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Welcome Centre for International Researchers

Residence and Work Permits

For technical reasons, you must wait at least two days after registering your address at the city office before you are allowed to apply for a residence or work permit. You should apply for or renew your residence permit at least six weeks before your visa or residence permit expires.

Please keep in mind that depending on the purpose of your stay and which residence permit your qualify for, there may be different fees. 

Hint: If the purpose of your stay changes (i.e., at first you were studying, but now want to work), you must inform the Foreigners’ Registration Office.

Foreigners' Registration Office Cottbus - Applying for or renewing a residence permit

From now on, you can only submit applications for residence permits online to the Foreigners’ Registration Office in Cottbus. On the following homepage, you can select the relevant service (e.g. for PhD students, "1. Residence permit for Training"; for employees, "2. Residence permit for employment").

When applying for a residence permit for the first time, you should bring the following items:

  • Completed application form for a residence permit (available at the Welcome Centre)
  • 1 copy and original: Official proof of residence (Meldebescheinigung) (which you receive upon registering at the City Administration Office)
  • 1 copy and original: Valid passport or similar ID (must be valid for the entire period of intended stay)
  • Biometric passport photo (35 x 45mm); Hint: from 1 May 2025 only digital biometric passport photos either via certified photo studios or, if available, at photo terminals in the authorities*
  • Proof of health insurance (e.g. insurance policy, copy of health insurance card)
  • 1 copy and original: Proof of purpose of stay (employment contract, hosting agreement, letter of award, certificate of enrolment)
  • Copies and originals: Proof of financial support (e.g. payslips, bank statements)
  • 1 copy and original: Proof from landlord of sufficient living space (at least 12m2 per person) (e.g. lease)
  • For family members: marriage and birth certificates translated into either German or English

*Certified photo studios in Cottbus: Fotoatelier Schubert, Fotoatelier Mahrla, Foto Goethe, das Fotostudio Cottbus, Ringfoto-Britze.

Electronic Residence Permit (eAT)

Your residence permit is issued as an electronic residence permit (eAT) in the form of a card. After applying for your residence permit, it takes approximately 4 to 6 weeks for it to be issued. When you submit your application, ask for an appointment to collect your residence permit.

SERVICE

If you need assistance with any administrative procedures, you should contact the Welcome Centre. We can help to arrange your appointment and to translate if needed.