AuthoritiesGermany

The foreigners office (Ausländerbehörde)

Die Ausländerbehörde

At the foreigners office you apply for and extend your residence permit. Appointment, complete documents and deadlines are decisive.

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Overview

The foreigners office is the local authority responsible for residence for people who are not German or EU citizens. It issues and extends residence permits and decides on family reunion, study, work and humanitarian protection.

It is one of the busiest offices, appointments are hard to get in some cities, and it deals with life-shaping matters. So you must master the procedures and watch the deadlines. This guide explains how to book an appointment, what to bring, the stages of the application, the electronic residence card and the changes to be reported to the office, and how to act on a refusal. This is general information and not legal advice.

1

Which office is responsible and how to book

The responsible office depends on your registered address, and in some cities there is more than one office by the first letter of your name or the type of request.

  • You usually book the appointment via the municipal or city website, and there may be a dedicated email or contact form.
  • Booking early is essential, since waiting lists can run for weeks or months.
  • Do not wait until your permit is close to expiring.
  • If your permit expires before the appointment, ask in writing for a Fiktionsbescheinigung or confirmation that your application has been submitted, and keep proof of the application.
2

The documents to bring

The list varies by purpose of residence, but usually includes your passport, current residence permit, a recent biometric photo, the registration certificate (Meldebescheinigung), the rental contract, proof of health insurance and proof of income or means of living, such as an employment contract and payslips or a study grant, language certificates where required, and the application form.

  • For study, work or family reunion additional documents may be requested, such as an admission letter or marriage certificate.
  • Prepare originals and copies, certified translations where needed, and organise them in a folder.
  • The website may hold an official list for your situation.
3

The application stages and the electronic card

At the appointment you hand in your application, your documents are checked and your fingerprints taken, then your application goes for examination, and the office may request additional documents.

  • The data is sent to the state printing works to produce the electronic residence card (eAT), a credit-card-sized card with a chip.
  • When it is ready you receive a letter or email to collect it in person at the office with your passport.
  • The card has a PIN that you use for online services, so keep it secret.
  • Check the data as soon as you receive it and report any mistake immediately.
4

Changes, deadlines and extension

You must report to the office when your address, passport, family status, job or educational institution changes, sometimes within a few weeks, and late reporting can lead to offences and fines.

  • Apply for an extension well before the permit expires, usually at least three to eight weeks, because an application submitted in time keeps your status temporarily valid.
  • After some years you may qualify for a settlement permit (Niederlassungserlaubnis) or long-term EU residence, subject to conditions such as duration, income and language knowledge.
  • Check your conditions in advance.
5

Refusals, rights and help

If your application is refused you will receive a written decision with reasons and a deadline for objection, often one month, so do not ignore it and seek legal advice at once.

  • Local councils and organisations such as Caritas, Diakonie and migration counselling centres (MBE) offer free or low-cost advice.
  • Avoid untrustworthy intermediaries who promise a quick solution for money.
  • You have the right to a written decision, to see your file and to bring an interpreter or companion.
  • Stay calm and polite with the staff, since cooperation speeds up procedures.

Step by step

  1. 1

    Check the office responsible for your address and book an appointment early.

  2. 2

    Prepare the official document list with originals, copies and translations.

  3. 3

    Attend the appointment, hand in the application and give your fingerprints.

  4. 4

    Keep the application receipt or confirmation of the interim period.

  5. 5

    Collect the eAT card in person and check its data.

  6. 6

    Report any change to the office and renew well before expiry.

Documents checklist

  • Passport and current residence permit.
  • A recent biometric photo and the registration certificate.
  • The rental contract and proof of health insurance.
  • Proof of income, employment contract or university admission letter.
  • Language certificates and the completed application form.

Key vocabulary

  • dieAusländerbehörde
    foreigners office
  • derAufenthaltstitel
    residence permit
  • dieAufenthaltserlaubnis
    residence permit (temporary)
  • dieNiederlassungserlaubnis
    settlement permit
  • dieFiktionsbescheinigung
    interim certificate during application
  • dieVerlängerung
    extension
  • derAntrag
    application
  • derBescheid
    official decision
  • derWiderspruch
    objection
  • derTermin
    appointment
  • dieFrist
    deadline

Useful phrases

  • Ich möchte meinen Aufenthaltstitel verlängern.I would like to extend my residence permit.
  • Ich habe einen Termin um zehn Uhr.I have an appointment at ten o'clock.
  • Welche Unterlagen fehlen noch?Which documents are still missing?
  • Bis wann muss ich die Unterlagen nachreichen?By when do I have to submit the missing documents?
  • Kann ich eine Bestätigung für meinen Antrag bekommen?Can I get a confirmation for my application?
  • Ich möchte Widerspruch einlegen.I would like to lodge an objection.

At the appointment at the foreigners office

  • Sachbearbeiterin

    Guten Morgen. Wie kann ich Ihnen helfen?Good morning. How can I help you?

  • Sie

    Guten Morgen. Ich möchte meine Aufenthaltserlaubnis verlängern. Sie läuft im Mai ab.Good morning. I would like to extend my residence permit. It expires in May.

  • Sachbearbeiterin

    Haben Sie Ihren Pass, das biometrische Foto und den Mietvertrag dabei?Have you brought your passport, the biometric photo and the rental contract?

  • Sie

    Ja, hier sind alle Unterlagen. Außerdem habe ich meine Gehaltsabrechnungen.Yes, here are all the documents. I also have my payslips.

  • Sachbearbeiterin

    Sehr gut. Ich nehme Ihre Fingerabdrücke, dann bekommen Sie eine Bestätigung.Very good. I will take your fingerprints, then you will get a confirmation.

  • Sie

    Wann ist die neue Karte fertig?When will the new card be ready?

Common mistakes

  • Waiting until the permit is almost expired before booking an appointment.
  • Coming with incomplete documents so that the application is postponed for months.
  • Not reporting a change of address or job on time.
  • Using intermediaries who charge money for appointments or promise approval.

Cultural tips

  • Check the website each morning, since new appointments may appear when others cancel.
  • Photograph every document before handing it over and keep a receipt for everything you submit.
  • Bring a friend who speaks German or an interpreter if you are not confident in your language.
  • Seek advice at a migration counselling centre before the appointment to understand your situation.

Official links

Check yourself

Question 1 of 5

What is the function of the Ausländerbehörde?