This guide explains what a Fiktionsbescheinigung is, how it works and how to get one.
It also tells you when you can travel with a Fiktionsbescheinigung.
What is a Fiktionsbescheinigung?
A Fiktionsbescheinigung is a temporary residence permit. It lets you stay in Germany while you wait for another residence permit.1 A Fiktionsbescheinigung valid until your real residence permit is approved or rejected.5
For example, the Ausländerbehörde can give you a Fiktionsbescheinigung if your old residence permit expires soon, and your new residence permit is not yet approved.
How to get a Fiktionsbescheinigung
Ask for it. When you apply for a residence permit at the Ausländerbehörde, say that you must travel outside of Germany, and that you need a Fiktionsbescheinigung.
If you currently have a Schengen visa, you can't get a Fiktionsbescheinigung. You can't convert a Schengen visa to a residence permit. You must apply in for a residence permit in your home country.4
Travelling with a Fiktionsbescheinigung
If you have a "§81 Abs. 4" Fiktionsbescheinigung, you can travel outside of Germany.
Other types of Fiktionsbescheinigung do not let you travel outside of Germany. If you leave Germany, you might not be able to re-enter later.
Fiktionsbescheinigung types
There are 3 variants of the Fiktionsbescheinigung:3
- §81 Abs. 4 AufenthG
If you have a residence permit, and you want to renew it, or get another residence permit. It allows you to travel outside of Germany. - §81 Abs. 3 Satz 1 AufenthG
If have no residence permit, and you applied for a residence permit on time. It does not allow you to travel outside of Germany. - §81 Abs. 3 Satz 2 AufenthG
If have no residence permit, and you applied late for a residence permit. It does not allow you to travel outside of Germany.
Need help?
Where to find help ➞ Immigration questions
Sources and footnotes
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§81 AufenthG, Fem.os (September 2019), Wikipedia, Berlin.de ⤴
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Fem.os (September 2019), reddit.com/r/germany, facebook.com, Auswärtiges Amt, gesetze-im-internet.de ⤴
