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Short answer
A Fiktionsbescheinigung is an interim document from the immigration office. It shows that you have applied for a residence permit and what status your stay has until the decision. What matters is which paragraph of section 81 of the Residence Act is ticked: under paragraph 4 your previous permit continues with all its rights, under paragraph 3 only your stay itself is permitted.
Step by step
Check the paragraph
Look at which paragraph is ticked on the certificate: section 81(3) or 81(4) of the Residence Act. What you are allowed to do depends on it.
Paragraph 4: your previous permit continues
You applied for an extension or a different permit before your permit expired. Your previous permit continues with all its rights, for example work and benefits. Leaving and re-entering Germany is generally possible while the certificate is valid.
Paragraph 3: only your stay is permitted
You did not have a residence permit before but were here lawfully, for example visa-free. Your stay counts as permitted until the decision. You usually cannot re-enter with it after travelling. You may only work if this is stated on the certificate.
Keep an eye on the validity
The certificate has an expiry date. If it expires before a decision is made, take care of a new one in good time.
Show it where needed
Employers, the Jobcenter, the Familienkasse or landlords often need a copy so that wages, benefits or contracts continue.
Documents you need
- Passport
- Previous residence document
- Proof that you applied in time, e.g. the contact form confirmation
- The Fiktionsbescheinigung itself – always keep a copy
Deadlines and costs
Apply in time: continuation under paragraph 4 requires that you apply before your permit expires.
Validity: every Fiktionsbescheinigung has an expiry date.
Costs: a fee is charged for the certificate; the City of Dortmund lists 13 euros, for example.
Common pitfalls
- Travelling with a paragraph 3 certificate – re-entry is often not possible, get advice first
- Your employer does not know the certificate – show paragraph 4 and the entry about employment
- Certificate expired but no decision yet – contact the immigration office immediately
- Applied too late – then there is often no continuation, get advice immediately