Elektronischer Aufenthaltstitel Erteilung

The electronic residence titles (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 (features: photograph and two fingerprints after reaching the age of 6), ancillary provisions in connection with the residence permit (e.g. for gainful 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 title (eAT):

• Residence permit
• Settlement permit
• EC long-term residence permit
• Residence card for third-country national family members of an EU citizen or of an EEA national
• Permanent residence card for third-country national family members of an EU citizen or of an EEA national
• Residence permit for Swiss nationals and their third-country family members if they opt for an eAT

• Passport and other documents - depending on which procedures have been preceded

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

The introduction of the electronic residence title (eAT) has an impact on the entire processes at the competent authority. In any case, a waiting time of four to six weeks is to be expected between the application and delivery of the eAT, as the cards are produced exclusively at the 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). 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 titles, which were affixed to the travel documents as a label, will remain valid even after the introduction of the eAT, at the latest until 31.08.2021. An issuance of the eAT before the expiry of the valid residence permit is therefore only provided for if there is a legitimate interest in the reissue.

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

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

The responsibility lies with the district, the district-free city, the large independent city as well as the region of Hanover, the state capital Hanover and the city of Göttingen.