How can I extend my residence permit?
May 1, 2022 | 40,00 EUR | answered by Leonie Eiserfelder
Dear Foreign Law Attorney,
My name is Tobias Netz and I am a foreign citizen currently living in Germany. My residence permit is soon expiring and I am concerned as I do not know how to extend it.
I came to Germany two years ago to work. My residence permit was issued for one year at that time and now it is time for renewal. However, my employer has informed me that he cannot extend my contract, therefore I no longer have a work permit.
I am very worried as I do not know how I can secure my stay in Germany in any other way. I have built my life here, made friends, and feel comfortable. It would be very painful for me to have to leave the country.
Could you please explain to me how I can extend my residence permit, even if I no longer have a work permit? Are there alternative ways to secure my stay in Germany? I would be very grateful for your help and advice on this matter.
Sincerely,
Tobias Netz
Dear Mr. Netz,
Thank you for your inquiry regarding the extension of your residence permit in Germany. I understand your concerns and will now explain in detail the options available to you.
In general, there are several options to extend your stay in Germany even without a work permit. One option would be to apply for a residence permit for family reasons, if you have a family here or are in a relationship with a German citizen. In this case, you could apply for a residence permit based on sections § 30 (spouse reunification) or § 36 (granting for family reasons) of the Residence Act.
Another option would be to apply for a residence permit for humanitarian reasons. For example, a toleration or a residence permit for humanitarian reasons according to § 25 Abs. 5 of the Residence Act could be considered if you can prove that there is an obstacle to deportation.
Furthermore, there is the option to apply for a residence permit for job seeking. This would allow you to stay in Germany for a limited period of up to six months to find a new job. This could give you the necessary time to find new employment and thus extend your residence permit.
It is important that you seek advice from an immigration lawyer early on to discuss your individual situation and determine the best course of action. An experienced attorney can help you gather the necessary documents and prepare the application for the extension of your residence permit.
I hope this information is helpful to you and I am available for further questions. Please do not hesitate to contact me to schedule a consultation.
Sincerely,
Leonie Eiserfelder
Immigration Attorney
