Germany · Application requirements

Germany Residence Permit (eAT / Aufenthaltstitel) Requirements 2026

Non-EU nationals planning to live in Germany for more than 90 days — for employment, study, family reunification, self-employment, EU Blue Card, or other recognised purposes under the Skilled Immigration Act. The Chancenkarte (Opportunity Card), launched 1 June 2024, additionally gives non-EU jobseekers up to 12 months in Germany to look for skilled work via a points system, with 20 h/week part-time work permitted during the search. Apply within 90 days of arrival (or before the national visa expires).

Issued by Bundesdruckerei (German Federal Print Office) · Last verified May 28, 2026 · Official source ↗

At a glance

Application fee

Most permits — issuance: €100
EU Blue Card — issuance: €100
Renewal (typical): €96
Niederlassungserlaubnis (settlement): €113–€147
Children under 18: Half (~€50)
Fiktionsbescheinigung: €13

as of May 28, 2026 · details

Processing time

Appointment wait (smaller cities): 2–4 weeks
Appointment wait (Berlin / Munich): 2–6+ months
Card production: 4–8 weeks
Realistic end-to-end: 2–5 months

details

Issuing authority

Bundesdruckerei (German Federal Print Office)

Who needs a Germany Residence Permit (eAT / Aufenthaltstitel)?

Where to apply

Local Ausländerbehörde (foreigners' authority) in the city where you have registered (Anmeldung). Most cities require online appointment booking; some only accept email requests. Berlin and Munich notoriously have multi-month appointment waits.

Fees

Most permits — issuance: €100
EU Blue Card — issuance: €100
Renewal (typical): €96
Niederlassungserlaubnis (settlement): €113–€147
Children under 18: Half (~€50)
Fiktionsbescheinigung: €13

Issuance of most residence permits (Aufenthaltstitel): €100. The EU Blue Card also costs €100 to issue at the Ausländerbehörde — the residence-permit fee is the same regardless of category. Renewals are typically €96. The settlement permit (Niederlassungserlaubnis — permanent residence) ranges from €113 for standard cases up to €147 for highly-skilled categories. Children under 18 pay half the adult fee in most categories (so €50 for new issuance). A Fiktionsbescheinigung (provisional certificate while a decision is pending) costs €13.

Fees as of May 28, 2026. Confirm current amounts on the official source before paying.

What to bring

Documents and items you'll need at the appointment or with your application.

Antrag auf Erteilung eines Aufenthaltstitels (application form, signed)
Valid passport (with the national D-visa stamp if applicable)
Recent biometric photo, 35×45 mm, transmitted digitally via QR code from a certified studio
Anmeldung — residence registration certificate from the Bürgeramt
Proof of German health insurance (statutory or private)
Income/employment proof: contract, payslips, OR financial means (Sperrkonto for students — €13,092/year as of 2025)
Lease or rental agreement
Marriage / birth certificates (for family reunification)

Need the photo specs?

Exact size, head height, background, and what gets rejected.

Open photo requirements →

How long does it take?

Appointment wait (smaller cities): 2–4 weeks
Appointment wait (Berlin / Munich): 2–6+ months
Card production: 4–8 weeks
Realistic end-to-end: 2–5 months

Appointment wait at the Ausländerbehörde: 2–4 weeks in smaller cities; 2–6+ months in Berlin and Munich. Card production at Bundesdruckerei: 4–8 weeks after fingerprinting. Realistic end-to-end total: 2–5 months.

Times vary by location, season, and individual case. Always check the official source for the current backlog before you book travel.

Official source

https://www.make-it-in-germany.com/en/visa-residence/types

Last verified May 28, 2026

Verify before applying. We compile this from official government sources and re-verify regularly. Fees, processing times, and rules change without notice — always confirm current information on the official site before you apply or pay any fee.

Frequently asked questions

Common questions about applying for a germany residence permit (eat / aufenthaltstitel).

How much does a German residence permit cost? +

Most residence permits cost €100 to issue at the Ausländerbehörde and €96 for renewals. The EU Blue Card also costs €100 — the same as other residence-permit categories. A settlement permit (Niederlassungserlaubnis — permanent residence) ranges from €113 for standard cases up to €147 for highly-skilled categories. Children under 18 pay half the adult fee in most categories. A Fiktionsbescheinigung (provisional certificate) costs €13.

How long does it take to get a residence permit in Germany? +

2 to 5 months realistically, end to end. The appointment wait at the Ausländerbehörde is the biggest variable: 2–4 weeks in smaller cities, 2–6+ months in Berlin and Munich. After your appointment, card production at Bundesdruckerei takes another 4–8 weeks.

What is the difference between Aufenthaltstitel and Niederlassungserlaubnis? +

Aufenthaltstitel (eAT) is a temporary residence permit tied to a specific purpose (work, study, family) and time limit (1–4 years typically). Niederlassungserlaubnis is permanent residence, usually granted after 5 years of legal residence in Germany (or 21 months with B1 German / 27 months otherwise for EU Blue Card holders).

What is the Chancenkarte (Opportunity Card)? +

A new residence pathway launched 1 June 2024 under the expanded Skilled Immigration Act. It lets non-EU nationals come to Germany for up to 12 months to look for skilled work, scored via a points system (qualifications, work experience, language skills, age, German ties). Holders can work up to 20 hours/week part-time during the job search and take 2-week trial-work periods with prospective employers. Fee: €75 visa fee + standard €100 residence-permit fee on issuance.

Can I work in Germany with a residence permit? +

It depends on the type. Work-purpose permits (Beschäftigung, EU Blue Card, ICT, skilled-worker permit, Chancenkarte) explicitly allow employment. Student permits allow 140 full days or 280 half days per year of work. Family reunification permits usually grant unrestricted work access. Look at the auxiliary clauses (Nebenbestimmungen) on your card.

How long is a German residence permit valid? +

Initial permits are typically issued for 1 to 4 years, depending on category and your employer/sponsor situation. EU Blue Card is initially issued for the contract duration plus 3 months, capped at 4 years. Chancenkarte is issued for up to 12 months. Renewals before expiry are routine if the underlying purpose continues.

Do I need to book an appointment for the Ausländerbehörde? +

Yes, in nearly all German cities — walk-ins are no longer accepted at most Ausländerbehörden. Each city has its own online booking system (Berlin, Munich, Hamburg use separate portals). Check your city's website. Booking 1–3 months in advance is wise.

What if my visa expires before I get my residence permit appointment? +

Apply for a Fiktionsbescheinigung (provisional residence certificate) — issued at the Ausländerbehörde when your application is filed but not yet decided. It maintains your legal status and work rights while you wait. Costs €13.

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