Your plan · Cologne
All of CologneGet your residence permit (Aufenthaltstitel)
Apply for your residence permit at the Cologne Ausländerbehörde (fee €100, Before your entry visa expires)Ausländeramt der Stadt Köln — 9 district offices by registered address. Example: Bezirksausländeramt Kalk, Dillenburger Straße 56-66, 51105 Köln.
Online application, then appointment by invitation€100 — €100 for students; up to €113 for workersDeadline: Before your entry visa expiresBook the Ausländerbehörde appointment 4–8 weeks ahead; the card takes a few more weeks to print
Ausländeramt der Stadt Köln — 9 district offices by registered address. Example: Bezirksausländeramt Kalk, Dillenburger Straße 56-66, 51105 Köln
What to bring
- Passport + visa
- Biometric photo
- Anmeldebestätigung
- Proof of financing — blocked account or contract + payslips
- Health insurance confirmation
- Enrolment certificate — students
- Employment contract — workers
Register your address first — your responsible Bezirksausländeramt is decided by where you live.
Read the full guide— how this works everywhere, all casesVerified for Cologne on 19 July 2026
General information, not legal advice. Procedures change — verify with the official source before acting.