How to Extend Residence Permit in Berlin

Extending the residence permit in Berlin is essential for non-EU/EEA nationals wishing to continue living, working, or studying in Germany’s capital. Managed by the Berlin Immigration Office (Landesamt für Einwanderung, LEA), the process can be complex but is streamlined through an online application system. Note that certain cases of Aufenthaltstitel Verlängern Berlin may require alternative application methods and it is important to check on the LEA website for details or consult an immigration expert.
 

Who Is Eligible for Residence Permit extension?

For Aufenthaltstitel Verlängern Berlin, eligibility depends on the current residence permit type and circumstances, which must align with the original permit’s purpose. Common categories include:

• Students: Enrolled in a recognized course at a university or equivalent institution.
• ‍Skilled Workers: Employed with a job offer or contract meeting salary thresholds (e.g., €48,300 annually for most professions or €43,759.80 for shortage occupations like scientists, engineers, or IT specialists).
• ‍EU Blue Card Holders: Employed with a recognized university degree and a salary of at least €48,300 (or €43,759.80 for shortage occupations or recent graduates).
  ‍Family Reunification: Spouses, children, or partners of German citizens or residents with valid permits, requiring proof of relationship and cohabitation.
• ‍Long-Term EU Residents: Holders of a “permanent residence EU” permit from another EU state (excluding the UK, Denmark, Ireland), with secure livelihood.
• ‍Hardship Cases: Individuals granted permits under Section 23a of the Residence Act, often requiring economic activity or humanitarian grounds
  

Documents Needed to Berlin Residence Permit extension

For Aufenthaltstitel Verlängern Berlin, note the list of documents that would be needed (subject to change):

General documents

• Application Form: “Antrag auf Erteilung eines Aufenthaltstitels” (available in multiple languages). Application form
• Valid Passport: Color scan of data page with photo and personal details.
• Biometric Photo: QR code for a 35mm x 45mm photo (printed photos not accepted). Starting 1 May 2025, LEA has proposed capturing digital photos using one of the options below:
  
  • Digital Biometric Photos with QR Code
  • Printed Photos as a Backup
  • Self-Service Photo Terminals at LEA‍
    Read in detail about the New Biometric Passport Photo Rules at Berlin Immigration Office from 1 May 2025 for Residence permit.
• Proof of Address: Registration certificate (Meldebestätigung) or landlord confirmation (Wohnungsgeberbestätigung).‍
• Health Insurance Proof: Electronic health card or recent confirmation from a German provider.‍
• Financial Proof:
  • Employees: Employment contract, recent salary statements, and a certificate of employment (not older than 14 days).
  • Students: Blocked account statement or scholarship proof.
  • Self-employed: Income documents, tax assessments, or business registration.‍

Purpose-Specific Documents:

• Students: Enrollment certificate or study forecast.
• Workers: Job contract, job description form (“Erklärung zum Beschäftigungsverhältnis”), and proof of qualification recognition if applicable. Job description form
• Family Reunification: Marriage certificate, proof of cohabitation, or birth certificates (translated with apostille if needed).‍
• Language Certificates: If required (e.g., B1 for permanent residency).‍
• Lease Agreement: Proof of sufficient living space.

It is required to bring originals to the in-person appointment. Foreign documents may need authenticated translations or apostilles. Document legalization

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Step-by-Step Process

The process is digital, with an in-person appointment for biometrics. Follow these steps:

1. Register applicant’s Address: Register at a Bürgeramt within 14 days of moving to Berlin. Bürgeramt appointment

2. Secure Health Insurance: Obtain German health insurance and gather financial proof.

3. Prepare Documents: Compile documents in the correct format.

4. Submit Online Application:

• Access the LEA’s online portal. Online application portal
• Complete the application, upload documents, and pay the fee via Visa, Mastercard, or PayPal.
• Save the confirmation PDF, which extends the permit’s validity until the appointment.

5. Wait for Review: The LEA reviews the application and may request additional documents via email. Check the spam folder on email as sometimes the email may land there. 

6. Attend Appointment: If approved, the applicant will receive an email with an appointment at Keplerstraße 2, 10589 Berlin. Bring originals and pay any additional fees.

7. Receive Permit: The electronic residence permit (eAT card) is issued within 4–8 weeks after the appointment.

Tip: apply 4–8 weeks before the permit expires to avoid delays.

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Salary Levels for Work-Related Permits

Minimum salary thresholds for work-related permits (2025):

• Standard Professions: €48,300 gross annual salary.
• Shortage Occupations: €43,759.80 for roles like scientists, engineers, IT specialists, or medical professionals.
• Recent Graduates: €43,759.80 for those graduated within 3 years.
• EU Blue Card: €48,300 (or €43,759.80 for shortage occupations/recent graduates).
• Over 45 (First-Time Applicants): €53,130 or proof of adequate pension provision.

Important: Salaries must cover living costs and be comparable to German workers in similar roles.

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Processing Time for Aufenthaltstitel Verlängern Berlin

• Initial Review: 3–8 weeks after online submission, depending on completeness.
• Post-Appointment: 4–8 weeks for the eAT card issuance.
• Total: 10–16 weeks. Urgent cases may be prioritized via the emergency contact form.

Note: If processing time exceeds 3 months, it would be a good idea to contact the LEA or consult an immigration lawyer to expedite. The permit remains valid during processing if applied on time. Also, processing times may vary and advise applicants to check the LEA’s website for current estimates.

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Fees for Berlin permit extension

Fees vary by permit type and applicant status:

• Standard Extension:
  
  • Adults: €93
  • Minors: €46.50‍
• First Issuance: ‍
  • Adults: €100
  • Minors: €50‍
• Turkish Nationals: ‍
  • Under 24: €22.80
  • 24 and older: €37
• Permanent Settlement Permit: €113
• In-Person Appointment Fee: €18.50 (if applicable)

Important: Fees are paid online (Visa, Mastercard, PayPal) or at the appointment (cash, EC card, Visa, Mastercard). They are tax-deductible but non-refundable, except for students with German/EU-funded scholarships. It would be good to verify fees on the LEA’s official website before applying.

Important Additional Information

• Travel Restrictions:  The applicant cannot travel abroad after their permit expires without a Fiktionsbescheinigung (temporary certificate). Request one via the LEA contact form for emergencies. This certificate is only issued if the application is submitted before expiration and may not guarantee re-entry in all cases. It is advised to consult with the LEA for travel plans during processing.
• Family Members: Include spouses or children in the online application for family reunification. The LEA will request their documents.
• Changing Jobs: Notify the LEA if  the applicant change employers, as some permits require approval. EU Blue Card holders have 6 months to find a new job if unemployed. Job change conditions
• Permanent Residency: After 2–5 years (or 21–33 months for Blue Card holders with B1 German),  the applicant may qualify for a permanent settlement permit, requiring 60 months of pension contributions, B1 German, and knowledge of German laws. It is important to clarify here that the 60-month pension contribution requirement applies to standard cases, while Blue Card holders may qualify earlier.
  Permanent settlement permit
  
  
• Schengen Visa Limitation: Schengen visas cannot be extended or converted into residence permits. The applicant must leave Germany and apply for a national visa abroad.
• Lost/Stolen Documents: Report lost passports to the embassy and contact the LEA for permit replacement. Lost document procedure
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Disclaimer:

Immigration laws and policies change frequently and may vary by country or nationality. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, we recommend doing your own due diligence or consulting official sources. You’re also welcome to contact us directly for the latest guidance. Jobbatical is not responsible for decisions made based on the information provided.