100 € (Verlängerung) - 113 € (Niederlassung), 13 €, 100 €

What happens if I miss the deadline?

Du riskierst Probleme mit deinem Aufenthaltsstatus (z.B. Arbeitsverbot). Hol dir frühzeitig einen Termin.

Residence permit Bielefeld 2026 – Extend, deadlines & costs

Step 1⏱ 10–15 Min

Appointment at Immigration Office

🚨

Frist: At least 8 weeks before expiry · You risk problems with your residence status (e.g. work ban). Get an appointment early.

You must extend your residence permit BEFORE it expires. Book an appointment as early as possible – waiting times are often several weeks!

📄 Required Documents

Complete all required documents first

Valid passport(Required)

Valid for at least 6 more months

Current residence permit(Required)

Bring original

Biometric passport photo(Required)

Not older than 6 months

Registration certificate(Required)

Not older than 3 months

Health insurance proof(Required)

Currently valid

Employment contract or enrollment(Required)

Depending on purpose of stay

Salary slips (3 months)(Required)

Last 3 months

Rental contract(Required)

Current contract

🏛️ Lokale Behördeninfo

•Immigration office Bielefeld: Niederwall 23 (Neues Rathaus), 33602 Bielefeld

💡 Weitere Tipps

Tel. 0521 51-0
💡 TIP: Book your immigration office appointment online via the appointment portal
Walk-in info desk (no appointment needed): Mon–Fri 8–10 am, additionally Thu 2:30–4 pm (general information only, no case processing)
1 central immigration office for the entire city of Bielefeld – responsible for all residents (no surrounding areas)

Appointment at Bielefeld Immigration Office↗

Opens the official city page in a new tab

Step 2Only if your permit expires before you get an appointment⏱ 10–15 Min

Get fictional certificate

🚨

Frist: BEFORE current permit expires! · Make sure to apply BEFORE permit expires – this keeps you covered during processing.

The fictional certificate allows you to legally stay and work in Germany while your application is being processed.

📄 Required Documents

Complete all required documents first

Expiring residence permit(Required)

Bring original

Passport(Required)

Valid

Proof of appointment booking(Required)

Screenshot or confirmation

💡 Weitere Tipps

IMPORTANT: Must apply BEFORE expiry!
With fictional certificate you can continue working
Valid until decision on your application
Travel abroad only limited

Book appointment at Immigration Office↗

Opens the official city page in a new tab

Step 3For academics with job offer⏱ 5–10 Min

Check EU Blue Card

The EU Blue Card is the fastest path to permanent residence for highly qualified workers. Check if you meet the requirements!

⚠️With Blue Card permanent residence is possible after 21-33 months instead of 5 years.

⏰ When changing jobs or extending💰 100 €

📄 Required Documents

Complete all required documents first

University degree (recognized)(Required)

Check in Anabin database

Employment contract(Required)

With minimum salary

All standard documents(Required)

See step 1

💡 Weitere Tipps

Minimum salary 2025: €48,300, from 2026: €50,700 gross/year
Shortage occupations 2025: €43,760, from 2026: €45,934 (IT, engineers, doctors)
After 21-33 months: permanent residence possible
Check degree in Anabin database

EU Blue Card info↗

Opens the official city page in a new tab

Extend Residence Permit in Bielefeld

Appointment at Immigration Office

📄 Required Documents

Get fictional certificate

📄 Required Documents

Check EU Blue Card

📄 Required Documents

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Part of: Residence in Germany