Germany Work Permit Extension (Renewal): A Comprehensive Guide for 2025

In order to continue working and residing legally in Germany, one needs to mandatorily renew or extend their German work permit. The process varies slightly depending on the type of permit, but here’s a general overview around its renewal.

When to start the Extension process

→ It is recommended to apply for extension at least three months before your current permit expires. This ensures sufficient time for renewal processing and avoids disruptions in your employment or residency status.
→ Depending on what permit you hold, one can either extend with the same type or apply for a different one, if they fill all the requirements.

Key scenarios for Work Permit Extension

Let us see in detail the extension requirements around degree recognition, employment position and salary thresholds for various types:

1 . EU Blue Card (recognized degree) to EU Blue Card (recognized degree)

This means when there is NO change in your PERMIT TYPE then the following extension process will apply:

Recognition of the degree : The recognition or Anabin from first application is sufficient
Employment position fits the degree : If it is a slight change, most likely nothing will change in terms of permit type. If job title changes significantly, In the most unfavorable case, it could lead to downshifting to §18b of the residence act, skilled worker.‍
Salary threshold is achieved: When applying for an extension, the salary needs to match the salary threshold of the submission year

2. EU Blue Card (skilled worker / career starter / experienced IT professional) to EU Blue Card (recognized degree)

Recognition of the degree: The degree needs to be recognised by Central Office for Foreign Education
Employment position fits the degree: If it is a slight change, most likely nothing will change in terms of permit type. If job title changes significantly, In the most unfavorable case, it could lead to downshifting to §18b of the residence act, skilled worker.
Salary threshold is achieved : When applying for an extension, the salary needs to match the salary threshold of the submission year

3. Skilled worker (§18b residence act) / Experienced employee (§19c(1)) to Blue Card EU

Recognition of the degree: If not done yet, the degree needs to be recognised by Central Office for Foreign Education
New employment position fits the degree : The university degree needs to match the new employment position
Salary threshold is achieved: When applying for an extension, the salary needs to match the salary threshold of the submission year

4. IT-specialist without a degree (§6 employment regulation act) to EU Blue Card

The talent needs to present a minimum of 3 years or more of relevant work experience within the last 7 years of employment: Need to present entire qualification proofs - experience letters and certificates

Steps to extend German work permit

1 Book an appointment	Schedule an appointment at the local immigration office.
2 Preparing required documents for the extension process	Passport Biometric photo Previous residence permit Completed application form EZB form Job contract Salary payslips (usually first two and last two) Health insurance proof (card or certificate) University degree with translation if not in English (if applicable) University degree recognition status proof ZAB equivalence certificate or Anabin entries (if applicable) Professional license (if applicable) If no degree: entire qualification proofs - experience letters and certificates Resume Address registration certificate Note:Documents may vary depending on, if the extension process consists of switching from one permit to another.
3 Submit your application	On the day of appointment, submit all the documents to the immigration officer. If applicable, pay the extension fee. Collect a confirmation letter, allowing you to continue working while your application is processed.
4 Processing by authorities	Processing times vary but typically range from a few weeks to several months.
5 Receiving your renewed permit	Once approved, the extended permit would need to be collected in person or mailed to your address.

By following these steps and preparing in advance, you can ensure a hassle-free entension process and continue enjoying your professional journey in Germany.
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