Can I, as a foreign employee, apply for an extension of my residence permit in Germany?
September 15, 2023 | 40,00 EUR | answered by Leonie Eiserfelder
Dear immigration lawyer,
I am Alice Wolf, a foreign worker currently living and working in Germany. I have a residence permit that is soon expiring, and I am wondering if I can apply for an extension of this permit.
The current situation is as follows: I came to Germany a year ago to take up a job here. My stay was approved at that time, but now my permit is soon expiring and I am worried about whether I can continue to stay here to continue my work.
Therefore, my current situation is that I need an extension of my residence permit in order to not lose my job and to continue living in Germany. I fear that if my application is rejected, I may be forced to leave the country and give up my professional career here.
That is why I am reaching out to you to find out if there is a way to extend my residence permit. Are there specific requirements that I need to meet? What documents are needed? And how long does the process usually take?
I would greatly appreciate your support and advice on this matter. Thank you in advance.
Sincerely,
Alice Wolf
Dear Mrs. Wolf,
Thank you for your inquiry regarding the extension of your residence permit in Germany. It is understandable that you are concerned about your professional future, and I will do my best to assist you in this matter.
First and foremost, it is important to know that the extension of a residence permit in Germany is generally possible, provided certain requirements are met. The general requirements usually include ongoing employment, sufficient financial resources, a valid health insurance, and no criminal convictions.
Since you mentioned that you are working in Germany, it is likely that you already meet most of these requirements. Nevertheless, you should ensure that all necessary documents, such as a current employment certificate, pay slips, a valid passport, and a health insurance certificate, are available in order to submit the application for the extension of your residence permit in full.
The exact process and duration of processing may vary depending on the responsible foreigner's office. However, you should expect a processing time of several weeks to several months. Therefore, it is advisable to submit the application for an extension well before the expiration of your current residence permit to avoid possible delays.
If you have any further questions or need assistance with the application, I am happy to help. You can also contact me personally for individual advice to ensure the success of your application for extending your residence permit.
I hope that this information has been helpful to you and wish you success with your application for extending your residence permit in Germany.
Sincerely,
Leonie Eiserfelder
Immigration Lawyer
