What happens if my visa expires while I am in Germany?
July 5, 2022 | 50,00 EUR | answered by Adele Gerdes
Dear Lawyer,
My name is Gerald Hahn and I am a foreign citizen currently living in Germany. My visa is expiring soon and I am very worried about what will happen if my visa expires while I am still in Germany.
Background information: I traveled to Germany some time ago and was granted a visa that is only valid for a specific period of time. Due to personal reasons, I have not been able to take the necessary steps to extend or change my residency status.
Current situation: My visa is expiring in a few weeks and I do not have concrete plans on how to continue to stay legally in Germany. I am concerned that I could face issues with the German authorities once my visa expires.
My concerns: I am worried that I may be deported from Germany if my visa expires. I have built a life here and do not want to go back to my home country where circumstances are difficult for me. I am concerned about what will happen if I am unable to resolve my residency status in time.
My question: What options do I have to secure my residency status in Germany once my visa expires? Are there specific steps I can take to stay legally in Germany? I am willing to take all necessary actions to secure my stay here and would like to know what options I have from you.
Thank you in advance for your support and advice.
Sincerely,
Gerald Hahn
Dear Mr. Hahn,
Thank you for your inquiry and for trusting in my expertise in foreigner law. I understand your concerns regarding your expiring visa and will try to explain to you as comprehensively as possible the options you have to secure your residence status in Germany.
First of all, it is important to know that there are various residence permits that allow you to stay legally in Germany. These include the residence permit for job search, the residence permit for education, the residence permit for employment, and the residence permit for family reunification. Depending on your individual situation and the reasons why you want to stay in Germany, one of these residence permits may be suitable for you.
Since your visa is expiring soon, it is urgent to contact the relevant immigration authorities immediately to clarify your situation and discuss possible steps. It is important that you have all relevant documents and evidence ready to justify and secure your residence status. The immigration authorities can also assist you in identifying the right residence permit for your situation and preparing the application accordingly.
It is also important to note that in some cases, it may be possible to apply for an extension of your current visa if you have good reasons and can prove, for example, that you were not able to take the necessary steps for extension before the visa expired. This could be a temporary solution to secure your residence status while you explore long-term options.
In summary, there are various options to secure your residence status in Germany when your visa expires. It is important to take action early, contact the relevant authorities, and take all necessary steps to clarify your situation. I strongly recommend seeking professional legal advice to ensure that you receive the best possible support and that your rights are upheld.
I hope this information is helpful to you and I am available for further questions. Thank you for your inquiry and best wishes for your next steps.
Sincerely,
Adele Gerdes
Attorney specializing in foreigner law
