As a legal representative, you can apply for an extension of the residence permit for a foreign minor unmarried child so that the child can continue to live with you in Germany.

Please note that your child must not be married, divorced, or widowed. Minor means that the child has not yet reached the age of 18.

The establishment of a family life between you and the child is a prerequisite for obtaining a residence permit. This must be intended and actually possible. If you, as a parent, have custody of the child, the intention and possibility of establishing a family life can generally be assumed. However, it is not necessarily required that you are entitled to exercise custody. However, paternity or maternity of the minor child must be proven.

If only the father is German, there must be a valid acknowledgment of paternity.

If the child has already had a residence permit for three years, it is possible to apply for a settlement permit.

If the child has since reached the age of 18, they can obtain an independent right of residence that is not dependent on family reunification.

• One parent with legal custody has German citizenship.
• The child has a valid identity document.
• The child is a minor at the time of application and is neither married nor divorced nor widowed.
• The German parent has their habitual residence in Germany.
• The German parent is still actually and legally willing and able to maintain a family life with the child. This is assumed if the right of custody for the child continues to exist. However, the right of custody is not a prerequisite for the extension of the residence permit.
• There are no grounds for expulsion against the child.

• The extension of the residence permit must be applied for on behalf of the child before the current residence permit expires.
• Find out whether the relevant immigration office allows applications to be submitted online or provides a special application form.
• If the application can only be submitted in person, make an appointment with the immigration office. If you apply online, the immigration office will contact you after receiving the application to arrange an appointment.
• During the appointment, your identity and the identity of the child will be checked, and the documents you have provided will be reviewed (please bring all documents, if possible the originals, with you to the appointment).
• If your application is approved, the child's fingerprints will be taken for the production of the electronic residence permit (eAT card for short). Fingerprints are not taken from children under the age of six.
• The immigration office will order the eAT card from the Federal Printing Office. Once it is ready, you will be notified and can pick up the eAT card from the relevant office. The eAT card must always be picked up in person.
• If your application is rejected, you will receive a rejection notice.

• The extension of the residence permit for the child must be applied for in good time before the current residence permit expires.
• Please ensure that the information you provide is correct and complete to the best of your knowledge. This is the only way to ensure that the immigration authorities can process your application without significant delays.
• Incorrect or incomplete information can slow down the process and be to your disadvantage. In serious cases, incorrect or incomplete information that is not completed or corrected in good time by the immigration authorities can result in the withdrawal of residence rights already granted, a fine, imprisonment for up to three years, or expulsion from the federal territory.

• Appeal against the decision of the immigration authorities
• Action before the court named in the notice of objection if the objection is not upheld

Application deadline: 6 to 8

Note (for further information on the deadline):

The application should be received by the immigration office no later than six to eight months before the child's current residence permit expires.

Period of validity: at least 1

Note:

The residence permit is extended for a limited period. After holding the residence permit for three years, an application for a settlement permit can be made.

If the child has reached the age of majority in the meantime (i.e., has turned 18), the child can obtain an independent right of residence that is not dependent on family reunification.

Duration: approx. 6 to 8

Note for further information on processing time:

It takes approximately four to six weeks for the Federal Printing Office to produce the electronic residence permit.

The immigration office responsible for the applicant's place of residence is responsible for processing the application.

• Recognized and valid identity document (e.g., passport or passport substitute) of the child and the German parent
• Current biometric photo of the child in passport format (45 x 35 mm)
• Proof of acknowledgment of paternity if the parents are not married and the child is to join the German father.
• If a parent with custody remains abroad:
  • Proof of custody
  • Declaration of consent from the parent living abroad.
• The documents and information must always be submitted in German. In individual cases, the immigration office may require less or more evidence.

Cost:

• 48.00 for an additional stay of up to three months
• 46.50 for an additional stay of more than three months

Note:

Additional fees may apply for the issuance of a residence permit in the form of an electronic residence permit, which can also be used as electronic proof of identity.

Forms available: No

Written form required: No

Informal application possible: Yes

Personal appearance required: Yes