The residence permit for skilled workers with vocational 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 vocational training as to its initial issuance. In particular, you must be able to present a concrete job offer or an employment contract and be employed in a position that is 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 otherwise integrated into social life.

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 have a recognized and valid passport or passport substitute as well as a valid residence permit to pursue qualified employment for skilled workers with vocational training in accordance with Section 18a of the Residence Act (AufenthG).
• The validity of your residence permit will expire in the near future.
• There is no interest in expelling you.
• Your residence does not jeopardize or impair the interests of the Federal Republic of Germany.
• You can cover your living expenses and health insurance from your income without claiming public benefits.
• You have a concrete job offer or an employment contract with the same or another employer.
• You are employed in a position that is professionally related to your qualifications.
• If necessary, you have a license to practice your profession.
• The Federal Employment Agency has approved your employment (approval is usually obtained from the immigration office). In order to obtain approval, your working conditions (in particular your salary) must be comparable to those of a German employee in the same position.

You must apply for an extension of your residence permit at the immigration office responsible for your place of residence.

• Depending on the immigration office and your specific situation, it may be possible to apply online. Find out whether your immigration office offers electronic applications for residence permits.
• If the application can only be made in person, make an appointment with the immigration office.
• During the appointment, your application will be accepted and your supporting documents will be checked (please bring these with you to the appointment). Your fingerprints will be taken for the issuance of the electronic residence permit (eAT).
• If you apply electronically, the immigration office will contact you after receiving your online application to arrange an appointment for an interview at the immigration office. During the appointment, your supporting documents will be checked (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 immigration office.
• There are fees for extending your residence permit. The timing and form of payment vary depending on the authority.

• Information on residence permits for skilled workers with vocational training on the website of the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (German): https://www.bamf.de/DE/Themen/MigrationAufenthalt/ZuwandererDrittstaaten/Arbeit/Fachkraft/fachkraft-node.html
• Information on residence permits for skilled workers on the website of the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (English): https://www.bamf.de/EN/Themen/MigrationAufenthalt/ZuwandererDrittstaaten/Arbeit/Fachkraft/fachkraft-node.html
• You can also obtain free advice on entry, residence, and employment from the "Hotline Working and Living in Germany" on the German government's portal for skilled workers from abroad.
  Phone: 030 1815-1111
• Service hours: Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

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

Section 39 Residence Act

• Extension of residence permit: no later than eight weeks before the expiry of your current residence permit for skilled workers with vocational training
• Appeal period: 1 month

about six to eight weeks

The immigration office responsible for the applicant's place of residence

• Passport or passport substitute
• Existing residence permit
• Proof of means of subsistence:

• Copy or original of the employment contract (only to be submitted in case of changes)
• Proof of income for the last 3 months
• If changing employers: specific job offer (please use the standard nationwide form Declaration of Employment Relationship )

• Current biometric photo
• Current registration certificate
• Rental agreement
• Proof of your health insurance
• If you are required to participate in an integration course: certificate of successful participation in the integration course or other evidence of integration efforts

• Extension of residence permit for skilled workers with vocational training to pursue qualified employment:

• for a further stay of up to three months: EUR 96
• for a further stay of more than three months: EUR 93

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

• Forms: Declaration of employment (standardized nationwide); additional forms specific to the authorities can be obtained from your immigration office and may also be available online.
• Personal appearance required: yes