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Planning your departure while keeping your residence permit

Selected criteria

  1. I’m planning to leave Germany
  2. Keep the option to return
  3. Keep my residence permit

If you plan to leave Germany and want to keep the option of returning with your current residence permit, start by checking your situation before the trip. It is important to compare the purpose of leaving with the basis for your status, the validity of your passport, and any changes already made to your job, studies, family, or income. Gather documents that confirm the basis is still valid and help explain your situation to the authority. Separately note the expiry dates of your card and passport, records of trips, and every letter that needs a response. The materials below will help you create a personal risk checklist, prepare questions for the Ausländerbehörde, and understand when not to rely on a general rule without an individual review. Compare the different overviews so you do not miss anything while preparing.

Plan overview

A route for checking risks before leaving, preparing documents, and requesting an individual status review in time.

What to do step by step

  1. 1

    Describe your departure plan

    Record the purpose of your trip, expected absence, and connection to Germany that you plan to maintain.

    Articles for this step

    How You Can Lose a German Residence Permit: Reasons, Deadlines, and a Checklist for Protecting Your Status
  2. 2

    Check the basis for your residence permit

    Check whether the reason you were granted your current status still applies to your job, studies, family, or business.

    Articles for this step

    How to Keep Your Residence Permit in Germany: What the Ausländerbehörde Checks
  3. 3

    Check documents and messages

    Check the expiry dates of your passport and card, saved proof, and letters that need a response.

    Articles for this step

    How Not to Lose Your Residence Permit in Germany: 5 Mistakes That Put Your Status at Risk How You Can Lose a German Residence Permit: Reasons, Deadlines, and a Checklist for Protecting Your Status
  4. 4

    Prepare questions for the authority

    If your departure plan or circumstances differ from the usual situation, gather the facts and request a review of your case.

    Articles for this step

    How to Keep Your Residence Permit in Germany: What the Ausländerbehörde Checks How Not to Lose Your Residence Permit in Germany: 5 Mistakes That Put Your Status at Risk

Important notes

  • The consequences of leaving depend on the specific type of residence permit and circumstances, so this scenario requires an individual review.
  • Do not delay if there is already a question about your status or a letter from the authority.

Common mistakes

  • Not considering a long absence
  • Leaving documents until later
  • Ignoring letters and obligations