A residence permit for the purpose of studying is valid for a limited time. You may apply to extend your residence permit if you have not yet completed your degree but can do so within a reasonable period of time. The duration of stay is generally limited to a maximum of 10 years.

When deciding on the extension of a residence permit for the purpose of studying, the Office of Foreigners may solicit and take into account statements from the university or other institutions authorized to provide education or training. This applies to questions regarding:

• Admission requirements
• Course of study
• Degree completion
• other academic matters

The same requirements apply to the extension of a residence permit for the purpose of studying as to its initial issuance. In particular, you must have sufficient means to support yourself for the duration of your studies.

An extension is not possible if the Foreigners’ Registration Office has already ruled this out at the time of issuance or during the most recent extension.

If your residence permit is extended, it will again be issued for a limited period. A residence permit for the purpose of studying is extended for at least one year and, as a rule, for a maximum of two years. If your studies last less than two years, the permit is issued for the duration of your studies.

With your residence permit for the purpose of studying, you may work up to 140 days per year or engage in unlimited part-time student work.