Apply for a Certificate of Fictitious Status
A provisional certificate serves as proof that you are still authorized to remain in the country until a decision is made on your application for a new residence permit.
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Basic information
A provisional certificate is issued when a decision on an applied-for residence permit cannot yet be made.
The provisional status takes effect as soon as the legal requirements are met—regardless of whether you have already received the certificate.A provisional residence permit is a temporary extension of your current residence permit.
If you apply for a new residence permit in a timely manner before your old one expires, your residence will continue to be considered authorized—including any existing ancillary provisions (such as those regarding employment). You can prove this status with a provisional residence permit. You must have it renewed regularly. You may continue to apply for provisional residence permits until a final decision has been made on your applied-for residence permit.
You can apply for a provisional residence permit if
- a decision on your applied-for residence permit cannot yet be made because, for example, documents are missing, the foreigner’s file is not available, or other processing delays have occurred,
- an electronic residence permit (eAT) that has been ordered cannot be issued before the current residence permit expires, or the outcome of criminal proceedings must be awaited.
The Migration Office is currently experiencing a very high volume of work. As a result, applications for the issuance or renewal of residence permits in some areas often cannot be processed in time before the current permit expires.
Provisional Certificate as Temporary Proof
To ensure you have proof of your right of residence in Germany until a decision is made, you may receive an official provisional certificate or an informal certificate with provisional effect. To qualify, you must have your primary residence in the city of Bremen.Most countries accept the official provisional certificate for travel. However, you should always check the regulations in your destination country before traveling.
Please note that the informal certificate is only valid in conjunction with your expired residence permit. Please always carry both with you. You cannot travel abroad with an informal certificate (for example, a letter scheduling an appointment with provisional status).Requirements
- You have applied for an (electronic) residence permit or for an extension of your existing residence permit
- You are legally residing in Germany: You have a valid residence permit (residence authorization or a Category D national visa for long-term stays).
- You are permitted to stay in Germany legally without a visa because your nationality entitles you to do so (Australia, Israel, Japan, Canada, the Republic of Korea, New Zealand, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and the United States of America).
- Your primary residence is in the city of Bremen
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Procedure
- The application and the required documents can be submitted to us by email or mail.
- If necessary, the Immigration Office will request additional documents.
- You will then receive your provisional residence permit.
More information
Due to the complexity of residence law, this description is provided for informational purposes only and is not legally binding.
A residence permit can only be issued for the duration of your national passport’s validity. Please apply for a renewal well in advance of your national passport’s expiration date.
If you do not possess a valid national passport, you must provide evidence of your efforts to obtain one (for example: written confirmation from the embassy, reasons for any delays).General Information (Employers, Landlords, Family Benefits Office, Job Center, etc.)
It is particularly important for employers to know whether the employee already holds a residence permit that authorizes them to engage in gainful employment.
In the case of renewal applications, affected foreign employees can generally continue to be employed without any problems.
However, if the application is changed—for example, from a residence permit for study to one for gainful employment—only the previous permit remains valid. This means that work may only be performed within the scope previously authorized until a decision has been made on the new application.Recommendations for Employers
- Have your employee present their valid residence permit or valid provisional residence certificate (official or informal), as well as their expired residence permit. Keep a copy of these documents in electronic or paper form for the duration of their employment.
- If your employee has a provisional residence permit and an expired residence permit, it is advisable to note the validity period of the provisional residence permit and check it regularly, as it is usually shorter than that of a residence permit. This will allow you and your employee to plan for a renewal in a timely manner and keep your records up to date.
- Also, pay attention to the ancillary provisions of the provisional residence permit and the expired residence permit, as well as any restrictions on gainful employment.
When Can a Provisional Certificate Not Be Issued?
A provisional certificate cannot be issued to you for the following decisions regarding residence status:
- Residence Permit
- Residence card under the Freedom of Movement Act/EU
- Permanent residence card under the Freedom of Movement Act/EU
- Toleration
- Settlement permit/permanent residence permit, as well as
- Schengen visa / visitor and business visa / tourist visa (Visa Category C)
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Necessary Documents
- Valid passport or passport substitute
- Previous residence permit:
- If you have one, please bring your current residence permit, such as the electronic residence permit (eAT).
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Fees / Costs
13,00 EUR for the issuance of a provisional residence permit for adults
6,50 EUR for the issuance of a provisional residence permit for minors (persons under 18 years of age)
gebührenfrei for the issuance of a provisional residence permit to Turkish nationals covered by the EU-Turkey Association Agreement, as well as to recipients of benefits -
Deadlines & processing time
What deadlines must be paid attention to?
There is no deadline.
How long does it take to process
Once we receive your application, we will need some time to process and review it. Once the review is complete, we will get back to you.
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More Information
This page has been automatically translated by DeepL. We cannot guarantee that the translation is correct.
The official information in German is complete and correct.
Updated on 14.08.2026