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Residence Application

Applying for a German Residence Permit

Whether you have entered Germany on a national visa and now need to convert it into a residence permit, or you entered without a visa and are applying for residency for the first time, the application process can seem daunting. This guide walks you through the main steps of the German residence permit application process.

Required Steps Before Your Residence Permit Application Appointment

To gather all the documents required for your residence permit application, there are several steps you should take before submitting your application.

Register at Your Local Citizens' Office

One of the documents you may be asked to provide is a registration certificate (Anmeldebescheinigung). You can obtain this by registering your address (Anmeldung) at your local citizens' office (Bürgeramt).

Obtain German Health Insurance

You must provide proof that you have valid health insurance. Depending on your situation, foreign insurance may not be sufficient, so you may need to arrange appropriate health insurance in Germany.

Open a German Bank Account

Depending on your residence permit type, you may need to provide proof of sufficient financial resources. A German bank account can make it easier to provide bank statements and other documents showing your financial situation.

Submitting Your Residence Permit Application

Once you have gathered the required documents, you can submit your application at your local foreigners' office (Ausländerbehörde).

Appointments can be limited, and some offices are very busy, so check the local procedure and apply as early as possible. Some offices may also accept applications online or by post, while others require an appointment in person.

German Residence Permit Application Forms

You can usually find the application form on your local foreigners' office website. Alternatively, you may be able to obtain a paper copy directly from the office.

Check whether the form needs to be completed and submitted before your appointment.

Supporting Documents for a German Residence Permit

The exact documents depend on your residence permit type and personal situation. Commonly required documents include:

  • Valid passport
  • Current biometric photo
  • Completed application form
  • Proof of address registration
  • Proof of health insurance
  • Proof of secure livelihood, such as bank statements or salary statements
  • Proof of the purpose of your stay in Germany

Depending on your residence permit, additional documents may be required, such as:

  • Employment contract
  • Certificate of enrollment for students
  • Proof of financial resources
  • Proof of accommodation
  • Documents related to family reunification

At the appointment, your documents will be reviewed. If your application is complete, it will be processed by the responsible authority.

German Residence Permit Application Fees

The foreigners' office charges a fee for processing the application. The amount depends on the type of residence permit and your individual circumstances.

Fees vary by location, so check the current fee with your local foreigners' office before your appointment.

Residence Permit Processing Time

Processing times vary depending on the residence permit type, the responsible authority, and the completeness of your application.

The foreigners' office may need to obtain additional approvals or information from other authorities, including the Federal Employment Agency in certain employment-related cases.

If your current residence status is expiring while your application is being processed, ask the foreigners' office about the appropriate documentation confirming your legal status in Germany.

Collecting Your Residence Permit

If your application is approved, you will be notified when your residence permit is ready for collection.

The electronic residence permit (eAT) is issued as a credit-card-sized document containing an electronic chip. Depending on the permit, the chip can store information such as:

  • Personal data
  • Passport photo
  • Fingerprints
  • Additional residence permit information

You may also receive information or a PIN for using the electronic functions of the residence permit.

Integration and Certification in Germany

If you are looking for a job, applying to university, taking a German language course, or planning to apply for citizenship, you may need different types of integration and language certification.

German Language Certification

Several organizations offer internationally recognized German language examinations.

Depending on your situation, you may need proof of German language skills for:

Most language certifications follow the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), with levels ranging from A1 to C2.

The required level and accepted certificate depend on your specific purpose.

Learn more about German language certification.

Integration Courses in Germany

Integration courses are government-supported programs designed to help newcomers learn German and understand life in Germany.

They typically include:

  • German language instruction
  • Information about German society, history, laws, and culture

Participation may be required or available depending on your residence status and individual circumstances.

Integration courses are also available to certain EU citizens and other eligible residents who want to improve their German and learn more about life in Germany.

German Naturalisation Test

If you are applying for German citizenship by naturalisation, you may need to pass the naturalisation test.

What Does the Test Cover?

The test covers topics such as:

  • German laws
  • Politics
  • Society
  • History and living conditions in Germany

The test consists of multiple-choice questions.

Learn more about the requirements, preparation, costs, and test locations in our German naturalisation test article.

Final Checklist

Before your residence permit appointment, make sure you:

  • Have a valid passport
  • Have completed the required application form
  • Have proof of address registration
  • Have valid health insurance
  • Have proof of sufficient financial resources
  • Have documents proving the purpose of your stay
  • Have a current biometric photo
  • Have checked the requirements of your local foreigners' office

The exact requirements vary depending on your residence permit and personal situation. Always check with your local Ausländerbehörde for the most up-to-date information before submitting your application.

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