Ausländerbehörde — Appointment, Documents, Tips

What is the Ausländerbehörde?

The Ausländerbehörde (ABH) is the responsible authority for all residence law matters of non-EU citizens in Germany. Here you apply for and extend your Aufenthaltstitel.

Book an Appointment

In most cities, appointments can only be booked online. Waiting times can range from several weeks to months.

Important: Book your appointment well in advance before expiry of your current Aufenthaltstitel — at least 6–8 weeks ahead.

Appointment Portals in Major Cities

• Hamburg: Einwanderungsbehörde (Welcome Center)
• Berlin: LEA Berlin — Landesamt für Einwanderung
• Munich: Ausländerbehörde München (KVR)
• Frankfurt: Ausländerbehörde Frankfurt
• Cologne: Ausländeramt Köln

Common Requests

Checklist: Documents to Bring

• ✅ Valid passport (original + copy)
• ✅ Current Aufenthaltstitel / visa
• ✅ Registration certificate (not older than 6 months)
• ✅ Biometric passport photo (35 × 45 mm)
• ✅ Employment contract / enrollment certificate
• ✅ Health insurance proof
• ✅ Rental contract
• ✅ Evidence of financial support

Tips

• All documents in German or with certified translation
• Arrive on time — if you're late, your appointment is cancelled
• If your Aufenthaltstitel expires before your appointment: you will receive a Fiktionsbescheinigung, which temporarily legalizes your stay
• Interpreter: You may bring someone to translate for you

As of: March 2026. All information without warranty.