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If you’re a foreign national living in Germany or planning to move there, you’ll quickly come across the term Ausländerbehörde. Whether you're applying for a residence permit, extending your visa, changing employers, or updating your address, this office plays a central role in your legal status in the country.
In this guide, we explain what the Ausländerbehörde is, what it does, who it serves, and why you’ll likely have to interact with it at some point during your stay in Germany.
What Is the Ausländerbehörde?
The Ausländerbehörde is the Foreigners’ Office or Immigration Authority in Germany. It is the local government body responsible for handling the legal and administrative matters of non-German nationals residing in Germany.
Each city or district in Germany has its own Ausländerbehörde. The rules and procedures are governed by national immigration laws but may vary slightly depending on the local office.
What Does the Ausländerbehörde Do?
The Ausländerbehörde provides a wide range of services for foreign nationals. Its primary responsibilities include:
1. Residence Permits
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Issuing new residence permits for study, work, family reunification, asylum, or other purposes
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Renewing or extending existing residence titles
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Issuing EU Blue Cards and permits for skilled workers
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Switching from one residence title to another
2. Work Authorization
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Approving work rights linked to residence permits
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Adding or removing employment conditions (e.g., employer-specific permissions)
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Granting freelance or self-employment permission for eligible visa holders
3. Visa and Entry Support
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Supporting the national visa process by verifying local conditions for residence
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Checking employer offers, accommodation, and financial stability for visa issuance
4. Legal Compliance and Notifications
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Monitoring whether foreign nationals comply with residence rules
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Recording changes in address, marital status, or employer
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Notifying other government departments (like the job center or tax office) of your legal stay
5. Permanent Residency and Naturalization Support
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Processing applications for Permanent Residence Permits (Niederlassungserlaubnis)
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Assisting with naturalization cases before passing them to the citizenship office (Einbürgerungsamt)
When Should You Contact the Ausländerbehörde?
You are expected to contact your local Ausländerbehörde when:
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You arrive in Germany and hold a visa that must be converted to a residence permit
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Your permit is close to expiring
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You change your employer, address, or purpose of stay
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You want to apply for permanent residence
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You need written confirmation of your residence status (e.g., for travel or work)
Appointments must often be booked well in advance. Some cities allow online applications or document uploads to streamline processing.
Who Must Go to the Ausländerbehörde?
Anyone who is not a citizen of:
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Germany
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The European Union (EU)
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The European Economic Area (EEA)
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Switzerland
must interact with the Ausländerbehörde if they wish to stay in Germany longer than 90 days. Short-term visitors with a Schengen visa usually do not need to visit unless applying for a longer-term residence.
What Documents Do You Need?
Documents vary by purpose, but common ones include:
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Valid passport
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Completed application form
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Biometric photo
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Proof of accommodation
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Proof of income or financial stability
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Work contract or university admission letter
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Health insurance proof
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Current residence permit (if applying for renewal)
Always check your specific city’s Ausländerbehörde website for the latest checklist.
Sources
Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF): https://www.bamf.de
Make It In Germany – Official Portal: https://www.make-it-in-germany.com
Berlin Ausländerbehörde (example): https://www.berlin.de/einwanderung
Disclaimer
This blog post is for informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice or replace official communication with immigration authorities. Immigration laws, procedures, and requirements can change. Always consult your local Ausländerbehörde or a licensed immigration advisor for specific instructions related to your case.
WorkPermitCheck.com is a private verification service and is not affiliated with the German government. We do not issue visas or residence permits.
FAQs
Q1: Is the Ausländerbehörde the same across all cities in Germany?
No. Each city or district has its own office. While the laws are federal, local procedures may vary.
Q2: Can I visit the Ausländerbehörde without an appointment?
In most cases, no. Appointments are required and can be booked online or by phone. Emergency walk-ins are rare and usually limited.
Q3: How early should I apply to renew my residence permit?
It is recommended to apply at least 6–8 weeks before your permit expires to avoid gaps in your legal stay.
Q4: Does the Ausländerbehörde speak English?
Some staff may speak English, but it is not guaranteed. It’s advisable to bring a German-speaking friend or interpreter if you’re unsure.
Q5: What happens if I ignore my appointment or fail to renew my permit on time?
You may fall into illegal status, which can lead to fines, visa cancellation, or even deportation. Always act before your current permit expires.
