Residence
On the following pages you will find information and advice on the most common reasons for residing in Germany.
If you would like to take advantage of any of the services of the Aliens' Registration Authority described on the following pages or need advice on aspects of law relating to foreign citizens, then please arrange an appointment with the advisor responsible for you. By arranging an appointment you can avoid long waiting times. You will also be told in advance what documents you will need to provide for your matter to be dealt with. You can find out which advisor is responsible for you on the right-hand side.
Since 1 September 2011 residence permits have been issued as electronic residence permits (known as "eATs") with a certified chip. The introduction of the eAT in a credit card format replaces the old-style adhesive residence permits, the residence and permanent residence cards and the paper alternative identity documents. Further information on the electronic residence permit can be found here.
Existing residence permits in passports and alternative passport documents will remain valid until 31 August 2021 at the latest. This means that an electronic residence permit will only need to be issued when the residence permit expires or a new passport is issued.
