Fiktionsbescheinigung (certificate of fictional right of residence)

What is it?

A Fiktionsbescheinigung (certificate of fictional right of residence) can be used to prove your legal stay in Germany until LEA has made a final decision on your application for a residence title.

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 LEA makes a decision.

Where can I get it?

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 title within the first 3 months.

You only receive a Fiktionsbescheinigung if you submit your application on time. The document is only valid until a decision has been made on your application.

What does it look like?

A Fiktionsbescheinigung is a green folded card. It is also called a "förmliche Fiktionsbescheinigung". See the example below.

The Fiktionswirkung (fictional legal effect) is not a separate document. You can prove it through a:

  1. PDF summary at the end of the online application: If you apply online for a residence title before your current residence title expires, you must save the confirmation at the end of the application as a PDF. Together with your passport and your current residence title, this PDF can be used to confirm that the Fiktionswirkung (fictional legal effect) applies to you.
     
  2. Confirmation at the end of the LEA contact form: Some residence titles cannot be applied for online. In that case, you use the LEA contact form. If you apply for a residence title through the contact form before your current residence title expires, you must save the summary at the end as a PDF. Together with your passport and your current residence title, 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 title here.

Appointments at LEA
 

Bild einer Fiktionsbescheinigung, die auf einer grünen Klappkarte gedruckt wurde [Link überblendet Fenster mit einem modalen Dialogfeld]

© Bundesgesetzblatt