The COVID-19 coronavirus crisis is still dominating the headlines and setting the global agenda. Measures such as the travel ban to Germany have created a significant disruption, and they have arisen due to COVID-19. Travel restrictions globally have led to severe problems for people worldwide, and the expiration of EU Blue Cards and German Residence Permits during this time is just one of these problems. At Schlun & Elseven Rechtsanwälte, we have been contacted by German residence permit holders and EU Blue Cardholders who have found themselves in this challenging situation.
This article will examine how one should act when their German residence permit is expiring. This topic is crucial for those people whose residence permit or EU Blue Card is expiring and who find themselves outside of Germany at this moment. Knowing what to do in this situation and having a reliable German legal partner can help your peace of mind. Contact us directly using the form below if you want specialised legal assistance.
If you have a particular issue or legal question concerning events related to the COVID-19 coronavirus, please contact our law office directly. Our lawyers can be reached by phone, email and also provide video conferencing options. For more legal information on the Corona crisis, please visit our Crisis Dashboard.
Expiration of EU Blue Card / Residence Permit: What Should I Do?
Should you be faced with the possibility of the expiration of an EU Blue Card or another German residence permit, it is vital to know how to proceed. If you are currently in Germany, it is recommended to file for an extension of the residence permit at your local immigration office. This action should be completed before the current permit expires. The application to extend the residence permit must be performed before its expiration date.
As significant disruptions are currently in place, those applying may be worried that they will not be given an extension to their residence permit before its expiration. However, a provisional extension can be granted under § 81 (4) German Residence Act. This interim extension allows the residence permit holder to remain under their current residence permit until the immigration authorities decide. Making such an application will ensure that the holder can legally stay in Germany until the current situation subsides, allowing for the application of a further residence permit.
What Should I do if not Currently in Germany?
For German residence permit holders currently located outside of Germany, it is still possible to apply for that provisional extension. This applies in cases concerning the expiration of the EU Blue Card and other forms of German residence permits. In this case, the extension can be applied for by email or letter. Naturally, proving that the immigration authority received your application is of great importance in this matter. At Schlun & Elseven Rechtsanwälte, our immigration specialists can provide the necessary assistance to ensure that your application for a provisional extension of the EU Blue Card will be successful.
German Residence Permits and the EU Blue Card
Non-EU / EEA citizens require a residence permit to live and work in Germany. The residence permit is linked to why the person finds themselves in Germany, whether for work or study reasons.
The EU Blue Card is a popular form of residence permit available to professionals who earn over a certain amount each year. For most professionals in 2023, the amount necessary to earn is a minimum of €43,800 for most positions, but in the case of in-demand jobs, it is €39,682.80 (2023). These in-demand or “shortage” jobs are those in information technology and communications, engineering and medicine.
Expiration of EU Blue Card / Residence Permit: Impact of Expiration
Allowing a residence permit to expire can leave a person open to severe consequences. For example, overstaying a visa can result in deportation orders and not being allowed to return to Germany for a length of time. This is especially important for those people applying from outside of Germany. Furthermore, applying after the residence permit has expired can be costly and time-consuming.
Applying for an extension of a residence permit can be stressful. This is especially the case when ensuring that deadlines are met and the correct paperwork requirements are fulfilled. Incorrect document submission can result in a new residence permit application facing rejection. At Schlun & Elseven Rechtsanwälte, our immigration attorneys will take care of your application! We can take care of the entire process or guide you through the application to ensure that there will be a successful conclusion.
This is a stressful time for many people, and the problems some individuals and companies face are genuinely unprecedented. Unfortunately, we are fully aware that submitting applications for residence permit extensions for some of our clients is the last thing they need to face.
At Schlun & Elseven Rechtsanwälte, our immigration lawyers are highly experienced when working with the German immigration authorities. We will look after the application requirements to ensure that you can be provided with a provisional residence permit until we can act further to ensure that your residence permit can be extended further. The main thing to remember is that the application needs to be made before the current Blue Card/residence permit expiration.
At Schlun & Elseven Rechtsanwälte, we are a multidisciplinary and multilingual law firm with offices in Cologne, Aachen and Düsseldorf. We can meet our clients all over Europe from our conference rooms in Berlin, Hamburg, Frankfurt, Stuttgart and Munich. However, during the current COVID-19 coronavirus crisis, we conduct our business through email, phone and video conferencing facilities.
Our legal team will remain active and available for our clients throughout the duration of this crisis. Don’t hesitate to contact our firm directly for more information on how we can help you with issues around the expiration of an EU Blue Card or residence permit. Our lawyers will provide you with clear guidance to resolve any immigration law problems you may be facing.
