At the Visa Center we provide professional support throughout the entire procedure, from checking the requirements and preparing the documentation to communicating with the competent immigration office (Ausländerbehörde).
Extending a visa and obtaining a residence permit (Aufenthaltserlaubnis)
Are you living in Germany and is your visa or residence permit about to expire? Or have you just arrived in Germany on a national visa and need to apply for your first residence permit?
Important!
Many people believe they have to wait for their scheduled appointment in order to retain their right to reside in Germany. That is not always the case. If the application for the extension or issuing of a residence permit is filed on time, in many cases the right to reside continues to apply even after the existing visa or residence permit has expired, until the competent authority issues a decision. That is why it is very important to file the application in good time.
When do you need to file an application?
This type of application is most often filed by people who:
- wish to extend an existing residence permit
- have arrived in Germany on a national visa and need to obtain their first residence permit
- are changing the legal basis of their residence (for example because of a new job or other circumstances)
- wish to continue residing and working lawfully in Germany after their current permit expires
Whatever the purpose of your stay, it is advisable to start the procedure well before your current permit expires, in order to avoid unnecessary complications.
What does the procedure look like?
The application is filed with the immigration office (Ausländerbehörde) competent for your place of residence in Germany.
Depending on the basis of your residence, you need to submit the appropriate documentation, such as a valid passport, proof of employment or another basis of residence, proof of health insurance and other documents the competent authority may require.
After the application has been filed, the immigration office examines whether the statutory requirements are met and issues a decision on the issuing or extension of the residence permit.
How can the Visa Center help you?
Our support includes:
- checking whether you meet the requirements for the extension or issuing of a residence permit
- reviewing and preparing the required documentation
- completing the forms and preparing the application
- communication with the competent immigration office where necessary
- assistance in the event of long waiting times or requests for additional documents
- professional support throughout the entire procedure
We analyse every case individually in order to find the best solution for your particular situation.
From our practice
One of the most common problems our clients face is long waiting times for an appointment or a decision from the immigration office. In such situations we often assist clients in communicating with the competent authorities, filing escalations and protecting their rights so that they can continue to reside and work in Germany without disruption.
Related services
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A work visa without recognition of qualifications for nationals of the Western Balkans, full legal and administrative support up to the issuing of the visa.
Learn moreChange of employer / Zustimmung
Approval for a change of employer or position, analysis of your permit, preparation of the application and communication with the institutions.
Learn moreFamily reunification
A visa for spouses and children, professional support from preparing the documents and booking the appointment to the final decision.
Learn moreIs your visa or residence permit about to expire?
If you wish to apply for an extension or for your first residence permit in Germany, contact the Visa Center. We will gladly analyse your case and help you carry out the procedure properly, efficiently and without unnecessary complications.