If you ask African families in Germany what they worry about most, the Ausländerbehörde comes up again and again. It is the immigration office that issues and renews your residence permit. And getting an appointment there can feel like winning a lottery.
Here is how to make it less stressful.
What Does the Ausländerbehörde Do?
It deals with everything about your right to live in Germany: first residence permits after you arrive, extensions, changes of purpose (for example from study to work), permanent residence, and family reunification. Each city or district has its own office, and the one that is responsible depends on where you are registered.
First, Make Sure You Are Registered
Your office is decided by your address, so complete your Anmeldung first. Most offices will not book you without a registered address.
How to Book an Appointment
- Search for your city’s page. Use “Ausländerbehörde” or “Termin” plus your city name. Always use the official city website. Be careful with paid “appointment services” that charge for free slots.
- Use the online booking portal if there is one. Pick the matching reason, such as “Aufenthaltserlaubnis verlängern” (extend permit).
- Check at different times. Many offices release new slots on certain days or add cancelled ones throughout the day. Early mornings often work.
- Use the contact form or email if no slots are shown. Explain your case, the date your permit expires and attach a copy of the permit. Keep a copy of what you sent.
- Try the walk-in or urgent hours, if your city offers them for urgent cases.
When Your Permit Is About to Expire
This is the part that worries people most. In general, if you apply for an extension before your current permit expires, your legal stay continues while the office decides, and the office can give you a temporary confirmation (a Fiktionsbescheinigung). Do not wait until the last week. Apply as early as the office allows, often several weeks before the expiry date.
Keep proof that you applied in time, such as the email you sent, a screenshot of the booking page, or the confirmation letter. If you travel while waiting, check with the office first, because the rules on leaving and re-entering depend on your situation.
What to Bring
Your office will have its own checklist, but these are usually needed:
- Valid passport and current residence permit
- Biometric photo
- Meldebescheinigung (proof of registration)
- Rental contract or landlord’s confirmation
- Employment contract and recent payslips, or proof of study or other income
- Proof of health insurance
- Any forms the office asked you to fill in, and originals plus copies
The fee depends on the type of permit. Ask what payment methods are accepted, because some offices do not take cash.
At the Appointment
- Arrive a little early with everything in one folder, in order.
- Be polite and brief. Explain your goal in one sentence.
- Bring someone who speaks German if you are not confident, if the office allows it.
- Ask for a written receipt or confirmation of anything you hand in.
- Check spelling of your name and dates on documents before you leave.
Common Mistakes
- Waiting until your permit has expired. Apply before the date.
- Missing documents, which can mean a second appointment weeks later.
- Paying a third party for something the city offers for free.
- Not keeping copies of every email, form and letter.
- Ignoring letters from the office. They often come with deadlines.
If You Are Stuck
If you cannot get an appointment and your permit is close to expiring, write to the office again, mention the urgency and keep proof. Free migration advice services (Migrationsberatung) and some welfare organisations can help you write to the office or even intervene. Our checklist also helps you keep your papers in order from the start.
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Procedures differ by city and change over time, so confirm details on your local Ausländerbehörde’s website or with a qualified immigration adviser.