Source: BUS Sachsen-Anhalt (Linie6Plus)

Applying for an extension of the residence permit for family reunification with a beneficiary of subsidiary protection

Description

To extend your residence permit as a relative of a person entitled to subsidiary protection, you must submit an application to the immigration authority responsible for your place of residence and submit the required documents.
For the extension of the residence permit, the requirements checked when the residence permit was first issued must still be met.
You should apply for the extension in good time before your current residence permit expires.

Prerequisites

In principle, the same requirements must be met for the extension of the residence permit as for the initial issue of the residence permit. This means that

The person you have joined is still recognized as a person entitled to subsidiary protection and has a corresponding residence permit (Section 25 (2) sentence 1, 2nd alternative of the Residence Act).
You continue to belong to the nuclear family of the person entitled to subsidiary protection (spouse or partner, parent or unmarried minor child) and wish to continue your stay in Germany.
The relevant humanitarian reason for family reunification still exists, for example
- a minor unmarried child is affected,
- Your life, limb or freedom would be seriously endangered in your country of origin or
- You or your family member are seriously ill, in need of serious care or severely disabled.
The person entitled to subsidiary protection is not expected to leave Germany (e.g. due to the revocation or withdrawal of protection status).
There is no interest in deporting you or your family member entitled to subsidiary protection (e.g. due to serious criminal offenses or endangering the security of the Federal Republic of Germany).
Your stay does not endanger or impair the interests of the Federal Republic of Germany.

Required documents

In principle, the same documents must be submitted for the extension of the residence permit as for the initial issue:

Recognized and valid identity document (e.g. passport or passport replacement)
Current biometric photo in passport format (45 x 35 mm) - Please note: Since May 1, 2025, biometric passport photos may only be taken digitally directly in the authorities or in certified photo studios and transmitted to the Foreigners' Registration Office via a secure electronic channel. Paper-based passport photos are no longer permitted.
Proof of the situation of the person entitled to protection living in Germany (e.g. employment or training contract, certificate of enrolment, rental agreement, integration course certificate)
when applying for underage children:
- Declaration of consent from all persons with parental authority to continue residence in Germany,
- school certificate
- Written authorization from the absent parent if the parents cannot submit the application jointly for the child
In case of serious illness, need for care or severe disability: a qualified medical certificate, notification of the degree of care or proof of severe disability
Certificates of participation in the integration course, if you have been obliged to participate as part of the initial application.
In the case of different spelling of names: Proof of the use of the name
Further proof if there have been significant changes since the last residence permit was issued (e.g. marriage, divorce, birth of a child, relocation, change of occupation).

The documents must always be submitted in German. An official translation may be required for non-German documents. In individual cases, the Immigration Office may require fewer or more documents. Please submit your documents to the authority in full and on time. Documents submitted late may be subject to longer processing times.

Fees (costs)

The fee is

for adults:
- 96.00 euros for a further stay of up to three months
- 93.00 Euro for a further stay of more than three months
for minors:
- 48.00 euros for a further stay of up to three months
- 46,50 Euro for a further stay of more than three months

Note:

Additional fees may apply for the renewal of the residence permit in the form of an electronic residence permit (eAT card).
The time and form of fee collection and payment vary depending on the authority.
Lower fees may apply for Turkish nationals.
In certain cases, fee reductions or exemptions may apply (e.g. for foreigners who are dependent on social benefits to secure their livelihood).

Deadlines

Application deadline: 6 to 8 weeks

Due to the increased workload at the Foreigners' Registration Office, it is advisable to submit your application to the Foreigners' Registration Office as early as possible. The application should be received by the Immigration Office at least six to eight weeks before the residence permit expires.

Period of validity: at least 1 year

The residence permit is issued for at least one year, but for no longer than the period of validity of the residence permit of the foreigner to whom the family reunion is taking place.

Processing time

approx. 6 to 8 weeks

The processing time depends on the current workload of the Foreigners' Registration Office and the production times of the Federal Printing Office for the production of the electronic residence permit.

Legal remedy

Appeal against the decision of the immigration authority within one month of notification.
Legal action before the court named in the objection notice if the objection is not upheld.

Responsible body

Immigration office

Contact the foreigners authority responsible for your place of residence.

Procedure

You can apply for the extension of your residence permit in person or online at the foreigners authority responsible for your place of residence. You should therefore first find out whether your foreigners authority allows you to apply online or whether a different procedure is provided for.

If you wish to submit the application online:

The online service contains further explanations on the requirements, the necessary evidence and the procedure.
The Foreigners' Registration Office will contact you after receiving your online application to arrange an appointment at the Foreigners' Registration Office.

If you wish to submit the application in person:

If the application can only be made in person, make an appointment at the Foreigners' Registration Office.

If you have not yet reached the age of 18, you may not submit the application yourself, but require an adult representative (as a rule, the application is submitted by the custodial parent).

Your identity and documents will be checked during the appointment (please bring your original documents with you to the appointment).

If your application is approved, your fingerprints and signature will be taken to produce the residence permit in the form of a new electronic residence permit (eAT card). The Foreigners' Registration Office will commission the Bundesdruckerei to produce the eAT card. After completion, you will receive information and can collect the eAT card from the responsible office. The eAT card must always be collected in person. Ask your immigration office whether it is possible to send the eAT card to your address.

If your request is not granted, you will usually receive a notice of refusal.

Further information

There is no entitlement to the granting of a residence permit for family reunification for persons entitled to subsidiary protection. However, the law does confer a right to a decision by the responsible immigration authority that is free of discretionary errors.
The extension of the residence permit can now be applied for online and in various languages at many immigration authorities. The procedure at the foreigners authority is carried out in German.
All information provided to the Foreigners' Registration Office should be correct and complete to the best of your knowledge and belief so that your application can be processed without major delays.
Incorrect or incomplete information can slow down the procedure and be disadvantageous for you. In serious cases, incorrect or incomplete information that is not completed or corrected in good time vis-à-vis the immigration authorities can result in the revocation of residence rights that have already been granted, a fine, a prison sentence of up to three years or expulsion from the federal territory.
Due to the complexity of residence law, this description is for information purposes only and is not legally binding.