Forms and checklists

Forms and checklists for residence permits

Would you like to apply for a residence permit in Hamburg or extend your existing permit, but don't know which documents you need? We have prepared checklists for you that list exactly which documents you need to submit. You can also download important forms and templates directly from this page.

Submit application

You can submit your application to the Hamburg Welcome Center or the local Hamburg Service for Foreigners' Affairs.

Use the Hamburg residence permit online service for this.

Here you can submit the application and your documents in compliance with data protection regulations. You can also find out which immigration office is responsible for you. 

Book an appointment

You should then be able to book your appointment. If this function is not available, the immigration office will notify you of your appointment.

If the Hamburg Welcome Center is responsible for your application, you can make an appointment after using the online service by calling +49 40 428 39-5500.

Checklists

Residence permits

Depending on the purpose of your stay (work, study, language course, etc.), various documents are required to apply for a residence permit.

Foreign documents must always be submitted in German or English. The translation must be carried out by an officially sworn translator. To find a translator, please use the interpreter and translator database.

Further detailed information on the use of foreign documents in Germany can be found on the website of the Federal Foreign Office.

Detailed information on the respective requirements can be found in the section on residence permits.


Checklists:

Declaration of commitment

Change of employer

Applications

Issue/renewal of a residence permit in various languages

Transfer of the residence permit to a new passport

Do you have a valid residence permit and have received a new passport?

In this case, you must have a new card (electronic residence permit, eAT for short) issued. This is called a "transfer" ('Übertrag'), as the new passport number will be transferred to your new card (eAT). The current card still refers to the old passport.

Antrag auf Übertragung:

Additional Form for transfer

You can find more information in our article Transfer your residence permit to a new passport.

Application for permission to work on a self-employed/freelance basis

Templates

Declaration of marriage

Proof of sufficient health insurance cover (for private health insurance)

Foreign nationals without statutory health insurance must prove adequate private health insurance coverage.

  • residence of more than twelve months: Annex 1
  • residence up to twelve months: Annex 2
  • residence up to 180 days: Annex 3

Further information can be found in the article on proof of sufficient health insurance cover.

Templates and information sheet: Au-Pair

Templates for tax consultants and auditors

Application

Ein Stethoskop liegt auf verschiedenen Tabellen.
© iStock.com: LUHUANFENG
Application for a residence permit

How to prove sufficient health insurance coverage

If you wish to apply for a residence permit, you must prove that you are sufficiently covered by health insurance.

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Ein Stapel Bücher ist abgebildet. Darauf sind Bauklötzen mit Buchstaben gelegt. Sie bilden gemeinsam das Wort "German".
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Application for a residence permit

Proof of German Language Skills

Applicants for certain visas and residence permits may have to demonstrate that they can understand and speak German.

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Ein Diplom mit einer Schleife ist an einen Stapel Bücher gelehnt.
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Application for a residence permit

Recognition of foreign qualifications

In order to apply for a residence permit, it may be necessary to have your foreign professional qualifications recognized. Get information about the procedure and options to get advice here.

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Hochschulabsolventen stehen lächelnd zusammen. Eine Person hält ihr Abschlusszeugnis in der Hand.
© Colourbox.de: Dmitrii Shironosov
Application for a residence permit

Recognition of university degrees

Positive results from the Anabin database can be used as proof of equivalence for a residence permit. You can find instructions on the Make it in Germany website.

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Zwei Stempel liegen auf Dokumenten.
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Application for a residence permit

Foreign documents

Detailed information on the use of foreign public documents in Germany can be found on the website of the Federal Foreign Office.

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Eine Fotokamera ist zu sehen, die ein Fotograf in den Händen hält.
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Application for a residence permit

Biometric photo

You must submit a biometric photo for your electronic residence permit. The Federal Foreign Office provides information on the requirements for the photos.

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