Discretion is practically treated like a legal entitlement

Do you meet all requirements for Section 25a? Then the authority should normally grant you the residence permit. Only in exceptional cases may it refuse.

Deception by your parents is not attributed to you

Did your parents provide false information about their identity? This is not attributed to you. Only your own statements count in the decision.

Validity period can be linked to your training completion

Are you receiving social benefits and currently in training? Then the validity period can be linked to your training completion. You receive an additional 6 months for entering the job market.

Apply for Residence Permit for Holders of Chancen-Aufenthaltsrecht

With the Chancen-Aufenthaltsrecht (opportunity residence right) you can create the basis for a permanent stay in Germany.

At a glance

How do you get a residence permit through the Chancen-Aufenthaltsrecht (opportunity residence right)?

You already have a residence permit under Section 104c of the Residence Act (AufenthG)? Then you can use it to create the conditions for a permanent stay in Germany.

The Chancen-Aufenthaltserlaubnis (opportunity residence permit) cannot be extended. But on its basis you can apply for a residence permit under Section 25a (well-integrated young people and young adults) or Section 25b (sustainably integrated adults).

Important: Submit the application for the new residence permit while your Chancen-Aufenthaltserlaubnis is still valid. Then it is legally deemed to continue until the decision on your application is made. This also applies to your right to work or complete a training programme.

Your identity must be clarified and you need a valid passport or passport substitute. You also need oral German language skills at level A2 and must declare your commitment to the free democratic basic order.

Requirements

Who qualifies?

You hold a residence permit under Section 104c of the Residence Act (AufenthG) and want to apply for a residence permit under Section 25a or 25b

Additional requirements

Your identity must be clarified and you need a valid passport or passport substitute.
Your livelihood must be secured, or you must be enrolled in a school-based or vocational training programme or a university degree programme.
You need oral German language skills at level A2 and basic knowledge of the legal and social system.
You must be registered in Berlin and have submitted the online application.

How to apply

Submit the online application for the residence permit for holders of a Chancen-Aufenthaltsrecht

Upload all required documents in PDF format (maximum 100 MB total, maximum 7 MB per file)

Save the application confirmation as a PDF — it certifies your permitted stay and right to work

Wait for a response from the State Office for Immigration and submit further documents if requested

Attend the assigned appointment in person and bring all original documents

Done! You may receive a residence permit under Section 25a or 25b. The authority will decide on your application.

Since 01.05.2025 only digital photos are accepted. Learn more

100,00EUR

Adults

Children and young people50,00 EUR
Travel document for foreigners from 24 years (additional)100,00 EUR
Travel document for foreigners up to 24 years (additional)97,00 EUR
Digital passport photo at self-service terminal6,00 EUR

Exemptions

Upon presentation of current proof of receiving benefits under SGB II or XII

Good to know

Do you have a residence permit under Section 104c? Then your prior periods with toleration status (Duldung) are credited. This also applies to periods before the Chancen-Aufenthaltsrecht (opportunity residence right).

werden Vorduldungszeiten von Inhabern einer Aufenthaltserlaubnis nach § 104c angerechnet

VAB A.25a/A.25b/A.104c, S. 332-641

With the new residence permit under Section 25a, you are allowed to work. You do not need an additional permit for this.

Die Aufenthaltserlaubnis berechtigt zur Erwerbstätigkeit, vgl. § 4a Abs. 1 S. 1

VAB A.25a/A.25b/A.104c, S. 332-641

Did you receive your residence title through Section 25a paragraph 2? Then family reunification is excluded for you. This applies under Section 29 paragraph 3 sentence 3.

Bei Personen, die einen Titel nach § 25a Abs. 2 besitzen, ist der Familiennachzug gemäß § 29 Abs. 3 Satz 3 ausgeschlossen.

VAB A.25a/A.25b/A.104c, S. 332-641

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