Verlängerung der Aufenthaltserlaubnis zum Zweck der Forschung für international Schutzberechtigte

Under certain conditions you can extend your existing residence permit for the purpose of research

The residence permit for the purpose of research for beneficiaries of international protection is a temporary residence title. You can apply for an extension of the residence permit for the purpose of research if your activity at a research institution is to be continued beyond the period of validity of your residence permit.

Apply for the extension of your residence permit at the foreigners authority responsible for your place of residence no later than eight weeks before the expiry of the time limit.

If you were obliged to attend an integration course when your residence permit was first issued, this will be taken into account when your residence permit is extended. If you have not yet taken part in an integration course, the Aliens' Registration Office may reject your application for an extension 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 successfully complete it or provide proof that you have been integrated into social life in some other way.

In the case of an extension, your residence permit will be limited again. The residence permit for the purpose of research is extended for the duration of the research project.

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

• Valid passport or passport replacement
• Existing residence permit
• Current biometric photo
• Hosting agreement or a corresponding contract with a research institution for the implementation of the research project
• Tenancy agreement
• Proof of living expenses (incl. 3 proofs of income for the last 3 months)
• Proof of health insurance
• If you are required to take part in an integration course: certificate of successful participation in the integration course or other proof of your integration efforts

• You possess a recognised and valid passport or passport substitute as well as the valid residence permit for the purpose of research for persons entitled to international protection according to § 18d paragraph 6 Residence Act.
• There is no interest in deportation against you.
• Your stay does not endanger or impair the interests of the Federal Republic of Germany.
• You are working at a research institution.
• You can secure your livelihood and health insurance cover from your income without claiming public benefits.
• In the case of an obligation to participate in an integration course by the Aliens' Registration Office: You can prove successful participation in the integration course or provide evidence that your integration into social and societal life has taken place in another way.

Extension of the residence permit for the purpose of research for beneficiaries of international protection:

• 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 fee exemption may be considered

The extension of your residence permit must be applied for at the immigration authority responsible for your place of residence.

• Depending on the immigration authority and concerns, it may be possible to apply via the Internet. Find out whether your immigration authority offers the electronic application for a residence permit.
• If the application is only possible in person, make an appointment with the Foreigners' Registration Office.
• During the appointment, your application will be received and your supporting documents will be checked (please bring them with you to the appointment). Your fingerprints will be taken for the issuance of the electronic residence title (eAT card).
• In the event of an electronic application, the Foreigners' Registration Office will contact you upon receipt of your online application in order to arrange an appointment for an interview at the Foreigners' Registration Office. During the appointment, your proof 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 granted, 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 extension of the residence permit. The timing and form of payment varies depending on the authority.

about 6 to 8 weeks

• Extension of the residence permit: at the latest eight weeks before the expiry of your still valid residence permit for the purpose of research

• Information on residence permits for the purpose of research (german):
  https://www.bamf.de/DE/Themen/Forschung/AnerkennungForschungseinrichtungen/Aufenthaltstitel/aufenthaltstitel.html
• Information on residence permits for the purpose of research
  https://www.bamf.de/EN/Themen/MigrationAufenthalt/ZuwandererDrittstaaten/Arbeit/Wissenschaftler/wissenschaftler-node.html
• You can also get free advice on the topics of entry, residence and work from the "Hotline Working and Living in Germany" from the portal of the Federal Government Phone: 030 1815-1111
• Service hours: Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

• An action may be brought before the competent administrative court against a negative decision of the immigration authority.

• A preliminary procedure (opposition) does not take place in Lower Saxony.

• Detailed information can be found in the rejection decision.

• Residence permit for the purpose of employment Extension for researchers who are recognised as refugees or similar in another EU state.
• Residence permits for the purpose of research for persons entitled to international protection can be extended if their period of validity is due to expire in the near future and they intend to continue working at the research institution.
• The extension must be applied for at least eight weeks before the expiry of the time limit.
• A residence permit may only be extended for the purpose of research if the prerequisites that existed when it was first issued continue to be met.
• In the course of the extension, the residence permit is again limited in time.

• If the obligation to attend an integration course was stated when the residence permit was issued, proof must be provided that the obligation has been fulfilled. If the integration course has not yet been completed, the Aliens' Registration Office can refuse to extend the residence permit or can only extend it for one year until the course has been successfully completed or proof has been provided that integration into social life has taken place in some other way.
• An extension is excluded if this was already ruled out by the foreigners authority when the permit was issued or the last extension was granted.
• Depending on the Foreigners' Registration Office and the issue, the application can be made via the Internet or only in person.
• There are fees for the extension. The time as well as the form of payment varies depending on the authority
• Responsible: Responsible: the foreigners authority responsible for the applicant's place of residence.

The foreigners authority responsible for the applicant's place of residence

• You can obtain forms from your Aliens' Registration Office (Ausländerbehörde); these may also be available online.
• Online procedure possible in some cases
• Written form required: yes
• Personal appearance required: yes