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Renew your residence permit (Aufenthaltstitel)

Verified as of 2026-06-12 · Official source

A residence permit (Aufenthaltstitel) has an expiry date, and renewals are handled by the immigration office (Ausländerbehörde / Landesamt für Einwanderung). Appointments are scarce, so the single most useful thing you can do is start early — well before the permit expires. This guide covers booking, documents, and what happens if your appointment falls after the expiry date. It is general information, not advice on your individual immigration case.

  1. Book an appointment as early as possible

    Appointment slots at the immigration office can be booked far in advance and run out quickly. Start the process several months ahead. Klartext will remind you about 90 days before the expiry date you enter.

    Typical time: Often months of waiting — book earlyCost: Free to book

    Deadline

    Residence permit expires — start the renewal

  2. Gather your documents

    The exact list depends on the type of permit. Check the official requirements for your permit category before the appointment so you don't have to rebook.

    Typical time: 1–2 weeks to collectCost: Permit fee applies at the appointment

    Documents to bring

    • Passport and current residence permit
    • Current Anmeldebestätigung
    • Biometric photo
    • Proof of the basis for your stay (work contract, enrolment, etc.)
    • Proof of health insurance and, where relevant, income

  3. Ask about a Fiktionsbescheinigung if the slot is after expiry

    If the earliest appointment is after your permit expires, applying in time generally lets the office issue a Fiktionsbescheinigung that bridges your legal stay until they decide. Keep evidence of when you applied. For your specific situation, ask the authority or a qualified adviser.

    Typical time: Same as your appointmentCost: Fee applies

    First complete: Book an appointment as early as possible

    Documents to bring

    • Proof that you applied before the permit expired

  4. Attend the appointment

    Bring originals and copies. The office processes your application and tells you when and how you'll receive the new permit.

    Typical time: Up to an hourCost: Permit fee

    First complete: Book an appointment as early as possible, Gather your documents

    Documents to bring

    • Everything from the documents step

Official sources

Change log

  • 2026-06-12 — Initial publication.

Information, not legal or tax advice. Always check the official source for your case.