The list below is the core — your ABH may ask for less or more (students: enrolment certificate, families: civil status documents). The exact list is on your ABH’s website; find the form by postal code:
Health insurance — the classic stumbling block
Valid coverage is a legal requirement for any permit (§ 5 AufenthG). If you recently changed jobs or status (employed ↔ freelance), make sure the insurance matches your new status and bring a fresh certificate.
I submitted the package as one PDF with a table of contents per the office checklist: application, passport, income, housing, insurance, photos. Zero follow-ups — decision without delay.
👩🏼💼
Lea recommends:
Keep two spare biometric photos and copies of everything: when caseworkers change, packages get lost and a copy saves a whole waiting appointment.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Which documents are almost always needed?▾
Passport, old permit, biometric photos, proof of income and housing, insurance, a current registration certificate. The exact list depends on permit type — take it from your own office site.
Where do I get the supplementary form and questionnaires?▾
From your city immigration office site: forms vary by state. Fill them in advance and bring printed — filling in on site eats the appointment.
Changed jobs since the last renewal — what to add?▾
A new employment contract, recent payslips, sometimes an employer certificate. For self-employment, the current tax picture and income proof.
How much income is enough?▾
The benchmark is covering your living costs without public benefits (§ 5 AufenthG). Specific permits (Blue Card, studies) have their own thresholds.
Does private insurance (PKV) count?▾
Yes, if the coverage meets the requirements. The ABH sometimes asks for confirmation of the coverage scope — request a certificate for the authority from your insurer.
My passport expires before the new permit would — what then?▾
The permit is issued at most until your passport expires. Renew the passport at your consulate before applying — otherwise you will come twice.