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Extend a Residence Permit for On-the-Job Training and Continuing Education

  • Arbeit
  • Migration und Integration
  • Schule, Ausbildung und Studium

If you would like to continue your vocational training or continuing education in Germany, you must renew your residence permit in a timely manner.

  • Basic information

    If you have a residence permit for the purpose of vocational training or continuing education, you must apply for an extension well in advance of its expiration.

    The same requirements apply to the renewal of a residence permit as to its initial issuance. In principle, your residence permit can be renewed until the end of your training or continuing education program, provided that the training or continuing education relationship continues and is expected to lead to a successful completion.

    The residence permit can only be extended with the approval of the Federal Employment Agency.

    An extension is not possible if the Foreigners’ Registration Office has already ruled it out at the time of issuance or during the most recent extension.

    During qualified vocational training, you may work up to 20 hours per week in a job unrelated to your vocational training. Self-employment is not permitted.

    For the duration of your vocational training or continuing education, you can apply for a vocational training allowance to help cover your living expenses.

    If your qualified vocational training ends early for reasons beyond your control, you do not have to leave Germany immediately. You may look for another training position in Germany for up to 6 months.

    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 an 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 your primary residence 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

    • While your residence permit for vocational training and continuing education is valid, you may generally switch to another qualifying vocational training program. If the purpose of your stay changes, you must immediately notify the relevant immigration office.
    • Once you have successfully completed a qualified vocational training program, you may extend your residence permit to look for a job for up to 18 months.

    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 by 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 young children.

    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 the delay).

    Legal Remedies:

    • Appeal
    • Lawsuit

  • Necessary Documents
    • National Passport / Proof of Identity
    • A current biometric passport photo
    • Proof of education or training:
      • Employment Declaration (to be completed by the employer)
      • If already available:
        • Training or continuing education contract or confirmation from the employer stating personal information, salary, and the duration of the employment relationship. Any information not required may be blacked out in the employment contract.
        • Current pay stub
      • Proof of successful completion of the training or continuing education program
      • Certificate of completion of the training or continuing education program
      • If available: Proof of the scholarship
    • Consent from a parent or legal guardian if you are under 18 years of age

  • 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 self-service kiosk on site.

  • Deadlines & processing time

    What deadlines must be paid attention to?

    8 weeks You should apply for a residence permit no later than 8 weeks before your current visa expires.
    The residence permit will be extended for a limited period. Its validity is usually based on the duration of the educational or vocational training program.

    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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