Residence

Applying for or extending a residence permit

Non-EU nationals apply for a residence permit or its extension at the locally responsible immigration office (Ausländerbehörde); the type of permit depends on the purpose of stay.

Last updated: 5 October 2026 · Draft – not yet editorially reviewed.

Many immigrants need a visa or residence permit for stays in Germany that go beyond a short visit. Which authority is responsible, and whether you apply before or after entry, depends on your purpose of stay and whether you entered with a visa 1.

Who needs this

If you plan to stay in Germany for longer than 90 days, or if you plan to work, you generally need a national visa (Visum Typ D) from a German foreign mission before entry 1.
If you entered visa-free and want to stay longer than 90 days, you must apply for a residence permit within 90 days after entry at the responsible foreigners authority (Ausländerbehörde) 1.
If you entered with a long-stay visa, you usually apply for the residence permit in Germany before the visa expires; in some cases, the visa already covers the full stay and no further residence permit is needed 1.
For a work-related residence permit, the requirements include having a job or job offer, secure livelihood, and health insurance coverage 3 6.

Step by step

Check which authority is responsible for your case and whether you need a visa before entry or can apply after arrival 1 3 4 6.
If you are applying from abroad, submit the visa application personally in most cases at a German foreign mission 1.
If you are already in Germany, submit the residence permit or extension application to the responsible foreigners authority before your current permit or visa expires 1 4 6.
Upload or bring the required documents with your application 3 4 5 6.
Attend the appointment at the authority when you receive an invitation 2 3 4 5.
Provide fingerprints, signature, and biometric photo if the authority issues an electronic residence permit (eAT) 3.
Pay the fee 3 4 5 6.

Documents

Valid passport or passport replacement 1 3 5 6
Current residence permit, if you are extending one 2
Application form or online application documents 4 5 6
Job contract or concrete job offer, if you are applying for a work permit 3 6
Proof of secured livelihood and health insurance 1 3 6
Proof of housing, such as a rental contract or housing declaration (Wohnraumnachweis) 6
Biometric passport photo; in Hamburg and Munich it can be submitted digitally 3 5
For Blue Card EU applications: proof of qualification, such as a university degree and, for foreign degrees, a certified German or English translation plus recognition evidence 5
For permanent residence in Berlin: proof of income, pension contributions, health insurance, housing costs, German language level B1, and knowledge of the legal and social order, depending on your situation 2

Cost and time

In Hamburg, extension fees are 96.00 EUR for a further stay of up to 3 months and 93.00 EUR for a further stay of over 3 months 3.
In Köln, extension fees for adults are 93 to 96 EUR; for minors, 47 to 49 EUR 4.
In Stuttgart, the fee is 100 EUR for first issue, 96 EUR for extension up to 3 months, and 93 EUR for extension over 3 months 6.
In Munich, the Blue Card EU fee is 100 EUR for first issue and 93 EUR for extension 5.
In Berlin, after approval for a permanent residence permit, the electronic permit is issued and ready for collection at least 4 weeks after the appointment 2.
In Hamburg, processing is done directly at the appointment if the documents are complete; delivery of the electronic residence permit then usually takes 2 to 4 weeks 3.
For long-stay visas, BAMF states that the application can take several months and appointment waiting times may also occur 1.

Deadlines

Apply for an extension while your current residence permit is still valid 4 6.
In Hamburg, you should submit the application at least 8 weeks before your current residence permit expires 3.
If you entered visa-free and want to stay longer than 90 days, apply within 90 days after entry 1.
If you entered with a long-stay visa, apply for the residence permit within the validity of the visa 1.

City by city

Berlin: For permanent residence permit applications, Berlin allows a free online quick check for livelihood calculation, and a positive decision is followed by an appointment and later collection of the electronic permit 2.
Hamburg: The Hamburg Welcome Center for Professionals handles extensions for certain skilled workers under §§ 18a to 18g AufenthG; other cases go to Hamburg Service. Hamburg also lists a specific online service, appointment procedure, and 8-week deadline 3.
Köln: Applications are submitted online, documents are uploaded as PDF or JPEG, and the authority sends a written invitation for a signing appointment 4.
München: For the Blue Card EU, you can submit the application online or by post, and after review you receive an appointment for personal attendance 5.
Stuttgart: First applications and extensions for employment-based residence permits are submitted through the online service, and the authority sends a letter with the required documents and an appointment for extension cases 6.