Source: BUS Sachsen-Anhalt (Linie6PLus)

Residence permit for the purpose of highly qualified employment: Apply for extension

Description

The EU Blue Card is a temporary residence permit. It was issued for a limited period of time. You can apply for an extension of the EU Blue Card if you wish to continue your employment beyond the period of validity of your EU Blue Card.

You must apply for the extension of your EU Blue Card at the Foreigners' Registration Office responsible for your place of residence no later than eight weeks before the expiry of the time limit.

The same requirements apply to the extension of the EU Blue Card as to its issuance. In particular, you should be able to present an employment contract with a certain minimum salary and be employed in a job that is appropriate to your qualifications.

If you were required to attend an integration course when your residence title was first issued, this will be taken into account when your residence title is extended. If you have not yet taken part in an integration course, the Aliens' Registration Office may reject your application for an extension of your residence permit. If you have not yet completed the integration course, your residence permit will generally only be extended for one year at a time until you successfully complete the course or provide proof that you have been integrated into social life in some other way.

In the case of an extension, your EU Blue Card will be limited again.

The Blue Card is extended for a maximum of four years. If the duration of the employment contract is less than four years, the EU Blue Card will be extended for the duration of the employment contract plus three months.

The Blue Card cannot be extended if this was already excluded when it was issued or the last time it was extended.

Prerequisites

You have a recognized and valid passport or passport replacement and the valid EU Blue Card.
The period of validity of your EU Blue Card will expire in the near future.
There is no deportation interest against you.
You can secure your livelihood and health insurance coverage from your income without claiming public benefits.
Your stay does not endanger or impair the interests of the Federal Republic of Germany.
You have a concrete job offer or an employment contract with the same or another employer.
Your salary will reach at least 2/3 of the contribution assessment ceiling in the pension insurance, in the case of shortage professions (natural scientists, mathematicians, engineers, medical doctors, IT specialists) 52% of the annual contribution assessment ceiling. For 2020, the annual gross minimum salary in standard occupations is 55,200 euros, and 43,056 euros in shortage occupations.
The amount of the income threshold is published each year by the Federal Ministry of the Interior, for Construction and Home Affairs in the Federal Gazette by December 31 of the previous year.
The employment performed must be commensurate with the qualification.
The Federal Employment Agency has approved the employment (approval is usually obtained from the Foreigners' Registration Office).
For the approval, your working conditions (especially salary) must be comparable to those of a German employee in the same position.
If required, you must have a professional license (e.g. license to practice as a pharmacist).

Required documents

Passport or passport replacement
EU Blue Card
Proof of livelihood:

Copy or original of employment contract (to be submitted only in case of changes)
Proof of income for the last three months
in case of change of employer: concrete job offer (please use the nationwide standardized form Declaration of Employment Relationship ) or an employment contract

Current biometric photo
Current certificate of registration
Rental contract
Proof of health insurance
If you are required to take part in an integration course: certificate of successful participation in the integration course or other proof of your integration efforts

Fees (costs)

Extension of the EU Blue Card

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 considered.
Note: The EU Blue Card in the form of the electronic residence permit must be reissued for the extension. The fee for reissuing the card body is EUR 67.00.

Deadlines

Extension of the EU Blue Card: at the latest eight weeks before the expiry of your still valid EU Blue Card.
Objection period: 1 month

Processing time

about six to eight weeks

Responsible body

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

Free advice on entry, residence and employment is also available from the "Working and Living in Germany Hotline" from the Federal Government's portal for skilled workers from abroad:

Phone: 030 1815-1111

Service hours: Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Applications / Forms

Forms: Declaration of employment relationship (standardized nationwide); further forms specific to the authorities can be obtained from your foreigners authority; these may also be offered online.
Online procedure possible in some cases
Written form required: yes
Personal appearance required: yes

Procedure

The extension of your EU Blue Card must be applied for at the aliens' registration office responsible for your place of residence.

Depending on the foreigners authority and your concerns, it may be possible to apply via the Internet. Find out whether your foreigners authority offers electronic application for the EU Blue Card.
If the application is only possible in person, arrange an appointment with the Aliens' Registration Office.
During the appointment, your application will be received and your supporting documents will be checked (please bring them to the appointment). For the issuance of the EU Blue Card your fingerprints will be taken.
In case of an electronic application, the Aliens' Registration Office will contact you after receipt of your online application to arrange an appointment for an interview at the Aliens' Registration Office. During the appointment, your supporting documents will be checked (please bring them to the appointment) and your fingerprints will be taken for the issuance of the EU Blue Card.
If your application is granted, the Aliens' Registration Office will arrange for the EU Blue Card to be produced.
After about six to eight weeks you can pick up your Blue Card at the Aliens' Registration Office.
There are fees for the extension of the EU Blue Card. The timing as well as the form of payment varies depending on the authority.