Extending residence permits for students from countries outside the EU/EEA

Related forms and processes

Prerequisite

For the extension, you must fulfil the requirements for the initial issue of the residence permit:

• Study at a
  • state university or
  • state-recognised higher education institution (university, teacher training college, art college, university of applied sciences) or
  • comparable educational institution (e.g. Baden-Württemberg Cooperative State University)
• Studies as the main purpose of the stay
  This includes all training phases:
  • Language course or preparatory college to prepare for studies
  • Language examination
  • internships in preparation for the degree programme (if recommended or required by the university)
  • Studies (basic studies, main studies, study-related internships, intermediate and final examinations)
  • Postgraduate, additional, supplementary studies or doctorate
  • practical activities following a degree programme (if they are a prescribed part of the training)
• Your living expenses (assessment limit is the maximum funding rate according to the Federal Training Assistance Act (BAföG)) and health insurance in Germany are guaranteed.
• You fulfil the requirements for admission to the desired educational institution.
  You cannot fulfil the necessary general school requirements in Germany.

In addition

• you may not unreasonably delay your studies and
• you must be able to complete your studies within a reasonable period of time.
  The reasonableness of the time depends on the purpose of your stay and your personal circumstances as well as your endeavours to achieve the aim of your stay within a reasonable period of time.
  The usual length of stay, interim examinations and performance reviews are all points of reference. In principle, it can be assumed that exceeding the average duration of studies by up to 3 semesters constitutes completion of the degree programme within a reasonable period of time.
  If you require a longer period of time to complete your studies, you should contact the Foreigners' Registration Office.

Responsible department

the Aliens Department

The foreigners authority is

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

Procedure

You must apply for the extension of your residence permit in writing.

You will receive the residence permit in the form of a cheque card with additional electronic functions.

Deadlines

none

Required documents

• Certificate of the purpose of residence, for example:
  • Admission to a language course or study programme
  • Certificate of enrolment
  • Proof of study progress
• Proof of funding, for example:
  • Statement of the parents' income and financial circumstances
  • Payment of a security deposit into a blocked account in Germany
  • Scholarship contract
• Proof of health insurance
• passport valid for at least the duration of the residence permit applied for.
  For Swiss nationals, a valid identity card is sufficient.
• a current passport photo

Costs

• Extension for up to three months: EUR 96.00
• Extension for more than three months: EUR 93.00
• for young people under the age of 18: half the fee
• for persons who receive a scholarship from public funds for their stay in Germany: none

Detailed information

Förderungshöchstsatz nach dem Bundesausbildungsförderungsgesetz

Miscellaneous

none

Appeal

Objection

Action before the administrative court

Legal basis

Aufenthaltsgesetz (AufenthG)

• § 5 Allgemeine Erteilungsvoraussetzungen
• § 8 Verlängerung der Aufenthaltserlaubnis
• § 16b Studium

Aufenthaltsverordnung (AufenthV)

• § 45 Gebühren für die Aufenthaltserlaubnis
• § 52 Befreiungen und Ermäßigungen

Release note

machine generated, based on the German release by: Justizministerium Baden-Württemberg, 12.08.2024