Fictitious certificates, in the form of a three-part leaflet from the Federal Printing Office or in simple paper form, sometimes raise questions among employers, administrations and landlords.

What kind of document is this?
Even if it may look dubious, a fictitious certificate is a valid residence document. The fictitious certificate is a makeshift document issued by the foreigners authority and is issued for the processing period of an application. It is valid until a decision has been made on the application (either for an extension or for the issue of a residence permit at all). This can sometimes take several months.

What applies?
The fictitious certificate shows which residence title is currently valid and which conditions for gainful employment are associated with it.

Example: The previously valid residence permit with all its ancillary provisions continues to exist.

Or: The fictitious certificate confirms legal residence in Germany until the application for a residence permit has been processed.

The fictitious certificate is valid until the foreigners authority has decided on the application. The new or extended residence permit is then usually issued as a plastic card in credit card format together with an additional sheet. This is the electronic residence permit (eAT).

Why is there a time limit?
Residence permits are often limited in time. This time limit is related to several factors. For example, the terms of training or employment contracts are limited. Or sufficient money must be deposited in a blocked account for the entire period of residence. This means that several thousand euros must be deposited at once. For this reason, the immigration authorities sometimes issue residence permits with shorter terms.

What does this mean for you?
Consider the fictitious certificate with all ancillary provisions as a normal residence document. The Immigration Information Center in your region can answer any questions you may have.