Elektronischer Aufenthaltstitel Erteilung

The electronic residence permit (eAT) is issued and handed out as a separate document in credit card format with additional electronic functions. Inside the card, the eAT has a contactless chip on which biometric features (features: Photo and, after the age of 6, two fingerprints), ancillary provisions in connection with the residence permit (e.g. for gainful employment) and personal data are stored. The chip also contains electronic proof of identity and the option of using an electronic signature.

The following residence permits are issued in the format of the electronic residence permit (eAT):

• Residence permit
• Settlement permit
• Permit for permanent residence-EG
• Residence card for third-country national family members of a Union citizen or a national of an EEA state
• Permanent residence card for third-country national family members of a Union citizen or a national of an EEA state
• Residence permit for Swiss nationals and their third-country national family members if they opt for an eAT

• Passport and other documents - depending on the previous procedures

Since the individual case is decisive, the required documents should be requested in advance from the responsible office.

The introduction of the electronic residence permit (eAT) has an impact on the entire process at the responsible office. In any case, a waiting period of four to six weeks is to be expected between application and delivery of the eAT, as the cards are produced exclusively by the Bundesdruckerei in Berlin.

Due to the required storage of biometric data on the chip inside the card, two fingerprints will have to be taken of applicants (including children and young people aged 6 and over). For this reason, a personal visit is required in all cases when applying - even for existing authorizations. Longer processing and waiting times at the relevant office are to be expected.

The previous residence permits, which were affixed to the travel documents as a label, will remain valid even after the introduction of the eAT, at the latest until 31.08.2021. The eAT will therefore only be issued before the expiry of the valid residence permit if there is a legitimate interest in reissuing it.

Please apply for the extension of a residence permit at least 2 months before your previous residence permit expires.
In the case of temporary residence permits, the validity date of the permit is used to determine the period of validity.

Issuing an electronic residence permit

Electronic residence permits (eAT) are issued and handed out as a separate document in credit card format with additional electronic functions.

Responsibility lies with the district, the independent city, the large independent city as well as the Hannover region, the state capital Hannover and the city of Göttingen: Foreigners authorities

Responsibility lies with the district, the independent city, the large independent city as well as the Hannover region, the state capital Hannover and the city of Göttingen: Immigration authorities

Responsibility lies with the district, the independent city, the large independent city as well as the Hannover region, the state capital Hannover and the city of Göttingen: Foreigners authorities