Source: BUS Sachsen-Anhalt (Linie6PLus)

Apply for an extension of the residence permit in order to take an examination for the recognition of a foreign professional qualification

Description

If the validity of your residence permit ends before you have completed the examination procedure required for the recognition of your foreign qualification, you can apply for the extension of your residence permit.

The residence permit was issued solely for the purpose of taking an exam. An extension of the residence permit is therefore only possible if the examination procedure has not yet been completed.

The same conditions apply to the extension of the residence permit as to the issuance of the residence permit. In particular, your livelihood should be secured for the duration of your stay.

In the event of an extension, your residence permit will be limited again; usually for the remainder of the examination procedure. The validity of the residence permit covers the period from taking the examination to the announcement of the examination result or to the issuance of a decision by the competent authority concluding the procedure.

The residence permit cannot be extended if it is foreseeable that the examination cannot be taken within a reasonable period of time or if the extension has already been excluded by the Foreigners' Registration Office when it was issued or last extended.

Prerequisites

In principle, the same conditions must be met for the extension of the residence permit as for the first issuance of the residence permit. That is:

You would like to continue to reside in Germany in order to complete an examination procedure that serves the full recognition of your foreign professional qualification.
You can secure your livelihood and health insurance coverage for the rest of your stay from your own resources without using public services.
You have language skills that correspond to the exam to be taken, but at least at level A2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. An exception applies if the acquisition of language skills is the subject of the examination to be taken.
There is no interest in expulsion against you.
Their stay does not endanger or impair the interests of the Federal Republic of Germany.

Required documents

In principle, the extension of your residence permit requires the submission of the same documents as for the first issue:

Recognized and valid identity document (e.g. passport or passport substitute)
Up-to-date biometric photo in the passport (45 x 35 mm)
Proof of securing a livelihood (e.g. from one's own assets, payment of a security deposit into a blocked account, bank guarantee, declaration of commitment, scholarship, proof of receipt of benefits such as parents or child benefit, proof of parents' income or similar)
Proof of health insurance coverage (e.g. confirmation of health insurance coverage or insurance policy)
In the case of minors: consent of all persons with custody to the planned stay (declaration of consent); if the parents with custody are unable to submit the application jointly for their child, a written power of attorney from the absent parent is required; if custody is granted to only one parent, the signature of that parent is sufficient

The documents and information must always be submitted in German. In individual cases, the Foreigners' Registration Office may require less or more evidence.

You may have to provide the Foreigners' Registration Office with proof of your language skills if the acquisition of the language skills is not the subject of your examination.

Fees (costs)

96.00 euros for a further stay of up to three months for adult applicants
93.00 euros for a further stay of more than three months for adult applicants

Remark:

Additional fees may apply for the issuance of a new residence permit in the form of an electronic residence permit (eAT card), which can also be used as electronic proof of identity.

The timing and form of fee collection and payment vary depending on the authority.

In certain cases, fee reductions or exemptions may be considered (e.g. for persons entitled to asylum or recognised refugees). Lower fees may apply for Turkish nationals.

§ 45 No. 2 Residence Ordinance (AufenthV)

Deadlines

Application Deadline

approx. 6 weeks to 8 weeks

The extension of the residence permit must be applied for before the validity of the current residence permit ends. The application should be received by the Foreigners' Registration Office at least six to eight weeks before the expiry of the residence permit.

The residence permit is issued for a limited period of time. The validity usually depends on the remaining duration of the examination procedure. The validity covers the period from taking the examination to the announcement of the examination result or until the issuance of a decision by the competent authority concluding the procedure. The extension must be applied for at the Foreigners' Registration Office in good time before the validity expires.

Processing time

approx. 6 weeks to 8 weeks

The processing time may vary depending on the workload of the Foreigners' Registration Office.

It takes about 4 to 6 weeks for Bundesdruckerei to produce the electronic residence permit.

Legal remedy

Objection to the decision of the Foreigners' Registration Office within one month of notification
Bringing an action before the court named in the notice of opposition if the objection is not upheld

Responsible body

Foreigners' Registration Office

Applications / Forms

Forms available: No

Written form required: No

Informal application possible: Yes

Personal appearance required: Yes

Procedure

Find out whether your Foreigners' Registration Office allows you to apply online or has a special application form.
If the application is only possible in person, make an appointment at the Foreigners' Registration Office. In the case of an online application, the Foreigners' Registration Office will contact you after receipt of your application to make an appointment.
During the appointment, your identity and documents will be checked (please bring your documents, if possible in the original, with you to the appointment).
If your application is granted, your fingerprints will be taken in the form of a new electronic residence permit (eAT card) for the production of the residence permit.
The Foreigners' Registration Office commissions the production of the eAT card from Bundesdruckerei. After completion, you will receive information and can pick up the eAT card from the responsible office. The eAT card must always be picked up in person.
If your application is rejected, you will receive a rejection notice.

Further information

The term "examination" covers examinations that are necessary to determine the equivalence of a foreign professional qualification with a domestic professional qualification. This includes linguistic and technical language tests. Taking several exams is also an option.
There is no entitlement to the issuance of a residence permit. It is at the discretion of the Foreigners' Registration Office to grant the residence permit.
The residence permit issued for the examination procedure does not entitle the holder to pursue gainful employment.
The procedure at the Foreigners' Registration Office is usually carried out in German.
All information provided to the Foreigners' Registration Office should be correct and complete to the best of our knowledge and belief so that the request can be processed without major delays.
Incorrect or incomplete information can slow down the procedure and be detrimental to the persons concerned. In the event of an emergency, incorrect or incomplete information that is not completed or corrected in time vis-à-vis the Foreigners' Registration Office may result in the revocation of residence rights already granted, a fine, imprisonment of up to three years or expulsion from the federal territory.
Due to the complexity of the right of residence, this description is for information purposes only and is not legally binding.