The residence permit for the purpose of fulfilling conditions prior to commencing studies in Germany is a temporary residence permit that can be extended.

You can apply for an extension of your residence permit if you do not yet meet the conditions for enrolling in a full-time degree program or completing a part-time degree program, but can still achieve this goal within a reasonable period of time.

The same requirements apply to the extension of the residence permit as to its issuance. In particular, your livelihood should be secured for the duration of your studies.

When deciding on the extension of your residence permit, the immigration authorities may obtain and take into account statements from the university or other institutions approved for education or training on matters relating to study requirements, course progress, graduation, and other academic issues.

If your residence permit is extended, it will again be limited in time.

If you are under 18 years of age, the persons entitled to care for you must consent to your continued stay in Germany.

As a rule, the residence permit cannot be extended if this was already excluded by the immigration office when the residence permit was issued or last extended.

In principle, the same requirements must be met for the extension of the residence permit as for the initial granting of the residence permit. This means:

• You wish to continue residing in Germany in order to take up full-time studies after fulfilling a condition, to study part-time, or to participate in a preparatory language course or internship in preparation for studies.
• You can cover your living expenses and health insurance for the rest of your stay with your own money without needing public benefits.
• There is no interest in expelling you.
• Your stay does not jeopardize or impair the interests of the Federal Republic of Germany.

• Find out whether your immigration office allows you to submit your application online or provides a special application form.
• If you are under 18 years of age, you may not submit the application yourself, but will need a representative (usually the application is submitted by the parents with custody).
• 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 your application to arrange an appointment.
• If you are under 18 years of age, you must be accompanied by at least one representative when you attend the appointment in person. If your parents or legal guardians are unable to attend in person, you must provide a written power of attorney for the application.
• During the appointment, your identity and documents will be checked (please bring your documents, if possible the originals, with you to the appointment).
• If your application is approved, your fingerprints will be taken for the production of your residence permit in the form of a new electronic residence title (eAT card).
• The Foreigners' Registration Office will order the eAT card from the Federal Printing Office. Once it has been produced, you will be notified and can collect the eAT card from the relevant office. The eAT card must always be collected in person. If your application is rejected, you will receive a rejection notice.

• You are not entitled to a residence permit. It is at the discretion of the immigration authorities to grant a residence permit.
• The residence permit entitles you to work during the vacation period and to complete the internship. This restriction is usually included in the title as a secondary provision.
• Preparation for studies includes, in particular, German language courses and attendance at preparatory colleges or similar institutions.
• The procedure at the immigration office is usually conducted in German.
• All information provided to the immigration office should be correct and complete to the best of your knowledge and belief so that the matter can be processed without major delays.
• Incorrect or incomplete information can slow down the procedure and be disadvantageous for those concerned. In serious cases, incorrect or incomplete information that is not completed or corrected in time to the immigration office can result in the withdrawal of residence rights already granted, a fine, imprisonment for up to three years, or expulsion from the federal territory.
• Due to the complexity of residence law, this description is for informational purposes only and is not legally binding.

• Appeal against the decision of the immigration authority within one month of notification
• Action before the court specified in the notice of objection if the objection is not upheld

Application deadline:

6 weeks to 8 weeks

Note (for further information on validity):

The extension of the residence permit must be applied for before the current residence permit expires. The application should be received by the immigration office at least six to eight weeks before the residence permit expires.

Validity period:

1 year to 2 years

Note (for further information on the deadline):

The residence permit is extended by at least one year and usually by two years.

If the foreigner participates in a Union or multilateral program with mobility measures (e.g., the European Union's ERASMUS+ program) or if an agreement between two or more higher education institutions applies to the foreigner, the residence permit is extended by at least two years.

If the course of study lasts less than two years, it is extended for the duration of the course of study.

As a rule, a stay of ten years is considered the upper limit for the duration of residence.

Approximately 6 to 8 weeks

Note for further information on processing time:

The processing time may vary depending on the workload of the immigration office.

It takes approximately 4 to 6 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.

In principle, the renewal of your residence permit requires the submission of the same documents as for the initial issuance:

• Recognized and valid identity document (e.g., passport or passport substitute)
• Current biometric photo in passport format (45 x 35 mm)
• Proof of sufficient funds to cover living expenses (e.g., from your own assets, deposit of a security deposit into a blocked account, bank guarantee, letter of commitment, scholarship, proof of receipt of benefits such as parental or child allowance, proof of parents' income, or similar)
• Proof of health insurance coverage (e.g., confirmation of health insurance coverage or insurance policy)
• Proof of the status of fulfillment of the conditions for admission to a course of study (it should be made clear that the conditions can be fulfilled within a reasonable period of time)
• For minors: consent of all legal guardians to the planned stay (declaration of consent); if the parents with custody cannot submit the application for their child together, a written power of attorney from the absent parent is required; if only one parent has custody, the signature of that parent is sufficient

The documents and information must always be submitted in German. In individual cases, the immigration office may require less or more evidence.

You may have to submit further proof of enrollment, conditional admission to a degree program, or admission to a preparatory language course or internship to the immigration office.

• 96.00 euros for an additional stay of up to three months for applicants of legal age
• 48.00 euros for a further stay of up to three months for applicants who are minors
• 93.00 euros for an additional stay of more than three months for adult applicants
• 46.50 euros for an additional stay of more than three months for applicants who are minors

Note:

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

The timing and form of fee collection and payment vary depending on the authority.

In certain cases, fee reductions or exemptions may be considered (for example, for persons entitled to asylum or recognized refugees). Lower fees may apply for Turkish citizens.

Forms available: No

Written form required: No

Informal application possible: Yes

Personal appearance required: Yes