In Germany, there is the so called Fiktionswirkung. This principle usually lets your current permit (visa or residence permit) stay valid beyond its expiration date as long as a new application (for an extension or new permit) has been handed in in time. This usually does not apply for Schengen visa or for airport transit visas though. The Fiktionswirkung does not require any document but is automatically "activated", there is no action needed from your side. Please keep in mind that we usually cannot influence the waiting times for permit appointments at the immigration office. Those can be multiple weeks or months, please double check the responsible immigration office's website for further information. 

In case you plan on traveling until after your current expiration date, you can usually request a certificate called Fiktionsbescheinigung as official proof that your permit is still valid at the immigration office. Please be advised though that usually there are waiting times of multiple weeks involved in obtaining this certificate. Please have a look at the immigration office's website for more details on how to obtain it as this process varies from city to city.

We understand this concept may cause a lot of insecurities on your side, but please rest assured we have experienced exactly this scenario with many other people that we are supporting.

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