Exception: C-visa violation disregarded in case of subsequent circumstances

Did you enter with a tourist visa and then unexpectedly become ill? Then the visa violation may be disregarded. This applies, for example, to a check-up that then requires more treatment.

Injured Ukrainian soldiers: special rules for livelihood and fees

Special rules apply to injured soldiers from Ukraine (MedEvac). In the first year, the livelihood is legally deemed secured. The granting of the residence permit is also free of charge.

Change of legal basis possible after 18 months

Your residence permit under Section 25 paragraph 4 sentence 1 should not last longer than 18 months. If the treatment takes longer, it can be extended. If the stay is no longer temporary, a different legal basis can be reviewed.

Apply for a Residence Permit for Medical Treatment

Your medical treatment is taking longer than your visa allows? Then you may be granted a temporary residence permit.

At a glance

How do you get a residence permit for medical treatment?

You have come to Germany for medical treatment. Your treatment is lasting longer than your national visa (Type D) is valid. In that case, you may be granted a temporary residence permit for medical treatment.

Your accompanying person may also be granted such a residence permit.

After the treatment ends, an extension is generally not possible.

Note: If you entered Germany with a Schengen visa (Type C), you cannot be granted a residence permit. However, you can have your Schengen visa extended as a national visa (Type D).

Requirements

Who qualifies?

You have a valid national visa (Type D) and you are in Germany for medical treatment. Your accompanying person may also be granted a residence permit.

Additional requirements

Your means of subsistence must be secured for the entire duration of the treatment.
You must have your main residence in Berlin during the treatment and appear in person. If you are receiving inpatient treatment, your accompanying person may appear on your behalf with a power of attorney and a certificate of inpatient admission.
Book your appointment using the contact form, if possible 8 weeks before your residence title expires.

How to apply

Make an appointment using the LEA contact form (ideally 8 weeks before your visa expires)

Gather all documents: passport, application form, declaration of assumption of costs, proof of treatment, and one biometric passport photo

Attend your appointment in person and bring all documents with you. If you are receiving inpatient treatment, a person accompanying you may attend on your behalf with a written authorisation

Wait for your application to be processed. The electronic residence title will be ready for collection after approximately 4 weeks

Done! You may be granted a residence permit for the duration of your treatment.

Since 01.05.2025 only digital photos are accepted. Learn more

100.00EUR

First-time Issuance (Adults)

Renewal (Adults)96.00 EUR
First-time Granting (Minors)50.00 EUR
Renewal (Minors)48.00 EUR
Digital passport photo at the self-service terminal6.00 EUR

Good to know

In principle, you are not allowed to work with this residence permit. But in individual cases, you can apply for permission. If the Federal Employment Agency gives its approval, you may work.

Nach dem klaren Wortlaut der Vorschrift kann abweichend vom Grundsatz eine Erlaubnis nach § 4a Abs. 1 im Einzelfall eingeholt werden. Wird die Erlaubnis bzw. Zustimmung der BA erteilt, greift in diesem Fall das Verbot der Erwerbstätigkeit nicht.

VAB A.7, S. 80-86

Your residence permit contains the ancillary provision "Only for the purpose of medical treatment". This means: You may only stay in Germany for the treatment.

Die AE wird bei den Patienten mit der Nebenbestimmung „Nur zum Zwecke der medizinischen Behandlung" erteilt.

VAB A.7, S. 80-86

The residence permit of your accompanying person is linked in time to your residence permit. Employment is excluded for the accompanying person. Their permit states "Only for the purpose of care".

Soweit begleitende Personen gleichfalls eine AE nach § 7 Abs. 1 S. 3 erhalten, wird die AE mit der Nebenbestimmung „Nur zum Zweck der Betreuung des/der ….." erteilt, die AE zeitlich an dessen/deren AE gekoppelt und die Erwerbstätigkeit ausgeschlossen.

VAB A.7, S. 80-86

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