Do you feel insecure because your Aufenthaltserlaubnis (residence permit) is about to expire? Do you have questions about your Fiktionsbescheinigung (certificate of fictitious continuation of residence)? Here you can find out how to contact the Landesamt für Einwanderung (State Office for Immigration) and how to get an appointment.
Extending my residence permit: What do I have to do if my residence permit is about to expire?
Take action right away! It’s best to apply for extension 4 months, but at the latest 8 weeks, before your permit expires. Your application must be submitted to the LEA no later than the last day of your current permit’s validity.
Tip: Has your residence permit just expired? Apply for an extension immediately anyway. Request that provisional validity of your permit be granted (Fiktionswirkung anordnen).
If your Aufenthaltstitel (residence permit) has already expired, go to a counselling center. If the reason for your residence permit no longer applies, go to a counselling center.
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Online application
Reasons for an online application: You can view the list of reasons by clicking the button below. Click on the appropriate reason. In the next step, you can start the online application:
Fill in the online form and upload all documents. All documents should be complete and clearly legible, and uploaded as single PDF files! This will help you get a response faster.
You often have to pay a fee at the end. You will need a credit card or PayPal account for this.
The LEA will then check your documents and send you an invitation to an appointment.
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Contact form
If your reason is not in the list for online applications, you can use the contact form:
Select the appropriate department for your case. First, check whether there is a specific department for your issue. For example, there are dedicated departments for Asyl & Duldung (asylum and temporary suspension of deportation), Einbürgerung (naturalisation), or for skilled workers, students and apprentices.
If none of the topics match your situation, then search for your nationality and the first letter of your surname.
In the next step, choose a subject. The subject “Eiliger Termin/Notfall” (urgent appointment/emergency) should only be selected if:
- You urgently need to travel within the next four weeks and can prove this with a booking,
- you will lose your job or apprenticeship without a valid document and can prove this with a letter from your employer or apprenticeship institution,
- You are at risk of losing your benefits without a valid document and you can prove this with a letter from the Jobcenter or Sozialamt (social welfare office).
If none of the requirements are met, select another suitable subject.
Fill in the contact form and upload all documents. All documents should be complete and clearly legible, and uploaded as single PDF files. This will help you get a response faster.
The LEA will then check your documents and send you an invitation to an appointment.
Important:
At the end of the online application or contact form, you'll receive a confirmation. Save the confirmation as a PDF—not just as a screenshot—and keep it handy at all times.
What happens after submitting the application?
Waiting periods vary. Expect at least 2-3 months. If any documents are missing, the LEA (State Office for Immigration) will contact you again. Don’t worry—you can submit the missing documents later. However, this may extend the time until a decision is made.
Tip: During the waiting period, regularly check your email inbox (including your spam folder) and your mailbox.
Is my stay still legal during the waiting period?
With the confirmation, your residence permit remains valid as long as the application was submitted on time. "On time" means no later than the last day of the current residence permit . The confirmation is considered a Fiktionsbescheinigung (Certificate of Fictional Right of Residence). The Nebenbestimmungen ( additional provisions ) relating to your residence (e.g. whether/where you are allowed to work) also remain valid. This applies to any residence title.
Attention: This does not apply to a Duldung (temporary suspension of deportation), an Aufenthaltsgestattung (temporary residence permit for asylum seekers), or a Schengen-Visum (Schengen visa)!
Present the Fiktionsbescheinigung (Certificate of Fictional Right of Residence) upon request at work, at the landlord or at a public authority.
If the confirmation is not accepted, show this page as an explanation or seek help at a counseling center.
How do I get a reply?
You may receive the decision on your application by email or by post. In most cases, you will receive a short-notice appointment invitation, for example to come to the LEA (State Office for Immigration) to order your new Aufenthaltstitel (residence permit). Make sure to attend the appointment on time and show the written appointment invitation at the entrance. Otherwise, you will not be admitted.
