A Fiktionsbescheinigung (Certificate of Fictional Right of Residence) can be used to prove your legal stay in Germany until the LEA has made a final decision on your application for a residence permit.
Sometimes you do not have a Fiktionsbescheinigung, but a similar rule applies to you: the Fiktionswirkung (fictional legal effect). In this case, you do not have an official document, but your stay in Germany still remains legal until the LEA makes a decision.
You receive a Fiktionsbescheinigung (Certificate of Fictional Right of Residence) from the LEA. For example, you may receive one if you apply to extend your current residence permit. You may also receive one if you were allowed to enter Germany without a visa and apply for a new residence permit within the first 3 months.
You only receive it if you submit your application on time. The document is valid only until a decision has been made on your application.
A Fiktionsbescheinigung is a green folding card. It is also called a "förmliche Fiktionsbescheinigung". Below, you will find an example image.
The Fiktionswirkung (fictional legal effect) is not a separate document. However, you can prove it through:
- PDF summary at the end of the online application: If you apply online for a residence permit before your current residence permit expires, you must save the confirmation at the end of the application as a PDF. Together with your passport and your current residence permit, this PDF can be used to confirm that the Fiktionswirkung (fictional legal effect) applies to you.
- Confirmation at the end of the LEA contact form: Some residence permits cannot be applied for online. In that case, you use the LEA contact form. If you apply for a residence permit through the contact form before your current residence permit expires, you must save the summary at the end as a PDF. Together with your passport and your current residence permit, this PDF can be used to confirm that the Fiktionswirkung (fictional legal effect) applies to you.
You can find more information about extending your residence permit here.
