Applying for an extension of the residence permit for recognition of professional qualifications based on an agreement with the Federal Employment Agency

The extension of your residence permit must be applied for at the foreigners authority responsible for your place of residence.

• Depending on the foreigners authority and your request, it may be possible to apply online. Find out whether your foreigners authority offers electronic application for a residence permit.
• If the application can only be made in person, arrange an appointment with the immigration office.
• During the appointment, your application will be accepted and your supporting documents checked (please bring these with you to the appointment). Your fingerprints will be taken to issue the electronic residence permit (eAT).
• In the case of an electronic application, the Foreigners' Registration Office will contact you after receiving your online application to arrange an appointment at the Foreigners' Registration Office. During the appointment, your documents will be checked (please bring them with you to the appointment) and your fingerprints will be taken for the eAT card to be issued.
• If your application is approved, the Foreigners' Registration Office will arrange for the eAT card to be issued.
• After about six to eight weeks, you can collect your eAT card from the immigration office
• Fees are charged for the extension of the residence permit. The time and form of payment vary depending on the authority

The foreigners authority responsible for the applicant's place of residence

The foreigners authority responsible for the applicant's place of residence

• You have a recognized and valid passport or passport substitute and a valid residence permit for the recognition of professional qualifications based on an agreement with the Federal Employment Agency in accordance with Section 16d (4) of the Residence Act.
• Your residence permit will expire in the near future.
• You are pursuing the procedure to determine the equivalence of your foreign professional qualification or, if necessary, to obtain a professional practice permit from the competent recognition office in Germany.
• The Federal Employment Agency has approved the pursuit of employment in the desired professional field.
  Approval is usually obtained from the foreigners authority.
• There are no grounds for deportation against you.
• Your stay does not jeopardize or impair the interests of the Federal Republic of Germany
• Your livelihood is secured.

• Passport or passport replacement
• Current biometric photo
• Existing residence permit
• Proof of livelihood (e.g. blocked account at a bank)
• Proof of your health insurance
• Employment contract
• Tenancy agreement
• Proof of the recognition procedure (e.g. initial notification from the recognizing body or certificate of participation in a qualification measure)

• Extension of the residence permit for recognition of professional qualifications on the basis of an agreement with the Federal Employment Agency
  • for a further stay of up to three months: EUR 96
  • for a further stay of more than three months: EUR 93
• Under certain conditions, a fee reduction or fee exemption may be possible.

• Extension of the residence permit: no later than eight weeks before your valid residence permit expires
• Objection period: 1 month

about six to eight weeks

• § Section 8 (1) Residence Act (AufenthG)
• § Section 16d (4) Residence Act (AufenthG)
• § Section 2 Employment Ordinance (BeschV)

• Forms: You can obtain authority-specific forms from your foreigners authority; these may also be available online.
• Online procedure occasionally possible
• Written form required: yes
• Personal appearance required: yes

11.09.2020