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Apply for an extension of your residence permit to have your professional qualifications recognized while you are employed

Are you participating in a training program to have your foreign professional qualification recognized while also working? If you need more time for the training program, you can have your residence permit extended.

  • Basic information

    You have a residence permit based on the recognition of your professional qualifications and are simultaneously working in a qualified position in the profession for which your qualifications are being recognized.

    If your residence permit expires before you have completed the qualification program, you can apply for an extension. This will give you additional time to continue your retraining. The prerequisite is that you still have a job.

    The residence permit for completing a qualification program while employed is temporary and is initially granted for a maximum of one year. It can be extended for up to a total of 3 years.

    You should apply for the extension well in advance of the expiration date of your current residence permit.

    The same requirements apply to the renewal of the residence permit as to its initial issuance. In particular, you must be able to support yourself financially for the duration of your stay.

    If necessary, the Federal Employment Agency must again approve your employment. In doing so, it may, for example, review the nature of your work.

    Your residence permit cannot be extended if you are unable to complete the retraining program within a reasonable period of time. It also cannot be extended if the Foreigners’ Registration Office has already ruled out an extension at the time of issuance or during the most recent extension.

    In addition to your primary employment, you may work up to 20 hours per week.

    Requirements

    • You have a residence permit
    • You have a secure source of income and adequate health insurance coverage.
    • Your identity and nationality have been verified.
    • There are no grounds for deportation or entry ban against you.
    • You meet the passport requirement.
    • You entered the country with the required visa. Your stay is lawful.
    • Approval from the Federal Employment Agency
    • You have sufficient knowledge of German (at least B1 level)
    • You hold a qualification that is officially recognized by the country in which it was obtained and for which at least two years of training were required, or
    • You hold a college degree that is officially recognized by the country in which it was earned.
    • Your primary residence is in the city of Bremen

  • 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.
    • If your application is approved, you will receive an appointment to come in for an interview.

    More information

    Due to the complexity of residence law, this description is provided for informational purposes only and is not legally binding.

    Passport photos are now accepted only in digital form. The passport photo must be taken using a registration system on-site at the immigration office, at a photo studio, or at a photo service provider. You cannot submit a digital passport photo from your cell phone. For more information, please visit our website. Limited exceptions to the biometric requirements are permitted for infants and toddlers.

    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 have 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).

    Legal Remedies:

    • Appeal
    • Lawsuit

  • Necessary Documents
    • National Passport / Proof of Identity
    • A current biometric passport photo
    • Proof of qualifications and employment:
      • Proof of qualification (certificate of completion of vocational training or degree, with a translation if necessary)
      • Certificate confirming the necessary steps for the recognition of your professional qualifications
      • Statement regarding employment status (completed by the employer)
      • Employment or internship contract, or a confirmation from the employer stating your personal information, salary, and the duration of the employment relationship. Any information not required may be redacted in the employment contract.
      • Registration for a language course, including the expected duration
      • Proof of proper completion of the educational program in the event of an extension
      • Proof of health insurance
      • Proof of financial support (e.g., blocked account, letter of financial commitment, scholarship, etc.)
      • Certificate or documentation of completion of the program and recognition or equivalence of the professional qualification
      • Medical license or license to practice, if required
      • If available:
        • School certificate
        • Registration for the adaptation course or proficiency exam
        • Continuing education plan

  • Forms

  • Fees / Costs

    96,00 EUR for extensions of up to 3 months
    93,00 EUR if extended by more than 3 months
    6,00 EUR in addition, for taking a digital passport photo at the on-site self-service terminal.

  • Deadlines & processing time

    What deadlines must be paid attention to?

    6 weeks bis 8 weeks You should apply for the renewal no later than 8 weeks before your current residence permit expires.

    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.

  • Legal Bases

  • 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 20.08.2026

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