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 Cologne – Fristen & Checkliste

Step 1

Appointment at Immigration Office

🚨

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

You must extend your residence permit BEFORE it expires. Book an appointment as early as possible – waiting times are often several weeks!

📄 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

Immigration office Cologne: Dillenburger Straße 56-66, 51105 Cologne
Tel. 0221/221-25601
💡 TIP: Fill out application online – you will receive an appointment invitation by mail!
Appointments only by invitation
9 district immigration offices in Cologne – responsibility by residence

Appointment at Cologne Immigration Office↗Fill 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.

📄 Required Documents

Expiring residence permit(Required)

Bring original

Passport(Required)

Valid

Proof of appointment booking(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

Book appointment at Immigration Office↗

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, from 2026: €50,700 gross/year
Shortage occupations 2025: €43,760, from 2026: €45,934 (IT, engineers, doctors)
After 21-33 months: permanent residence possible
Check degree in Anabin database

EU Blue Card info↗

Extend Residence Permit in Cologne

Appointment at Immigration Office

📄 Required Documents

Get fictional certificate

📄 Required Documents

Check EU Blue Card

📄 Required Documents

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

🔗 Related Topics