Elektronischer Aufenthaltstitel (eAT) Erteilung

The electronic residence permits (eAT) are issued and handed out as a separate document in credit card format with additional electronic functions. Inside the card, the eAT has a contactless chip on which biometric features (characteristics: photograph and two fingerprints after the age of 6), ancillary provisions in connection with the residence permit (e.g. for employment) and personal data are stored. In addition, the chip receives an electronic proof of identity and the possibility to use an electronic signature.

The following residence permits are issued in the format of the electronic residence permit (eAT):

• Residence permit
• Settlement permit
• Permit for permanent residence-EC
• Residence card for third-country nationals' family members of a Union citizen or a national of an EEA State
• Permanent residence card for third-country nationals' family members of a Union citizen or a national of an EEA State
• Residence permit for Swiss nationals and their third-country nationals if they opt for an eAT

• Passport and other documents - depending on the procedures that preceded it

Since the individual case is decisive, the necessary documents should be requested from the competent authority in advance.

• Issuance of a residence permit for up to one year: 100,00 Euro
• Issuance of a residence permit of more than one year: 110,00 Euro
• Extension of the residence permit:
  • up to three months: 96,00 Euro
  • of more than three months: 93,00Euro

• Settlement permit:
  • for highly qualified: 147,00Euro
  • for self-employment: 124,00 Euro
  • in other cases : 113,00 Euro

The introduction of the electronic residence permit (eAT) has an impact on the entire processes at the competent authority. In any case, a waiting period of four to six weeks is to be expected between application and delivery of the eAT, as the cards are produced exclusively at Bundesdruckerei in Berlin.

Due to the need to store biometric data on the chip inside the card, two fingerprints will have to be taken from applicants (including children and adolescents aged 6 and over) in the future. Therefore, a personal interview is necessary in all cases - even with existing authorizations. Longer processing and waiting times at the responsible office are to be expected.

The previous residence permits, which were affixed to the travel documents as a label, will remain valid even after the introduction of the eAT, until 31.08.2021 at the latest. It is therefore only planned to issue the eAT before the expiry of the valid residence permit if there is a legitimate interest in the reissue.

Please apply for the extension of a residence permit at least 2 months before the expiry of your previous residence permit.
In the case of temporary residence permits, the validity date of the permit is used to determine the period of validity.

The electronic residence permits (eAT) are issued and handed out as a separate document in credit card format with additional electronic functions.

The respective immigration authorities at the district administrations or city administrations of the independent cities are responsible.