Timely appointment request can save the Fiktionswirkung

Did you submit an appointment request before your title expired, but the appointment is after the expiry? Then the Fiktionswirkung (continuation effect) is restored if you submit the application at the appointment. You must not suffer any disadvantage in terms of residence law.

Turkish nationals do not accumulate ARB employment periods

Are you a Turkish national and working during the Fiktionszeit (continuation period)? This employment does not count as lawful within the meaning of ARB 1/80. You only have a provisional position on the labour market.

Late application of up to one month can be remedied

Did you only just miss the application deadline? If the delay is up to one month, the authority generally assumes a hardship case. The Fiktionswirkung (continuation effect) can then be ordered retroactively.

Obtain a Fiktionsbescheinigung

The Fiktionsbescheinigung secures your stay while a decision on your application is pending.

At a glance

What is a Fiktionsbescheinigung?

You have applied for or extended a residence title, but the authority cannot yet decide on it? Then you will receive a Fiktionsbescheinigung (certificate of fictional status). It confirms that you may continue to stay lawfully in Germany until a decision on your application is made.

There are two types of Fiktionsbescheinigung. If you hold a valid residence title (residence permit or national D visa), you will receive a Fiktionsbescheinigung under Section 81 para. 4 of the Residence Act. Your residence title then continues to apply with all its conditions. You may also travel abroad and re-enter.

If you are staying lawfully in Germany without a visa because your nationality entitles you to do so, you will receive a Fiktionsbescheinigung under Section 81 para. 3 of the Residence Act. This allows you to remain in Germany. However, you are not permitted to leave and re-enter. Taking up employment is also not permitted.

Important: No Fiktionsbescheinigung can be issued for holders of a Schengen visa for short stays (category C).

Requirements

Who qualifies?

You hold a valid residence title (residence permit or national D visa) or you are staying lawfully in Germany without a visa because your nationality entitles you to do so. No Fiktionsbescheinigung can be issued for holders of a Schengen visa for short stays (category C).

Additional requirements

You must have submitted an application for the issuance or extension of a residence title which cannot yet be decided upon at the time of your appointment.
You must have your main residence in Berlin and appear in person.

How to apply

Submit an application for the issuance or extension of your residence title

Bring your valid passport, your previous residence title (if applicable) and proof of your main residence in Berlin

Appear in person at the State Office for Immigration (LEA)

Receive your Fiktionsbescheinigung if a decision on your application cannot yet be made

13,00EUR

Adults

Minors6,50 EUR

Exemptions

Turkish nationals
Recognised asylum beneficiaries
Foreign nationals with the status of a refugee or person with subsidiary protection
Resettlement refugees within the meaning of Section 23 para. 4 sentence 1 of the Residence Act
Foreign nationals with a scholarship from public funds
Upon presentation of a current proof of receipt of benefits under SGB II or XII or the Asylum Seekers Benefits Act

Good to know

Is your new residence title for training or employment? Then you may already work before you receive the electronic residence title (eAT). The permission applies from the moment the authority has initiated the issuance.

Durch Absatz 5a S. 1 entsteht von Gesetzes wegen eine Fiktionswirkung für eine zukünftig erlaubte Erwerbstätigkeit unabhängig von der Ausstellung einer förmlichen Fiktionsbescheinigung gem. Abs. 5a S. 2.

VAB A.81, S. 580-584

Has your eAT expired but you have a Fiktionsbescheinigung under paragraph 4? Then keep your expired eAT. You need it together with your passport and the Fiktionsbescheinigung for travel in the Schengen area.

Aus diesem Grund ist dem Ausländer auch sein abgelaufener eAT zu belassen.

VAB A.81, S. 580-584

Did you submit an extension application in time? Then your existing title continues with all rights. This applies even if your application has little prospect of success.

Wichtig ist, dass § 81 Abs. 4 den bisherigen Aufenthaltstitel fortgelten lässt - und zwar mit allen sich daraus ergebenden Rechten und unabhängig von den Erfolgsaussichten des Verlängerungsantrags

VAB A.81, S. 580-584

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