Ausländerbehörde: Important information for international staff and doctoral students

Do you have urgent matters to clarify with the Ausländerbehörde (foreigners registration office) or have you been waiting a long time for an answer to your enquiries? Let the Welcome Centre help.
The Welcome Centre is offering a new preliminary checking service for documents to speed up the application process for your residence permit, extension of your residence permit or registration of your current living address. If you need assistance, please contact the Welcome Centre by e-mail. For easier processing, please attach the completed application form and accompanying documents in PDF format.
Please ask for an appointment as early as possible to ensure timely processing.
How can I register my accommodation?
Germany has a system of compulsory resident registration. As soon as you have moved into your new accommodation, you have to register within two weeks. The same applies for change of address.
At the day of registration, you will be issued a registration certificate ('Anmeldebescheinigung'). The confirmation of registration is necessary to open a bank account, to apply for a residence permit and for many other bureaucratic steps. Late registration can have negative repercussions for you and you may have to pay an administrative fine ('Bußgeld').
Please provide copies of the following documents for all persons to be registered:
- Copy of passport (and visa if you have one) or your personal identification card
- Copy of entry passport stamp (if applicable)
- Copy of civil status certificates (birth or marriage certificate, if applicable)
- Copy of Tenancy agreement
- Confirmation of residence from your landlord ('Wohnungsgeberbescheinigung')
- Registration form ('Anmeldung Wohnsitz')
Please be aware that the last two documents are only available in German.
For EU citizens, as well as third country nationals with visa or residence permit:
Please bring along printed copies of the above listed documents for all persons to be registered to your scheduled appointment at the “Bürgerbüro” (Citizens’ Office). You can book the appointment online.
For third country nationals without visa or residence permit:
Please bring along printed copies of the above listed documents for all persons to be registered to your scheduled appointment at the Welcome Centre (VW 105).
You can also find information in German on this topic on the homepage of the City of Passau.
How can I apply for a residence permit?
To apply for a residence permit or extension of your residence permit, please bring along printed copies of the below listed documents to your scheduled appointment at the Welcome Centre (VW 105):
Checklist: § 16b Studies (first time application)
- copy of a valid passport (which should include your entry visa and/or entry stamp if applicable)
- confirmation of registration of accommodation
- The completed application form.
(Please make sure that you use the correct application form when applying for the first time or renewing your residence permit) - a biometric passport photograph
- proof of financial means of at least 934 euros per month (e.g. confirmation of scholarship, blocked bank account or employment contract)
- German health insurance
- proof of enrolment as a doctoral researcher
Checklist: § 16b Studies (extension of residence permit)
- copy of a valid passport (which should include your entry visa and/or entry stamp if applicable)
- The completed application form.
(Please make sure that you use the correct application form when applying for the first time or renewing your residence permit) - a biometric passport photograph
- proof of financial means of at least 934 euros per month (e.g. confirmation of scholarship, blocked bank account or employment contract)
- German health insurance
- proof of enrolment as a doctoral researcher
Checklist: § 18b Qualified employment/EU Blue Card
- Copy of passport (issued within the last 10 years and with at least 3 months validity left after the planned date of departure from Passau)
- The completed application form.
(Please make sure that you use the correct application form when applying for the first time or renewing your residence permit) - a biometric passport photograph
- employment contract
- Last 3 payslips
- copy of Degree certificates Bachelor, Master
- Confirmation of residence from your landlord ('Wohnungsgeberbescheinigung')
- Copy of Tenancy agreement
- "Erklärung zum Beschäftigungsverhältnis" (if applicable)
Checklist: § 18d Research
- Copy of passport (issued within the last 10 years and with at least 3 months validity left after the planned date of departure from Passau)
- The completed application form.
(Please make sure that you use the correct application form when applying for the first time or renewing your residence permit) - a biometric passport photograph
- Hosting agreement
- Last 3 payslips (if applicable)
- copy of Degree certificates Bachelor, Master
- Copy of Tenancy agreement