Applying for a residence permit: how to proceed

Living in Europe is a dream for many, and although most people think of Italy and Spain - spending sunny days on the beach, sipping an Aperol and having a siesta - it's actually Germany that attracts the most people. The reason for this? The stable economy, the Germans' good command of English, good education through international airports, a good healthcare system and many other reasons.

If you want to live and work in Germany as a non-EU citizen, you need a residence permit. This allows you to stay in the country legally and, depending on the type of permit, to work, study or carry out other activities. But how does the application process work and what requirements do you need to meet? 

In this article, you will find out how to apply for a residence permit and what you need to bear in mind when renewing it.

What is a residence permit?

A residence permit is the authorization you need to stay in Germany legally. It is issued by the immigration authorities and is necessary if you want to stay in the country for longer than 90 days. There are different types of residence permits, such as visas for work, study or family reunification. Especially if you want to work in Germany as a non-EU citizen, you should check whether you also need a special work visa in Germany as a non-EU citizen. 

Temporary residence permits (also known as residence permits) are usually issued for the following residence purposes: Education, gainful employment, international law, humanitarian or political reasons, family reunification and special residence rights (according to bmi.bund.de). There are also special tourism residence permits and two permanent residence permits - the settlement permit and the EU permanent residence permit. 

The requirements for a residence permit

The requirements for a residence permit vary depending on the type of permit you wish to apply for. In general, however, you must meet the following requirements:

• Clear proof of your identity: It is necessary that your identity and nationality can be established with certainty - preferably by means of a passport, identity card, birth certificate or similar official documents. 
• Proof that you can support yourself: You must be able to prove that you can finance your living expenses independently. This can either be through employment or other financial means such as savings.
• No grounds for expulsion: There must be no reasons why the granting of the residence permit was restricted or refused in advance. This includes, for example, entry without a valid visa. 
• (Often) Health insurance cover: Valid proof of health insurance, either statutory or private, is required. 
• (Often) adequate housing conditions: You must have adequate housing that meets the requirements for housing in Germany. This is often proven by a registration certificate or a tenancy agreement.

For more detailed and up-to-date information, we recommend consulting the official website of the Federal Government or the information page of the Foreigners' Registration Office. There you will find the specific requirements depending on the type of residence permit. 

If you are coming to Germany as an employee, it can be helpful to look for suitable jobs in Germany as a foreigner in advance. A job offer will go a long way to helping you obtain the necessary visas, residence permits and work permits. But don't worry if you don't get a job offer abroad - once you are in Germany, the job search should be even easier!

Procedure of the application process for a residence permit

The application process for a residence permit involves several steps. To give you a better overview, we have summarized the most important steps for you:

• Make an appointment at the immigration office: Contact the relevant immigration office in your city and make an appointment in good time. Waiting times may vary depending on the authority.
• Prepare the required documents: Make sure you have all the important documents ready. As a rule, these include:some text
  • Your valid passport
  • Proof of the purpose of residence (e.g. employment contract, certificate of study)
  • A recent biometric passport photo
  • Other documents that may be required depending on the purpose of your stay (e.g. proof of finances or health insurance)
• Submit your application: Submit all documents at your appointment at the immigration office. Make sure that all documents are complete to avoid delays. Also find out whether you have to submit the documents by hand in your city - it is usually not possible to submit them electronically.
• Please note the processing time: It can take several weeks to process your application. It is therefore advisable to submit your application as early as possible, ideally a few months before the planned start or end of your residence permit.

We will give you a rough guide here, but it is important that you find out about the exact process and the necessary documents on the official website of the foreigners authority in your city.

Extension of the residence permit

If you already have a residence permit and your stay in Germany lasts longer, you must apply for an extension in good time. The same applies here: contact the immigration office in good time, ideally at least three months before your current title expires. Depending on the purpose of your stay, you may need to submit further proof, such as a continuous employment contract or proof of studies. Allow sufficient time for processing, otherwise there could be problems with your residence. Also bear in mind that the regulations for extending your title may differ depending on the federal state.

The process of applying for and renewing a residence permit in Germany can be time-consuming, but with good preparation it can be done well. Especially if you want to come to Germany as a skilled worker, WorkerHero offers you support: you will find the latest job offers in a wide range of areas, all the information you need about professions with a future in Germany and helpful tips on how you can better integrate into the German system. Discover the opportunities offered by WorkerHero and start your professional future in Germany!