EXPLAINED: How to apply for a residency permit online in Berlin

As previously reported, Berlin’s immigration office (LEA) is in the process of digitising most of its services. 

A spokesman for the LEA confirmed to The Local this week that the office is continuing to “systematically switch the majority of its services to digital applications by the end of 2025”.

They added that in addition to seven online applications that are already live, “Further online applications will be added in 2024.”

But in the meantime, some of those who need to apply for or renew their residency permits in Berlin are having a hard time figuring out exactly how to do so, because much of the information online about how to make an appointment with the immigration office is now outdated.

Having just submitted his own application for a residency permit, Paul Krantz followed up with the LEA to confirm the process for submitting an application and securing an appointment. Here’s how to do it.

Submit your application for a residency permit online

The good news is that applying for a residency permit has gotten logistically simpler. Previously you had to book an appointment, which proved to be virtually impossible, and then bring all of your documents into the office in person.

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Now the process begins by simply submitting your application online.

Then LEA officers review your application and all of the documents you attached, and get in touch with you to schedule an appointment for you to come in, confirm any last details, and hopefully pay and collect your residency permit.

This should help streamline the process, because officers can flag additional documents that you should provide ahead of your appointment.

A spokesperson for the LEA told The Local, “If an online application is not yet available for the residency permit you require, appointments can be made with the relevant departments using a contact form.”

Online applications are currently available to apply for German citizenship or an EU Blue Card, as well as residence permits for refugees from Ukraine and a few other cases. 

But if you need to apply for another type of residence permit, such as a residence permit for various types of employment or a residence permit for spouses or family etc., you should simply fill out a contact form to begin with.

A full list of online applications, as well as links to the relevant contact forms for various residence permits can be found here.

(To find the contact form you need, scroll down to find the link to the residence permit you need > scroll down to the section that reads "Responsible to you" (Für Sie zuständig) > click on the information icon next to "LEA Keplerstr." > click on the contact form link.)

Best practices for submitting your application

You should expect that it will take some weeks to hear back from the LEA. For this reason, it’s generally advised to submit an application at least six to eight weeks before the expiry of your current residency.

Also, you’ll want to do your due diligence to ensure that you submit all the necessary documents and information the first time, to avoid delaying the process further.

A best practice here would be to gather all of the required documents listed on the LEA’s website, scan or photograph them and combine them in a single PDF document.

The contact form has space for five document uploads, so you can keep large or important files like the application form separate, but you’ll want to combine smaller forms and proofs.

When you have everything ready, find the contact form for the relevant office here.

Make sure to save the confirmation of receipt

After you’ve successfully submitted the form, you should see a pop-up window that says, “Thank you for your message… We recommend that you save this page as proof, or print it out if necessary…”

Below that it notes: “If you have applied for an extension of the validity of your temporary residence permit… your stay in Germany is hereby considered lawful until you appear at the LEA.”

READ ALSO: Foreigners in Berlin furious over German citizenship delays

As unofficial as this pop-up window may look, it will serve as your temporary residence permit (Fiktionsbescheinigung) until the LEA makes a decision on your application.

A spokesperson for the LEA confirmed to The Local that this printout, combined with your previous residence permit is “easily accepted by authorities, and also banks, landlords and employers.”

Note that this Fiktionsbescheinigung may not allow for travelling abroad, or re-entering Germany after your current residency permit expires.

Contact the LEA if you need to travel abroad urgently after your visa or residence permit expires. 

Once you’ve submitted your application to the LEA, the office asks that you refrain from following up about your application until they have contacted you. Yes, it may very well take a bit longer than you expected. 

All you can do at this point is have patience. Good luck!