Electronic Residence Permit (Source: Bundesamt für Migration und Flüchtlinge, bamf.de)

Electronic Residence Permit for Immigrants

Since September 1, 2011, foreign citizens in Germany have received electronic residence permits (eAT).

This means that the standard residence permits and some other forms of permits under residency law are no longer “stuck” in the passport, but instead are issued as a “multifunctional card in credit card format”.

Personal Appointment for Application and Collection

The new residence permit contains a chip. In addition to the residence data and legal requirements (e.g. for carrying out gainful employment), personal data (e.g. photograph, fingerprints) are also stored on this chip.
It is therefore absolutely essential to make an appointment in person when submitting an application.

The new residence permit is not issued immediately upon application, as it is produced by the Federal Printing Office in Berlin. Compared to the previous procedure, there are therefore considerable delays before the residence permit is issued.
The Migration Department therefore recommends that applications be submitted approx. 6 – 8 weeks before the expiry of the old residence permit.

A personal appointment is also required for collection.

When must the electronic residence permit be applied for?

The existing residence permits as “adhesive labels” will remain valid until the end of August 2021 at the latest. If you are still in possession of an “old” residence permit, it will remain valid until it expires. Only then must an electronic residence permit be applied for.

Higher Administrative Fees

As the production costs have increased by € 50, the administrative fees for issuing an electronic residence permit have also been increased.

Further Functions

The electronic residence permit also includes an electronic ID card function (eID). This can be used to identify yourself on the Internet if desired. This means that the Internet services of online shops, email providers and social networks can be used. To enable online use, cardholders also receive a PIN/PUK letter and a blocking password. The card is also prepared for an electronic signature. This can be used to sign digital documents in a legally binding manner.