Residence permit

You must regularly extend your residence permit before it expires (roughly 8 weeks in advance).

To do so, use the Online Service Residence Permit Hamburg. Make sure that you have all your supporting documents in order. You can already send these to the authorities using the online service. After completing the online service, you will receive a confirmation mail with further information. 

You must inform your local immigration office if there are any changes, e.g., if you change your degree program or successfully complete your studies. Depending on your further plans (job search, career start, further study, doctorate), there are various ways to stay in Germany after your degree.

• If you have submitted an extension request before your current residence permit expires, your permit will remain valid until your request has been decided. Section 81 subsection 4 AufenthG
• If your residence permit is about to expire and you have yet to receive a response from the authorities, contact the local immigration office responsible and request that they issue a temporary permit (known as a “Fiktionsbescheinigung”).

Rights

• You can have a part-time job for 140 full or 280 half days in a calendar year. However, this applies only to salaried employment. Freelance activities (e.g., translation, language courses offered on an hourly basis) must be authorized by the Office for Foreigners’ Affairs.
• You may leave and reenter Germany as often as you wish. You should note, however, that you may not spend more than 6 months at a time outside Germany. If you do, your residence permit expires.
• You may complete an exchange program and benefit from the more relaxed visa conditions within the EU. If you spend more than 6 months outside of Germany for the purpose of studying, notify your local foreigners’ department.

Obligations

• Make sure to extend your residence permit before it expires.
• Notify your local foreigners’ department about any changes in your status (e.g., change of subject or degree).
• You may have a part-time job for 140 full days or 280 half days per calendar year—freelance work must be authorized by the Office for Foreigners’ Affairs.
• Be aware: your residence permit for the purpose of university study covers a maximum of 10 years (bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, and, if applicable, additional preparatory courses such as language courses or a Studienkolleg).