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Summary: to keep your residence legal, the extension application must reach the Foreigners’ Authority (Ausländerbehörde) before your residence card expires. If processing takes time, the authority issues a “Fiktionsbescheinigung” that secures your residence until the final decision. Acting late can lead to the loss of the right to work and later problems (such as with permanent residence and citizenship).
When should you act?
In most cities getting an appointment takes months; book an appointment 3 to 4 months before expiry or send the application by the authority’s method (email, online portal). What matters is that the application reaches the authority before expiry; this preserves the right to continue to stay.
Usual documents for an extension
- Valid passport and current residence card (eAT)
- Biometric photo
- Registration certificate and rental contract
- Proof of health insurance
- Documents for the purpose of residence: employment contract and payslips, university confirmation and grades, or proof of financing
- Language or integration documents (if needed)
- For family residence: marriage documents and proof of living together
Get the exact list from the Foreigners’ Authority; each city may have its own forms and procedure.
What is a Fiktionsbescheinigung?
A written certificate that shows the legal effect of your application. It is not a residence card itself, and the authority determines its validity (usually a few months). The fee is about €13 (about €6.50 for people under 18) and must be paid each time it is reissued; some groups are exempt. Renew the certificate before its expiry date.
Three types of legal effect
- Erlaubnisfiktion (Section 81, paragraph 3, sentence 1): your residence is deemed permitted until the authority decides.
- Duldungsfiktion (paragraph 3, sentence 2): after a late application; only deportation is stopped and residence is not permitted.
- Fortgeltungsfiktion (paragraph 4): your previous residence card continues with all its rights; the best case and the result of a timely application.
See the type on the paper and ask if in doubt.
Travelling with a Fiktionsbescheinigung
Only in the case of the “Fortgeltungsfiktion” can you usually return to Germany with a valid passport. In other cases you may be turned back at the airport or border. Before any trip get written confirmation from the Foreigners’ Authority.
The right to work during this period
It depends on the type of certificate. In the case of continued residence, your current permission to work continues. In other cases working may be allowed only if it is explicitly noted on the certificate. Talk to your employer and show them the certificate.
If the application was late
- Your residence is temporarily not legal and only deportation is stopped.
- Your previous right to work may be interrupted (unpaid leave or dismissal).
- The gap in residence may later affect permanent residence and citizenship.
- In special cases you can raise a “Härtefall”; in writing and stating the reason for the delay.
Steps
- Check the expiry date of your residence card and passport.
- Find the appointment or application method on the authority’s website and start the application early.
- Prepare and submit the documents and keep the receipt of the application.
- Ask for the Fiktionsbescheinigung (if needed); the authority is obliged to issue it.
- After approval, the new eAT arrives from the Bundesdruckerei and is handed over at the authority (usually a few weeks).
Tips
- Report changes of address, job, family status or passport to the authority.
- For permanent residence and citizenship, take gaps in residence very seriously. Permanent residence guide and citizenship guide.
- If your passport is close to expiry, see the passport renewal guide.
Frequently asked questions
What if my residence card has expired and I still have no appointment?
If you sent the application before expiry, your residence usually continues and you should ask for the receipt or a Fiktionsbescheinigung. If you have not yet acted, apply in writing immediately and give the reason for the delay.
Can I change my employer during this period?
It depends on the type of residence; consult the Foreigners’ Authority or a legal advisor before changing.
Note: this guide is general information (last reviewed: October 2026) and is not legal or immigration advice. Laws, amounts and procedures of embassies and authorities change constantly, especially for Iranians. Before any step, read the official notice of the relevant body and, for complex cases, consult a lawyer or authorised immigration advisor.
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