If you are unable to attend the proposed appointment, you must cancel it. However, you should only cancel in urgent cases, as receiving a new appointment invitation may take just as long as the first time.
Termine beim LEA
Fiktionsbescheinigung
Mit einer Fiktionsbescheinigung kann der legale Aufenthalt in Deutschland nachgewiesen werden, bis das LEA über deinen Antrag für einen Aufenthaltstitel final entschieden hat.
Manchmal hast du keine Fiktionsbescheinigung aber für dich gilt eine ähnliche Regel: die Fiktionswirkung. Dann hast du kein offizielles Dokument, aber dein Aufenthalt in Deutschland ist trotzdem weiter legal, bis zu einer Entscheidung vom LEA.
Die Fiktionsbescheinigung bekommst du vom LEA. Du kannst sie zum Beispiel bekommen, wenn du einen Antrag auf Verlängerung von deiner aktuellen Aufenthaltserlaubnis stellst. Oder du kannst sie bekommen, wenn du ohne Visum einreisen durftest und einen Antrag auf einen neuen Aufenthaltstitel in den ersten 3 Monaten stellst.
Du bekommst sie nur, wenn du deinen Antrag rechtzeitig stellst. Das Dokument gilt nur, bis über deinen Antrag entschieden ist.
Die Fiktionsbescheinigung ist eine grüne Klappkarte. Sie heißt auch "förmliche Fiktionsbescheinigung". Du findest unten ein Bild als Beispiel.
Die Fiktionswirkung ist kein eigenes Dokument. Aber zu kannst sie nachweisen über:
- PDF-Zusammenfassung am Ende vom Online-Antrag: Wenn du einen Aufenthaltstitel vor Ablauf vom alten Aufenthaltstitel online beantragst, musst du die Bestätigung am Ende vom Antrags als PDF abspeichern. Mit dem PDF kannst du bestätigen (zusammen mit deinem Pass und deinem alten Aufenthaltstitel), dass für dich die Fiktionswirkung gilt.
- Bestätigung am Ende vom LEA-Kontaktformular: Manche Aufenthaltstitel kannst du nicht online beantragen, dann benutzt du das Kontaktformular vom LEA. Wenn du einen Aufenthaltstitel vor Ablauf vom alten Aufenthaltstitel über das Kontaktformular beantragst, musst du am Ende die Zusammenfassung als PDF abspeichern. Mit dem PDF kannst du bestätigen (zusammen mit deinem Pass und deinem alten Aufenthaltstitel), dass für dich die Fiktionswirkung gilt.
Mehr Infos zu der Verlängerung von deinem Aufenthaltstitel findest du hier.
Aufenthaltserlaubnis
Mit einer Aufenthaltserlaubnis darfst du für eine bestimmte Zeit in Deutschland leben. Zum Beispiel, um in Deutschland:
- zu arbeiten
- eine Ausbildung zu machen
- mit deiner Familie zu leben
Die Aufenthaltserlaubnis ist für Menschen, die nicht aus der EU kommen.
Das Landesamt für Einwanderung (LEA) ist zuständig. Den Antrag kannst du persönlich stellen, manchmal auch online.
Der Antrag kannst du oft online über ein digitales Formular machen, wenn du zum Beispiel studieren möchtest.
Die Aufenthaltserlaubnis ist eine Plastikarte oder ein Aufkleber. Auf der Karte stehen wichtige Informationen über dich. Zum Beispiel:
- dein Foto
- deine Staatsangehörigkeit
- deine Passnummer
© Bundesministerium des Innern
211210_eAT_mediacard_id1_vs_V03_ohne NULL.jpg
© Bundesministerium des Innern
211210_eAT_mediacard_id1_rs_V03_ohne NULL.jpg
Aufenthaltstitel
Ein Aufenthaltstitel ist ein offizielles Dokument. Es erlaubt dir, in Deutschland zu leben.
Es gibt verschiedene Arten von Aufenthaltstiteln. Sie können befristet oder nicht befristet sein. Zum Beispiel:
- eine Aufenthaltserlaubnis
- eine Niederlassungserlaubnis
- ein Visum
Ein Aufenthaltstitel ist für Menschen, die nicht aus der EU kommen.
