If your residence permit expires and you have not yet completed the examination procedure required for the recognition of your foreign professional qualification, you can have your residence permit extended.

The same conditions apply for the extension of the residence permit as for the issue. In particular, your livelihood and health insurance cover should be secured for the duration of your stay.

If your residence permit is extended, it is again limited in time, usually for the remaining duration of the examination procedure. The residence permit is valid for the period from taking the examination until the examination result is announced or until you receive the decision from the competent authority.

Gainful employment is not permitted during this period.

Your residence permit cannot be extended if

• you are unable to take the examination or examinations within a reasonable period of time or
• the foreigners authority has already ruled out an extension when the permit was issued or when it was last extended.