of attorney must be provided for the application.
• Your identity and documents will be checked during the appointment (please bring your documents to the appointment, in the original if possible).
• If your application is approved, your fingerprints will be taken to produce the residence permit in the form of an 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 responsible 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.

• The extension of the residence permit is at the discretion of the responsible immigration authority. Applicants are therefore only entitled to a discretionary decision.
• Gainful employment is not permitted while holding the residence permit. An exception may be made for vacation periods.
• During the period of residence for school attendance, i.e. until the successful completion of the educational measure and the issue of the corresponding final certificate, a residence permit for another purpose of residence should generally only be issued if there is a legal entitlement (e.g. family reunification or studies).
• If you have attended school in Germany while in possession of another residence permit, this does not justify the issue of a residence permit for school attendance.
• 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 education; extension for general school attendance
• In principle, the same requirements must be met for the extension of the residence permit as for the initial issue of the residence permit.
• Residence permits for school attendance are generally issued from the ninth grade onwards.
• It must be a public or state-recognized school with an international orientation or a private school that prepares its students for international qualifications, qualifications from other countries or state-recognized qualifications (such as the International Baccalaureate [IB]).
• The school must ensure classes with a composition of students of different nationalities. Classes or classes for nationals of a single country are excluded. Exceptions may be made for so-called embassy schools.
• The granting of a residence permit requires that school attendance is the main purpose of residence. Part-time schooling is not sufficient.
• If the applicant is a minor, the persons entitled to personal care must agree to the planned school attendance in Germany.
• The applicant must be able to cover their living expenses (including health insurance) from their own resources for the duration of their schooling. Living expenses can also be covered by third parties.
• 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