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The Foreigners’ Registration Office is responsible for matters related to laws concerning foreigners, as well as the granting and extension of residence permits.
If you do not have an EU passport and intend to stay in Germany longer than three months, then you must apply for a residence permit at the Foreigners’ Registration Office where you live (unless you already have a long-term visa for the entire duration of your stay). Please apply for your residence permit six weeks before your visa or your current residence permit expires.
The application and issuance of the electronic residence permit requires two personal appointments at your Foreigners’ Registration Office.
We will be happy to assist you setting up an appointment with your local Foreigners' Registration Office!
You can make an appointment onlinewith the Immigration Office in Berlin. High demand for appointments, especially at the beginning of the semester, may lead to closure of the online scheduling system. If this is the case, please go in person to the Immigration Office within the opening hours. Caution: You must arrive early and be prepared for very long wait times!
There is a checklist at the end of this page that lists all of the required documents that you will need to apply for the issuance or extension of a residence permit, as well as additional forms and information.
For questions please contact our Welcome Center team.
Helene-Lange-Str. 6/7
14469 Potsdam
opening time
Mon, Fri 9.00-12.00
Tue 9.00-18.00
Wed by appointment only
Thu 9.00-16.00
Keplerstr. 2
10589 Berlin
opening time
Mon-Wed, Fri by appointment only
Thursday 9:00-17:00