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Extending your residence permit
All information on the extension and reissue of the settlement permit or the electronic residence permit (eAT).
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About this Page
whether the settlement permit can expire
Application for renewal/reissue of the plastic card
how the extension procedure works
what the extension/re-issuance of the eAT costs
Table of Contents
1. Can the permanent residence permit expire?
2. Extension of the residence permit
3. Loss of the plastic card for residence permit
4. Costs for extending a permanent residence permit
5. FAQ
6. Conclusion Extension of residence permit
1. Can the permanent residence permit expire?
A settlement permit is a permanent residence permit in Germany that allows foreign nationals to live and work permanently in the country. Unlike temporary residence permits, a settlement permit is not tied to an expiration date and therefore cannot expire automatically. Anyone with a settlement permit can therefore stay and live in Germany permanently.
Even if the settlement permit cannot expire, the plastic card or the technical validity of the plastic card can expire . The plastic card (electronic residence permit (eAT)) serves as proof of the residence permit and is technically limited to a maximum of ten years . It also usually contains a reference to the currently valid personal document (e.g. passport). If this personal document expires or the technical lifespan of the eAT card is reached, a replacement card is required - regardless of whether the underlying residence permit remains valid. Important: The expiration of the eAT card does not affect the legality of the stay . However, there is a legal obligation to apply for a new eAT card/plastic card in a timely manner.
2. Extension of the residence permit
An extension of your settlement permit or plastic card is applied for at the immigration office . However, this extension does not involve a re-examination of your residence permit, but rather the issuance of a new plastic card. Your residence permit remains valid – only the storage medium, the electronic residence permit (eAT), expires and must be replaced. Therefore, you do not have to prove that you meet the requirements for a settlement permit again , nor do you have to submit any documents.
Renewing your electronic residence permit card (eAT) is straightforward and requires a simple application to the relevant immigration authority. After the application, your data is transmitted to the Federal Printing Office , which then produces a new plastic card. Your new eAT card is then sent directly to the immigration authority. Once the card arrives, you will receive a notification and can usually pick it up in person without an appointment. The new eAT card is generally valid for another ten years.
3. Loss of the plastic card for residence permit
The same procedure applies if you have lost your permanent residence permit (or plastic card). In such cases, you do not need to submit a new application for the permanent residence permit itself; instead, you simply submit an application for a replacement eAT card to the responsible immigration authority. The procedure is identical to that for the technical processing of the card: Your data is transmitted to the Federal Printing Office, and after production, the new plastic card is made available for collection.
Regardless of whether the plastic card expires or is lost, your settlement permit remains valid . The residence permit itself is permanent and does not need to be reapplied for. This is simply a matter of issuing a new plastic card, which serves as proof of your valid residence permit. Apply for a replacement card at the immigration office in a timely manner to avoid problems in everyday life—for example, when dealing with authorities or at work. A valid plastic card is also important when entering and leaving the country.
4. Costs for extending a permanent residence permit
A new eAT card (electronic residence permit) must be issued if the current card has expired or if details such as name, address or other data have changed in accordance with Section 78 Paragraph 1 Sentence 3 Nos. 1 to 18 of the Residence Act . In these cases, the fee for reissuing is 67 euros . This fee applies to both regular extensions and formal changes that are necessary upon request or due to legal requirements. The same fee also applies to reissuing due to technical defects (e.g., damage). Special fees may apply to Turkish nationals due to association law.
Further information on applying for an extension or reissuance of a settlement permit is available from your local immigration office (see, for example , information on the electronic residence permit (eAT) in Berlin ). One of our lawyers will also be happy to advise you if you need to extend your settlement permit or have your plastic card reissued.
5. FAQ
Can the permanent residence permit expire?
The settlement permit itself is permanent and does not expire. However, the associated plastic card, the electronic residence permit (eAT), is technically limited and must generally be renewed every ten years. The expiration of the card does not affect the validity of the residence permit.
How does the extension of the residence permit work?
The extension only involves reissuing the eAT card, not re-examining the residence permit. A simple application to the immigration office is sufficient. After the application, the Federal Printing Office will produce a new card, which can be picked up from the office.
What happens if I lose my plastic card?
If you lose your eAT card, you don't need to apply for a new permanent residence permit. Simply apply for a replacement plastic card. The new card will be printed by the Federal Printing Office (Bundesdruckerei) and deposited with the immigration office, just like with a regular renewal.
6. Conclusion
Even though the settlement permit itself is permanent and therefore never expires, the associated plastic card – the electronic residence permit (eAT) – is technically limited and must be renewed at regular intervals. The extension or replacement only applies to the eAT card and does not require a new residence permit application. The application process is straightforward and is done at the responsible immigration office. The immigration office then orders the new plastic card from the Federal Printing Office. Once printed, you can simply pick up the new plastic card from your immigration office. It is important to act promptly to avoid problems when traveling or dealing with authorities.
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Further Information
List of Sources (Paywall)
[1] Administrative instructions for residence in Berlin (VAB), as of 18 February 2025, Section 9 Residence Act
[2] Section 9 of the Act on the Residence, Employment and Integration of Foreigners in the Federal Territory (Residence Act – AufenthG) of 25 February 2008 (Federal Law Gazette I p. 162), last amended by Article 3 of the Act of 25 October 2024 (Federal Law Gazette 2024 I No. 332)