Applying for an extension of a residence permit for cases of exceptional hardship

You are in possession of a residence permit due to exceptional hardship. The circumstances justifying hardship continue to exist. This residence permit can then be extended if, due to special circumstances of the individual case, leaving the federal territory would continue to mean exceptional hardship for you.

In addition, the reasons that justify an obstacle to leaving the country and the other reasons preventing the termination of your residence must not have ceased to exist.

The general requirements for the granting of a residence permit must still be met (in particular securing your livelihood, clarified identity, no interest in deportation), unless the immigration authority decides not to do so at its discretion.

The extension of the residence permit still does not entitle you to pursue gainful employment. This can only be permitted upon application by the immigration authority.

A residence requirement can still be imposed on you.

You are entitled to social benefits (basic income support for jobseekers under the Third Social Security Code or basic income support in old age or in the event of reduced earning capacity under the Twelfth Social Security Code) and child benefit.

Family reunification is excluded.

You are not entitled to participate in an integration course. You can only be admitted to a course if there are places available.

Arrange an appointment with the immigration office responsible for your place of residence. You can also find out about the application process and which documents you need to submit and in what form on the website of the relevant immigration office.

If you have submitted an application for an extension within the deadline (before your residence permit expires), your current residence is deemed to be permitted until the foreigners authority makes a decision.

If your application is approved, the Foreigners' Registration Office will commission the Federal Printing Office to produce the electronic residence permit (eAT) in the form of a check card with a new validity date.

For information on the duration of the procedure until the residence permit is issued, please contact the relevant immigration authority.

The foreigners authority responsible for the applicant's place of residence.

• The residence permit will be extended if the requirements that had to be met when it was first issued are still met.
• An application for extension has been submitted
• The general conditions for granting the permit are met (e.g. security of livelihood, sufficient living space, fulfillment of passport requirement)
• No grounds for refusal
• No entry or residence ban
• No possibility of granting or extending another residence permit
• No interest in deportation

• previous residence permit
• Current biometric photo
• Proof of identity, if available, e.g. passport, ID card, birth certificate, marriage certificate; proof of citizenship
• Proof of your health insurance
• Tenancy agreement
• Employment contract if applicable, professional license if applicable

Exemption from fees if you receive social benefits.

Fee for extending the residence permit for up to three months

Fee: EUR 96,00

Fee for extending the residence permit for up to three months for minors

Fee: EUR 48,00

Fee for extending the residence permit for more than three months

Fee: EUR 93,00

Fee for extending the residence permit for more than three months for minors

Fee: EUR 46,50

As a rule, you must apply for the extension of your residence permit in person - in good time before your residence permit expires - at the foreigners authority responsible for your place of residence.

Validity of the residence permit:

• Generally only for the period required to achieve the purpose of residence, for a maximum of three years
• Period of appeal: 1 month

When applying for a residence permit, you will usually be informed of the duration of the procedure by the responsible immigration authority (approx. 6 to 8 weeks).

Note: The residence permit is issued as an electronic residence permit.

§ Section 25b (1) in conjunction with. § Section 8 AufenthG

The decision of the immigration authority can be appealed to the court named in the decision.

You will receive this from your local foreigners authority

Online procedure occasionally possible

Personal appearance required: yes

Exceptional hardship can only be assumed if you are in an emergency situation that differs significantly from the situation of other foreigners.

The text was automatically translated based on the German content.

Thuringian Ministry for Migration, Justice and Consumer Protection (TMMJV)

17.03.2023

The foreigners authority responsible for the applicant's place of residence.