Apply for an electronic residence permit (eAT)

You will receive the residence permit as a cheque card with additional electronic functions. Babies and children also receive their own card. The eAT has a contactless chip inside the card. It stores

  • biometric features (photo, two fingerprints from the age of six),
  • Ancillary provisions in connection with the residence permit (e.g. conditions) and
  • personal data.

The card offers you the following additional functions

  • electronic proof of identity and
  • a qualified electronic signature (electronic signature function).

The competent authority can switch these functions on or off at your request.

The eAT includes the following residence permits:

  • Residence permit
  • EU Blue Card
  • Settlement permit
  • EU permanent residence permit
  • Residence card for third-country nationals who are family members of nationals of an EU or EEA state
  • Permanent residence card for third-country nationals who are family members of nationals of an EU or EEA state
  • Residence permit for Swiss nationals and their family members from third countries if they opt for an eAT
  • ICT card
  • Mobile ICT card

Related forms and processes

Prerequisite

Please note: A residence permit as an adhesive label in your passport or your passport replacement documents, which already existed before 31 August 2011, must now be issued as an eAT; adhesive labels are still possible in exceptional cases.

Responsible department

the Aliens Department

The Foreigners' Registration Office is

  • if you live in an urban district or in a large district town: the municipal administration
  • if you live in a district municipality: the district administration office

Procedure

You must apply for the electronic residence permit in person at the relevant office. Your fingerprints will be taken on the spot. Children aged six and over must also give their fingerprints.

Deadlines

Apply for the electronic residence permit in cheque card format in good time before your previous residence permit or travel document expires.

Required documents

  • Passport or passport replacement documents
  • a biometric passport photo
  • other documents, depending on the previous procedures

Enquire in advance at the relevant office which documents you need to submit.

Costs

  • Issuing a residence permit or ICT card: EUR 100.00
  • Extension of the residence permit or ICT card for up to three months: EUR 96.00
  • Extension of the residence permit or ICT card for more than three months: EUR 93.00
  • Settlement permit: EUR 113.00
  • Permanent residence permit-EG: EUR 109.00
  • Settlement permit for highly qualified persons: EUR 147.00
  • Settlement permit for the exercise of a self-employed activity: EUR 124.00
  • Issuing a mobile ICT card: EUR 80.00
  • Extension of a mobile ICT card: EUR 70.00
  • Fee for reissue (e.g. on expiry of the previous passport or passport replacement document): EUR 67.00

Detailed information

You can find all you need to know about the electronic residence title in various languages on the internet page of the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees.

Miscellaneous

You can use the electronic residence permit in the same way as the identity card for German nationals. Detailed information on the electronic use of the card can be found on the website of the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees.

Appeal

none

Legal basis

Aufenthaltsverordnung(AufenthV)

  • § 44 (AufenthV) Gebühren für die Niederlassungserlaubnis
  • § 44a (AufenthV) Gebühren für die Erlaubnis zum Daueraufenthalt-EU
  • § 45 (AufenthV) Gebühren für die Aufenthaltserlaubnis, die Blaue Karte EU, die ICT-Karte und die Mobiler-ICT-Karte
  • § 45a (AufenthV) Gebühren für den elektronischen Identitätsnachweis

Release note

The German original version of this text was drafted in close cooperation with the relevant departments. Only the German text is legally binding. The Federal State does not assume any liability for the translated texts.

In cases of doubt or if you have any questions or problems, please contact the relevant authorities directly.

10.07.2023 The Ministry of Justice Baden-Württemberg.