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Immigration & residence in Germany
Germany is one of the largest destinations for newcomers in Europe. Most permits come through the Ausländerbehörde (foreigners' office) in your city.
Immigration offices in Germany
Ausländerbehörde: Residence permits, visa extensions. BAMF (Bundesamt für Migration): Asylum, integration courses. Phone: 0911 943 0.
Residence steps to prioritise
Address registration (Anmeldung): Mandatory within 14 days of moving in. Without it you can't get a bank account, tax ID, health insurance, or phone contract. Book a Bürgeramt appointment — Search '[city] Bürgeramt Termin'. In Berlin/Munich, slots fill in minutes — refresh early morning. Bring documents — Passport, rental contract (Mietvertrag), Wohnungsgeberbestätigung signed by your landlord, marriage/birth certificates if applicable. Receive Meldebescheinigung — You'll also get a Steuer-ID by post within 2–3 weeks. Residence permit (Aufenthaltstitel): After arriving on a visa, you apply for an Aufenthaltstitel at the Ausländerbehörde before the visa expires. Book early — Waiting lists run 2–6 months. Apply for an appointment immediately after Anmeldung. Typical documents — Passport, biometric photo, Anmeldung, health insurance proof, income/job offer or study enrollment, rental contract, fee ~100 €. Fiktionsbescheinigung — If your visa expires before the appointment, ask for a Fiktionsbescheinigung — it legalizes your stay while waiting. Integration course (Integrationskurs): 600 hours of German + 100 hours of orientation. Free or 2.50 €/hr depending on status. Apply at BAMF — Refugees and EU Blue Card holders qualify automatically. Others can apply for a Zulassung. Find a school — VHS and private schools (Goethe, IIK, did) run the course. Search BAMF's official list. Final exam — DTZ (German A2/B1) + Leben in Deutschland. Passing B1 counts toward citizenship.
Documents to keep ready
Prepare your passport, visa or residence card, birth and marriage certificates, address proof, health-insurance proof, job or study documents, and passport photos. In Germany, officials may ask for originals, copies and certified translations.
If a decision is delayed or refused
Ask Ausländerbehörde for written confirmation that your application is pending. If you receive a refusal, read the appeal deadline immediately and contact a legal-aid organisation or migrant support office in Germany.
Documents checklist
- Valid passport (6+ months validity)
- Proof of purpose (job/study/family)
- Health insurance
- Proof of accommodation
- Proof of sufficient funds
Frequently asked questions
Which office should I contact first in Germany?
Start with Ausländerbehörde. For broader newcomer help, also check Bürgeramt / Einwohnermeldeamt, Ausländerbehörde, BAMF (Bundesamt für Migration).
What language will offices use in Germany?
The main administrative language is German. Larger offices often offer English or interpreters, but bring translated documents when possible.
How long does a residence permit take in Germany?
Processing times vary from a few weeks to several months depending on the permit type and completeness of your documents.
Can I work while waiting for my permit?
In many cases yes, especially if you already hold a work-based permit. Rules differ by category — check with the migration authority before starting work.
What if my application is refused?
You almost always have the right to appeal. Free legal counselling is available through NGOs and, in some cases, publicly funded lawyers.
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