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

What happens if I miss the deadline?

Du riskierst Probleme mit deinem Aufenthaltsstatus. Hol dir frühzeitig einen Termin! eAT dauert 4-6 Wochen.

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

What happens if I miss the deadline?

Du riskierst Probleme mit deinem Aufenthaltsstatus. Hol dir frühzeitig einen Termin! eAT dauert 4-6 Wochen.

Visa & residence in Essen 2026 – Fristen & Checkliste

Step 1⏱ 10–15 Min

Appointment at Immigration Office

🚨

Frist: At least 8 weeks before expiry · You risk problems with your residence status. Get an appointment early! eAT takes 4-6 weeks.

You must extend your residence permit BEFORE it expires. Book an appointment as early as possible at Essen Immigration Office.

📄 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 Essen: Kruppstraße 16, 45128 Essen | Tel. 0201 88-38883

•Email: abh@essen.de | eAT pickup: 38883@abh.essen.de

💡 Weitere Tipps

Appointments ONLY online: termine.essen.de
Bring ALL documents as original AND copy
eAT processing: 4-6 weeks

Appointment Immigration Office Essen↗

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!

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 – fictional certificate↗

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.

⚠️With Blue Card permanent residence is possible after 21-33 months!

⏰ 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 2024: €45,300 gross/year
Shortage occupations: only €41,042
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 Essen

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