Study, work or family: your reason for staying shapes the application
People from outside the EU who live in Germany for longer usually need a residence permit, called an Aufenthaltstitel, which is issued as a chip card by the local foreigners’ office. Students and other permit holders must apply to extend it before it runs out, and some offices start applications online. EU, EEA and Swiss citizens follow a different route.
How it works
Find the immigration office and the right application for your stay.
If you are not an EU, EEA or Swiss citizen, you usually need a residence permit to live in the country for more than a few months. The type of permit depends on why you are staying, such as work, study, family or protection, and each has its own conditions and documents. Apply for a renewal well before your current permit expires; in many countries, applying on time lets you stay while your application is processed. A first application, a renewal and collecting your card are usually separate steps.
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At a glance
The responsible office depends on where you live
Some cities start applications through an online form, others ask you to request an appointment first, and the office may differ by reason for your stay, such as work, study or family. Extensions should reach the office before your current permit expires.
Guides
Related services
For people who cannot cover rent, food or other basic costs. See whether the Sozialamt or the Jobcenter is your starting point and how to reach them.
For freelancers, sole traders and new business owners. See how tax registration works, what the Steuernummer is for and which tax office can help.
For people who already live in Germany and move to a new home. See how to update your registered address and which office takes it.
For anyone moving into a home in Germany from another country. See what the registration involves and which office in your city deals with it.
For anyone who has to show where they live. See what the certificate covers and which office in your city issues it.
For anyone giving up their last home in Germany. See when you need to report your departure and which office accepts it.
Other countries
Moving on, or comparing before you decide? See how this works elsewhere.
Most offices in Liège, Charleroi, and Brussels
Most offices in A Coruña, Alicante, and Almería
Most offices in Opole, Białystok, and Bielsko-Biała
Where to next
Compare how local offices take applications for work, study and family permits, and check what they ask for first.
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