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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. At least six weeks before your visa/residence permit expires, you should make an appointment to apply for or extend a residence permit at the Foreigners' Registration Office.

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 - Book appointment online
  • Therefore click here and then on "Ausländerbehörde"
  • Choose "Allgemeine Ausländerangelegenheiten ((u.a. Studierende …))"
  • Choose number 1 in the field "Beantragung von Dokumenten", and click on "Weiter"
  • Click on "Ausländerbehörde auswählen", and choose a day and time
  • Click on "Ja", add your personal details, answer the security question (Sicherheitsfrage), accept the data policy und click on "Reservieren"
  • You will then automatically receive an e-mail with a confirmation link (Bestätigungs-Link) that you must click on within an hour to book the appointment

Hint: If no appointment is available, please try again later or write an e-mail to auslaenderbehoerde(at)cottbus.de with your personal data (family name, first name and date of birth) and the reason for your request (e.g. issuance of a residence permit).

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. Either ask for an appointment to collect your residence permit when you apply or book an appointment yourself. You will receive a letter with a PIN as proof that your electronic residence permit has been printed. You must show this letter when you collect your residence permit.

Foreigners' Registration Office Cottbus - Book appointment to collect your residence permit
  • Therefore click here and then on "Ausländerbehörde" 
  • Choose "Allgemeine Ausländerangelegenheiten ((u.a. Studierende …))"
  • Choose number 1 in the field "Abholung von Dokumenten Allgemein", and click on "Weiter"
  • Click on "Ausländerbehörde auswählen", and choose a day and time
  • Click on "Ja", add your personal details, answer the security question (Sicherheitsfrage), accept the data policy und click on "Reservieren"
  • You will then automatically receive an e-mail with a confirmation link (Bestätigungs-Link) that you must click on within an hour to book the appointment

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.