What are the requirements for a residence permit in Germany?
October 1, 2022 | 40,00 EUR | answered by Friedhelm Wagner
Dear immigration lawyer,
My name is Valentina Völker and I have a question regarding the requirements for a residence permit in Germany. Currently, I am living in Germany as a foreign national and my residence permit will expire in a few months. I moved here to live and work with my German partner. We have been together for two years and have a stable relationship.
My partner and I would like to continue living together in Germany, but I am concerned that my residence permit may not be extended. I have found a job and pay my taxes here in Germany. My German language skills are at B1 level and I have completed an integration course.
I have heard that there are various requirements to obtain a residence permit, but I am unsure if I meet all the criteria. Could you please explain to me what requirements I need to fulfill in order to obtain an extension of my residence permit? Are there specific documents I need to provide and how long does the process usually take?
Thank you in advance for your help and advice.
Sincerely,
Valentina Völker
Dear Mrs. Völker,
Thank you for your inquiry regarding the requirements for a residence permit in Germany. I am pleased that you have contacted me as an attorney specializing in foreigner law and I will do my best to assist you with your concerns.
To obtain or extend a residence permit in Germany, there are various requirements that must be met. In your case, as a foreign national living with a German partner, family reasons play an important role. You mentioned that you have been in a relationship with your German partner for two years and have a solid relationship. This is an important aspect that supports the extension of your residence permit.
Furthermore, it is positive that you have found a job and pay taxes in Germany. This shows that you are integrated in Germany and can support yourself financially. Your German language skills at B1 level and completed integration course are also important factors that support the extension of your residence permit.
Regarding the documents you need to provide to extend your residence permit, you should generally have the following documents ready:
- Your valid passport
- Your current residence permit
- Proof of your income (e.g. employment contract, pay slips)
- Proof of your German language skills (e.g. certificate from completed integration course)
- Proof of your relationship with your German partner (e.g. joint lease agreement, photos, joint bank statements)
The process of extending your residence permit may vary depending on the foreigner authority and individual situation. However, you should generally expect a processing time of several weeks to several months. It is important to submit all required documents fully and correctly to avoid any delays in the process.
I hope this information is helpful to you and I am available if you have any further questions. I wish you success in extending your residence permit and am here to support you if needed.
Sincerely,
Friedhelm Wagner, Attorney
