Elektronischer Aufenthaltstitel

Here you will find information on the issuance of the electronic residence permit.

Foreign citizens in Germany require a residence title.

As of September 1, 2011, the electronic residence title with certified chip in credit card format will be introduced. With the introduction of the electronic residence title, the previous residence title (adhesive label), the residence and permanent residence card and the paper identity card replacement will be replaced.

The electronic residence title will be issued for the following residence titles:

• Residence permit
• Settlement permit
• Permit for permanent residence EC
• Residence card for family members of EU citizens who are not EU citizens
• Permanent residence card for family members of EU citizens who are not EU citizens
• Residence permit for citizens of Switzerland
• EU Blue Card

On the chip of the electronic residence permit are basically stored

• personal data,
• biometric data (facial image and two fingerprints) and
• ancillary provisions (conditions, e.g. concerning gainful employment),

are stored.

In addition, it is possible to store on the chip

• data for electronic government services (electronic proof of identity) and
• qualified electronic signature

can be stored. The use of these online ID functions can be switched on or off if desired.

Since fingerprints are stored on the chip of the electronic residence permit, the person(s) applying for the permit must always be present in person from the age of 6 in the future.

Depending on the purpose of residence, different documents are required. Please contact the responsible office.

Fees may apply. Please contact the responsible office.

The electronic residence permit is issued by the Bundesdruckerei in Berlin and sent to the responsible office. This results in waiting times of approx. 4 to 6 weeks.

Please apply for the extension of a residence title at least 2 months before your previous residence title expires.

The maximum period of validity is 10 years for unlimited residence titles. However, it is linked to the passport validity. For temporary residence titles, the validity date of the title is used.

The previous residence titles in passports and passport replacement documents will remain valid until 31.08.2021 at the latest.

There will be no exchange of old residence titles in label form into the new electronic residence title. This means that all previous residence titles will remain valid until the expiry of the time limit, until the new passport is issued or renewed. An electronic residence title will only be ordered when the extension is applied for or the residence title is transferred.

Since the competent authority issues the electronic residence title, but no longer issues it itself, the residence title can no longer be extended directly by the competent authority at the time of the visit. This regulation also applies to passport transfers.

• Foreign citizens in Germany require a residence title.
• The electronic residence title is issued for certain residence titles.
• Depending on the purpose of residence, different documents are required.
• The electronic residence title is issued by the Bundesdruckerei in Berlin and sent to the responsible office. This results in waiting times of approx. 4 to 6 weeks.

• Apply for the extension of the residence title at least 2 months before the expiry of the previous residence title.

• The maximum period of validity is 10 years for unlimited residence titles. However, it is tied to the passport validity. For temporary residence titles, the validity date of the title is used.

• The responsibility for the application lies with the foreigners authorities (counties and independent cities).

The responsibility for the application lies with the foreigners authorities (counties and independent cities).