Für Aufenthaltstitel in Berlin ist das LEA zuständig.
Ein Visum musst du vor deiner Einreise nach Deutschland beantragen. Das machst du bei der deutschen Botschaft.
Der Aufenthaltstitel ist meistens eine Plastikkarte. Wenn die Karte ein kleines Chip-Symbol hat, dann ist es ein elektronischer Aufenthaltstitel (eAT). Auf dem Chip sind deine Daten gespeichert. Manchmal ist dein Aufenthaltstitel auch keine Karte, sondern ein Aufkleber in deinem Reisepass. Dann hast du keinen elektronischen Aufenthaltstitel (eAT).
Auf der Aufenthaltstitel stehen wichtige Informationen über dich. Zum Beispiel:
- dein Foto
- dein Name
- dein Geburtsdatum
Oft gibt es zu dem Aufenthaltstitel ein Zusatzblatt. Da stehen wichtige Infos, zum Beispiel, ob und in welchem Umfang du arbeiten darfst.
Locations in this map
Willkommenszentrum Berlin
Show on mapThe Counselling Centre for Migrants, which has existed since 1981, and the Welcome Centre Berlin, which was founded in 2016, were merged in April 2021.
People with a history of migration and their relatives continue to receive competent advice on all questions of migration as well as arrival and advancement from a single source. The grown team of the Welcome Center and the cooperation partners, including the networks Integration through Qualification (IQ) and bridge, inform, advise and support individually and multilingually.
The following concerns are covered by the Welcome Centre - Counselling Centre of the Integration Officers:
- Legal advice in migration law
- Hardship counselling
- social counselling
- Advice on the recognition of professional qualifications from abroad
- Advice on training and further education, German courses and job search - Advice on setting up a business
- Advice on labour law
Language overview: https://www.berlin.de/willkommenszentrum/ueber-uns/unsere-partner/
Consulting hours of the partners: https://www.berlin.de/willkommenszentrum/ueber-uns/unsere-partner
Potsdamer Str. 61
10785 Berlin
Germany
[DeepL:] Our consulting takes place on site, by telephone and digitally.
Opening hours:
Mon 9:00-13:00
Tue 9:00-13:00 + 15:00-18:00
Wed 9:00-13:00
Thu 9:00-13:00 + 15:00-18:00
Consultation by e-mail and arrangement of consultation appointments: beratung@intmig.berlin.de
Appointments for consultation by phone:
Mon, Wed, Fri 10:00-12:00 at (030) 9017-23172.
Personal consultation in Ukrainian and Russian
Monday 09 - 13 h
Tuesday 09 to 13 h, 15 to 18 h
Thursday 09 to 13 h, 15 to 18 h
Al Muntada & Al Muntada Plus
Show on mapAl Muntada supports migrants of Arab descent living in Berlin. Many of them come from Lebanon, Syria and Iraq. The counselling is aimed at people of all ages and takes place in Neukölln.
At Al Muntada Plus, a lawyer offers legal advice. He provides support and information on asylum procedures and questions about migration law.
Morusstraße 18 A
12053 Berlin
Germany
[DeepL:] The open office hours are held on Thursdays from 14.00 - 16.00. Outside these hours by appointment. Please feel free to contact us by phone (030/68247719 and 01590/4072228) or e-mail and briefly describe your concerns.
Asylverfahrensberatung
Show on mapThe BBZ advises and supports young migrants and refugees to enable them equal access to education and work with the following offers:
- Legal and procedural advice on: asylum procedures, family reunification, child and youth welfare law, social legal claims (job centre, child benefit, Bafög).
- Initial orientation and social counselling for asylum seekers from Syria
- Counselling and support for people who want to take up studies, an internship, school education, vocational training or a job in Germany
- Psychosocial counselling in case of conflicts, problems and experiences of racism
- Family counselling for parenting issues
- Language, integration and high school courses
- Promotion of individual educational and professional opportunities for young women with refugee and migration experience(s) aged 12-19.
