Renew a residence permit
Extension of a temporary residence permit before it expires at the Office of Immigration and Naturalization.
How to proceed
- 1
Make an appointment in advance
Ideally, 8–12 weeks before the permit expires, at the Office of Immigration and Naturalization.
- 2
Submit documents
Passport, proof of income, lease agreement, health insurance, biometric photo.
- 3
Receive a Certificate of No Objection
If an application is filed before the expiration date, the stay is considered authorized until a decision is made.
- 4
Pick up the new title
The electronic residence permit (eAT) has been issued and is ready for pickup.
Required documents
- PassportMandatory
- Proof of income / Employment contractMandatoryOften forgotten
- Proof of Health InsuranceMandatoryOften forgotten
- Biometric passport photoMandatory
Responsible authority
The authority of your main place of residence is responsible.Find authority →
Fees
Varies by case
Processing time
approx. 2 months
Official: max. approx. 3 months
Online application
Online possible – at the responsible authority
Common mistakes
- • The application was filed only after the old title had expired
- • Proof of income/employment contract is missing
- • The biometric photo does not meet the requirements
Common reasons for rejection
- • Livelihood not secured
- • Purpose of stay: not applicable
- • Lack of health insurance coverage
You can usually file an objection against a rejection.
The essentials before applying
Who is eligible?
Third-country nationals with a temporary residence permit whose reason for residence remains valid.
Income limit
The limit varies by household and region – see the table at the responsible authority or in the application assistant.
Processing time
Nationwide: approx. approx. 2 months
Success rate
approx. 88.0 % (estimate)
Most common mistakes
- •The application was filed only after the old title had expired
- •Proof of income/employment contract is missing
- •The biometric photo does not meet the requirements
Common reasons for rejection
- •Livelihood not secured
- •Purpose of stay: not applicable
- •Lack of health insurance coverage
Alternatives
- Check related services in the application assistant
- Use social counselling before applying
If rejected
File a written objection within 30 days – with reasons why the decision is wrong and any missing evidence.
Related services
Questions & Answers
What happens if the license expires before it is renewed?▼
Anyone who submits the application in time before the deadline will receive a provisional residence permit and remain in the country legally—if the application is submitted late, there is a risk of gaps in residency status.