What is it?

A residence permit (German: Aufenthaltstitel) can be thought of as a long term visa. It is applied for after your arrival in Germany and after you have completed your registration (German: Anmeldung) There are different types of residence permits, that include but are not limited to Blue Card, Student Permit, Family Reunion Permit, Settlement Permit, etc.

Your Case Manager will request the appointment to apply for the residence permit at the local immigration office for you.

When requesting the appointment we already send all required documents digitally to the immigration offices. This means you usually do not have to go to the appointment carrying all your documents with you. Although waiting times and procedures vary from city to city. Your Case Manager will inform you what you will need to take to the appointment once it has been booked. If wait times are taking too long and your visa expires, don't worry as long as the application was submitted before the expiration date, you are in the clear. Only traveling outside Germany is not possible with an expired visa. In such cases a "Fiktionsbescheinigung" can be requested. These function as visa extensions and can be picked up at the immigration office on request.

This appointment is painless and quick. The appointment itself usually takes around 15-20 minutes depending on how many applicants attend. You will be asked to submit your documents, finger prints and make your payment. At the end of the appointment you should receive a document that will serve as your residence permit until the physical card is printed. (This may vary per city) Also depending in which city you have applied, you will either be given an appointment to pick up the card in a few weeks or it will be mailed to your registered address.

Sit back and relax. 🏖 You will only need to renew your permit three months before it's expiration date.