Registration and residence
Aufenthaltstitel
Residence title
Last updated: September 28, 2026
What does Aufenthaltstitel mean?
Aufenthaltstitel is the legal umbrella term for every German residence title a non-EU citizen can hold: the national visa, the temporary residence permit (Aufenthaltserlaubnis), the EU Blue Card, the settlement permit (Niederlassungserlaubnis) and EU long-term residence (Daueraufenthalt-EU). It is usually issued as an electronic card (eAT).
Key facts
| Temporary | Visa, Aufenthaltserlaubnis, EU Blue Card |
| Permanent | Niederlassungserlaubnis, Daueraufenthalt-EU |
| Issued by | Ausländerbehörde |
| Lapses | After 6 months abroad (12 for Blue Card) |
What to do
- Check the expiry date and the work permission ('Erwerbstätigkeit erlaubt') on your card.
- Apply for an extension before it expires; a timely application keeps you legal while it is processed (Fiktionsbescheinigung).
- Report a job change or job loss where your permit is tied to a job.
- Leaving Germany for more than 6 months (12 for Blue Card holders) can make it lapse.
Worth knowing
Most permits require that you can support yourself without public funds. Kindergeld, Elterngeld and ALG I are safe; Grundsicherungsgeld and Wohngeld can count against you.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Aufenthaltserlaubnis and Niederlassungserlaubnis?
The Aufenthaltserlaubnis is temporary and tied to a purpose such as work, study or family. The Niederlassungserlaubnis is permanent settlement, without a time limit or purpose restriction.
What happens if my residence permit expires while I wait for an appointment?
If you applied for the extension before it expired, you remain legally resident. The Ausländerbehörde issues a Fiktionsbescheinigung confirming this.
Read next
Sources
More German terms: registration and residence
Plain-English explanations of the words on your letters and forms.