Moving

A residence permit and a settlement permit are generally valid throughout Germany, and there are no geographical restrictions unless the residence permit is subject to a residency requirement.

When moving while holding a residence permit, it is important to ensure that the purpose of your stay remains unchanged—that is, that it can continue in your new city. However, if the purpose of your stay does change—for example, to look for a job after completing your studies—you must immediately contact the local immigration office with the relevant documents.

If the purpose of your stay remains unchanged—for example, in the case of family reunification or if you hold a settlement permit—you do not need to visit the new immigration office for the time being. You simply need to contact the Residents’ Registration Office and register your new address there. Your file will be automatically transferred to the new immigration office. However, if a visit to the immigration office is necessary for any reason, the immigration office will contact you. If your residence permit is set to expire shortly after your move, please contact the relevant immigration office to schedule an appointment to renew your residence permit.

Moving with a Residency Requirement

Residence permits, toleration status, proofs of arrival, or humanitarian residence permits (e.g., for refugees, persons entitled to asylum, persons entitled to subsidiary protection, or holders of a residence permit pursuant to § 22, 23, or 25(3) of the Residence Act (AufenthG)) may be subject to a residence requirement. If this is the case, the place of residence is limited to the federal state or the issuing district.

In special cases, an application may be filed to have the residency requirement waived.

Asylum seekers with a provisional residence permit must submit an application for relocation. Foreign nationals who hold a residence permit must submit an application to have the residence requirement lifted.

The following documents are required to apply:

• Application Form
• Documentation explaining the reason for your change of residence (e.g., employment contract, pay stubs)
• If applicable, proof of residence for family members to whom the move is intended