The residence permit for skilled workers with academic training is a temporary residence permit. You can apply for an extension of your residence permit for skilled workers if your employment is to continue beyond the period of validity of your residence permit.

Apply for the extension of your residence permit at the latest eight weeks before the expiry of the time limit at the immigration office responsible for your place of residence.

The same requirements apply to the extension of a residence permit for skilled workers with academic training as to its initial issuance. In particular, you must be able to present a concrete job offer or an employment contract and be engaged in employment that is professionally related to your qualifications.

If you were required to attend an integration course when your residence permit was first issued, this will be taken into account when extending your residence permit. If you have not yet participated in an integration course, the immigration office may reject your application for renewal of your residence permit. If you have not yet completed the integration course, your residence permit will generally only be extended for one year at a time until you have successfully completed the course or provided evidence that you have integrated into social life in other ways.

In the event of an extension, your residence permit will again be limited in time. The residence permit for skilled workers with vocational training to pursue qualified employment will be extended for the duration of the employment contract.

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

• You hold a recognized and valid passport or passport substitute, as well as a valid residence permit to engage in skilled employment for professionals with academic training pursuant to Section 18b(1) of the Residence Act.
• Your residence permit is set to expire in the near future.
• There are no grounds for deportation against you.
• Your presence does not endanger or harm the interests of the Federal Republic of Germany.
• You can cover your living expenses and health insurance coverage from your income without relying on public benefits.
• You have a concrete job offer or an employment contract with the same or another employer.
• You are engaged in employment that is professionally related to your qualifications.
• If required, you hold a license to practice your profession (e.g., a license to practice as a pharmacist).
• The Federal Employment Agency has approved your employment (approval is typically obtained by the Foreigners’ Registration Office). To receive approval, your working conditions (particularly your salary) must be comparable to those of a German employee in the same position.

You must apply to extend your residence permit at the immigration office responsible for your place of residence.

• Depending on the Foreigners’ Registration Office and the nature of your request, it may be possible to apply online. Check whether your Foreigners’ Registration Office offers the option to apply for a residence permit electronically.
• If you can only apply in person, schedule an appointment with the Foreigners’ Registration Office.
• During the appointment, your application will be accepted and your supporting documents will be reviewed (please bring these with you to the appointment). Your fingerprints will be taken for the issuance of the electronic residence permit (eAT).
• If you submit your application online, the Foreigners’ Registration Office will contact you after receiving your online application to schedule an in-person appointment at the office. During the appointment, your supporting documents will be reviewed (please bring them with you to the appointment) and your fingerprints will be taken for the issuance of the eAT card.
• If your application is approved, the Foreigners’ Registration Office will arrange for the eAT card to be produced.
• After about six to eight weeks, you can pick up your eAT card at the Foreigners’ Registration Office.
• Fees apply for the renewal of your residence permit. The timing and method of payment vary depending on the agency.

• Information on residence permits for skilled workers with a college degree to engage in skilled employment on the website of the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (in German): https://www.bamf.de/DE/Themen/MigrationAufenthalt/ZuwandererDrittstaaten/Arbeit/Hochschulabsolvent/hochschulabsolvent-node.html
• Information on the residence permit for skilled employment on the website of the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (English):
  https://www.bamf.de/EN/Themen/MigrationAufenthalt/ZuwandererDrittstaaten/Arbeit/Hochschulabsolvent/hochschulabsolvent-node.html
• You can also receive free advice on entry, residence, and employment from the “Working and Living in Germany Hotline” on the German federal government’s portal for skilled workers from abroad.
  Phone: 030 1815-1111
  Service hours: Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Section 8(1) in conjunction with Section 18b(1) of the Residence Act

§ 39 of the Residence Act

• Extension of a residence permit: no later than eight weeks before the expiration of your currently valid residence permit for skilled workers with an academic degree to engage in qualified employment
• Appeal period: 1 month

about six to eight weeks.

The immigration office with jurisdiction over the applicant's place of residence:

• Passport or passport substitute
• Valid residence permit
• Proof of sufficient funds to cover living expenses:

• Copy or original of the employment contract (to be submitted only if there have been changes)
• Proof of income for the last 3 months
• If changing employers: a concrete job offer (please use the nationwide standard form “Declaration of Employment Relationship” for this) or an employment contract

• Current biometric photo
• Current certificate of residence
• Rental agreement
• Proof of health insurance
• If required to participate in an integration course: Certificate of successful completion of the integration course or other evidence of integration efforts

• Extension of a residence permit to engage in skilled employment for professionals with an academic degree:

• for an additional stay of up to three months: EUR 96
• for an additional stay of more than three months: EUR 93

• Under certain conditions, a fee reduction or exemption may be granted.
  Note: The residence permit in the form of an electronic residence card must be reissued for the extension. The fee for reissuing the card is EUR 67.00

• Forms: Declaration of Employment (standardized nationwide); additional agency-specific forms are available from your immigration office; in some cases, these may also be available online.
• Online procedures are possible in some cases
• Written form required: yes
• In-person appearance required: yes