Stromstraße 47
10551 Berlin
Germany
[DeepL:] Open consultation hours (in case of acute need for action):
Monday 10:30-15 h
Monday to Friday 10:00-18:00,
Consultations by appointment (by telephone, e-mail or in person)
AWO Asylberatung
Show on mapFree, confidential advice and assistance on topics including:
- Asylum application
- Preparing for hearings
- Explanation of decisions and legal action
- Dublin procedure
- Family reunification
- Right of residence
Prinzenstr. 14
10969 Berlin
Germany
[DeepL:] Current consultation hours and contact details can be found under "Current consultation hours of the asylum counseling projects":
https://awo-mitte.de/gefluechtete-asyl/
It is currently necessary to make an appointment by email (asyl@awo-mitte.de) for counseling.
AWO Asylberatung
Show on mapFree, confidential advice and assistance on topics including:
- Asylum application
- Preparing for hearings
- Explanation of decisions and legal action
- Dublin procedure
- Family reunification
- Right of residence
Exerzierstraße 16
13357 Berlin
Germany
[DeepL:] Current consultation times and contact details can be found under "Current consultation times of the asylum counseling projects":
https://awo-mitte.de/gefluechtete-asyl/
It is necessary to make an appointment by email (asyl@awo-mitte.de) for counseling!
Berliner Rechtsberatungsstelle
Show on map[DeepL:] Our specialist unit supports Afghan people seeking protection by providing qualified legal advice (individual and group advice) and by establishing a network of actors who support refugees from Afghanistan.
We offer Afghan people seeking advice a contact point for asylum and residence law advice on the following main topics: Asylum, prospects under residence law as well as safe and legal escape routes (family reunification, local force procedures and state and federal admission programs). The project supports Afghan refugees in knowing and asserting their rights and thus leading a self-determined life.
Exerzierstr. 16
13357 Berlin
Germany
[DeepL:] By appointment only
KuB Beratung und Unterstützung für Geflüchtete
Show on mapFree, confidential advice and assistance on the following topics:
- Counselling on asylum law, residence law, social law.
- Psychosocial counselling (problems, crises, conflicts)
- Advice for women in special circumstances (pregnancy, single parenthood, domestic violence, sexualised violence)
- Making forms understandable: Translations of official forms for applying for social benefits in different languages.
- Art projects for young people
If necessary and on request, language mediation is organised.
Oranienstraße 159
10969 Berlin
Germany
[DeepL:] Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 9:00-17:00
Migrationsrechts- und Flüchtlingsberatung
Show on mapWe offer:
- Advice on issues relating to residence law and related areas of law, such as citizenship law
- Cooperation with other projects, such as the Integrationslots:innen, the Stadtteilmütter project, the migration advice service for adults (Migrationsberatung) and the social advice service at tam (Sozialberatung) Referral to other specialist advice centres if required
Please make an appointment for a consultation in advance by e-mail or telephone.
Counseling is available in German, English and Chinese. Mediation for other languages is possible by prior arrangement.
Wilhelmstraße 115
10963 Berlin
Germany
Please make an appointment for a consultation in advance by e-mail or telephone.
Migrationsrechtsberatung für Migrant*innen und Geflüchtete
Show on mapKarl-Marx-Straße 172
12043 Berlin
Germany
Rechtsberatung für Geflüchtete
Show on mapAdvice on the following concerns:
- Legal and procedural advice: advice on all legal and practical issues prior to and during the asylum procedure.
- preparation for the interview
- on questions concerning work permits
- on questions concerning social benefits during the asylum procedure
- counselling after completion of the procedure
- family reunification
- questions on return
Oldenburger Straße 45
10551 Berlin
Germany
Opening hours: Tuesday from 9-12 and Thursday from 14-17 and by appointment.
Currently there are no open office hours. Please contact us using the contact details provided.
