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.

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.

Visa & residence in Hamburg 2026 – Fristen & Checkliste

Step 1⏱ 5–10 Min

Contact Hamburg Welcome Center

🚨

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

The Hamburg Welcome Center is responsible for residence permits and visa extensions. Apply online via the service portal.

📄 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

💡 Weitere Tipps

Hamburg Welcome Center: Tel. 040 428 39-5500
Online application 24/7 possible
Upload documents digitally beforehand
Appointment sent after review

Hamburg residence permit↗

Opens the official city page in a new tab

Step 2Only if your permit expires before you get an appointment⏱ 5–10 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

Fiction certificate secures legal stay
Apply before visa expires!
Online application speeds up processing

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 2024: €45,300 gross/year
Shortage occupations: only €41,042 (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 Hamburg

Contact Hamburg Welcome Center

📄 Required Documents

Get fictional certificate

📄 Required Documents

Check EU Blue Card

📄 Required Documents

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Part of: Residence in Germany