Residence permit by post from 01.11.2024

From 1 November 2024, many applicants for residence permits in Germany will see some changes. The new regulation under Section 60a of the Residence Ordinance (AufenthV (not: Residence Act (AufenthG)), introduced by Article 3 of the PAuswVuaÄndV 2023, makes it possible to send residence permits and the associated electronic residence permits (eAT) by post. This means that the second appointment at the immigration office, which was previously necessary to collect the plastic card, is no longer necessary. But what exactly does this mean and what impact will the change have?

The current practice

Previously, applicants had to attend at least two appointments at the immigration office:

First appointment: recording the biometric data (fingerprints), viewing the necessary documents and signing the applications.

Second appointment: Collection of the electronic residence permit, which was previously ordered from the Bundesdruckerei.

This second step will now be replaced by the new regulation. In future, the residence permit will be sent directly to applicants together with a blocking password (Section 60a Residence Ordinance, new version), provided that they have a valid passport and a current domestic registration address.

Criticism and uncertainties regarding implementation

Despite the planned introduction, there are considerable doubts as to whether the regulation will actually come into force on 1 November 2024 as planned. The German government has already announced that there will initially be a test phase until May 2025. Only then will it be possible to use the procedure on a regular basis.

Renowned experts in the field of German migration law have sharply criticised this approach. It is feared that the planned introduction will once again be significantly delayed, similar to the Digital Labour Market Re

porting (DAB). The criticism is directed in particular at the fact that the legislator's original intention to implement the change from November 2024 is being ignored.

Conclusion: relief or delay?

The introduction of sending residence permits by post promises to make things much easier for applicants. Long waiting times and additional appointments could be a thing of the past in future. However, the delays and uncertainties surrounding the actual implementation raise questions as to whether the hoped-for progress will actually be realised within the planned timeframe.