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

What happens if I miss the deadline?

Keine offene Terminbuchung! Du musst erst den Online-Antrag stellen und auf Einladung warten.

Visa & residence in Berlin – Fristen & Checkliste

Step 1

Submit online application at LEA

🚨

Frist: At least 3 months before expiry · No open appointment booking! You must first submit the online application and wait for an invitation.

You must extend your residence permit BEFORE it expires. In Berlin, you first submit an online application at the State Office for Immigration (LEA) – then you receive an appointment by mail.

📄 Required Documents

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

💡 Tips

LEA Berlin: Friedrich-Krause-Ufer 24, 13353 Berlin
Tel. 030 90269-4000
Bring ALL documents as original AND copy
Current wait times very long (several months!)
Use contact form on berlin.de/einwanderung

LEA Berlin Online Application↗

Step 2Only if your permit expires before you get an appointment

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 at LEA. In Berlin this is especially important due to long waiting times!

📄 Required Documents

Expiring residence permit(Required)

Bring original

Passport(Required)

Valid

Proof of online application(Required)

Screenshot or confirmation

💡 Tips

IMPORTANT: Must apply BEFORE expiry!
With fictional certificate you can continue working
Valid until decision on your application
Travel abroad only limited
Very common in Berlin due to long LEA wait times

LEA Berlin Contact Form↗

Step 3For academics with job offer

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

University degree (recognized)(Required)

Check in Anabin database

Employment contract(Required)

With minimum salary

All standard documents(Required)

See step 1

💡 Tips

Minimum salary 2025: €48,300 gross/year (from 2026: €50,700)
Shortage occupations: €43,760 (from 2026: €45,934) - IT, engineers, doctors
After 21-33 months: permanent residence possible
Check degree in Anabin database
Berlin: Startup scene offers many Blue Card jobs

EU Blue Card info↗

Extend Residence Permit in Berlin

Submit online application at LEA

📄 Required Documents

Get fictional certificate

📄 Required Documents

Check EU Blue Card

📄 Required Documents

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

🔗 Related Topics