Ausländerbehörde letters,
explained in English.
Foreigners’ authority / immigration office. The authority that decides your right to live and work in Germany.
What the Ausländerbehörde does
The Ausländerbehörde is one of the most consequential authorities for any non-EU expat in Germany. It issues, renews, or refuses your residence permit (Aufenthaltstitel), EU Blue Card, and settlement permit (Niederlassungserlaubnis). It also handles family reunification, work permit extensions, and — in serious cases — deportation proceedings. Every letter from this office has legal weight and usually a strict deadline.
How to recognise a Ausländerbehörde letter
Ausländerbehörde letters come on official state letterhead (the authority is organised by state, not federally). In Berlin it’s the Landesamt für Einwanderung (LEA); elsewhere it’s usually Ausländerbehörde [city]. The letter always shows your Aktenzeichen, name, date of birth, and nationality. Decisions on residence permits include references to the AufenthG (Aufenthaltsgesetz).
Key facts you should know
- Residence permit decisions can be challenged with a Klage at the Verwaltungsgericht within one month of receipt.
- EU Blue Card salary threshold for 2024 is €43,800 gross per year (€39,682 for shortage occupations).
- Settlement permit (Niederlassungserlaubnis) is available after 4–5 years of legal residence, depending on the basis.
- Permits are printed as plastic cards (eAT — elektronischer Aufenthaltstitel), collected in person after approval.
- A refused application does not automatically mean deportation — appeal rights apply, and a Duldung (toleration) may be granted during the appeal.
How to respond
- Check the Aktenzeichen at the top; every response must reference it.
- Read the Rechtsbehelfsbelehrung (appeal rights notice) at the end — this is where the Klage deadline is stated.
- If you need to submit additional documents, bring originals to your appointment.
- For a refusal, consult an Anwalt für Migrationsrecht (immigration lawyer) immediately — the one-month clock is unforgiving.
- Never miss a Vorladung (summons) — failure to attend can harm your file.
Common letters from the Ausländerbehörde
Frequently asked questions
My residence permit is expiring. When should the Ausländerbehörde contact me?
Ideally you apply for an extension yourself at least 6 to 8 weeks before expiry. If the Ausländerbehörde contacts you first, it means the office has already flagged your permit in its system — respond within the stated deadline (usually 2 weeks) with your documents.
What if my application is refused?
You have one month from receipt to file a Klage at the local administrative court (Verwaltungsgericht). In urgent cases you can also apply for provisional legal protection (einstweiliger Rechtsschutz). Legal aid (Prozesskostenhilfe) is available if you cannot afford a lawyer.
Can Aplet help me read my Aufenthaltstitel decision?
Yes. Snap a photo of the letter and Aplet identifies whether the decision is a grant, a refusal, or a request for more documents — and gives you the deadline to respond. For refusals, we strongly recommend consulting an immigration lawyer in addition.
What is a Fiktionsbescheinigung?
A Fiktionsbescheinigung is a temporary certificate issued when your residence permit has expired but your extension application is still being processed. It lets you legally stay, work, and travel in most cases. If you receive a letter mentioning one, it usually means your extension is progressing — but always confirm the scope (e.g. work permission is a separate tick-box).
Does Aplet store my immigration documents?
No. Your photo is processed once by our AI, then deleted. We never keep a copy of your letter, your passport number, or your Aktenzeichen.