The documents required to obtain a residence permit will vary depending on the circumstances, you will definitely need:

• a valid (biometric) passport or identity card that was issued within the last ten years and contains a biometric passport photo
• a current biometric passport photo
• proof of adequate financial resources (proof of earnings) to show you can meet estimated expenses for you and your dependents (e.g. contract of employment, scholarship, etc.)
• proof of valid health insurance coverage for you and for each member of your family accompanying you
• the confirmation of residence you received upon first registration in Oldenburg

Please contact the Foreign Resident's Office of the City of Oldenburg for any further information on required documents. Please also note that public authorities often require you to be accompanied by an interpreter. You can ask a friend or colleague to act as interpreter.

As it may take several weeks for your electronic residence permit to be issued, you need to apply for a temporary residence permit ("Fiktionsbescheinigung") if your current residence title is due to expire within the waiting period. This is a temporary document to replace your expired permit until you receive your new electronic residence permit. If you applied in good time for an extension of your residence permit, you will usually receive a "Fortbestandsfiktion", as the current permit to reside in Germany remains valid until you receive the new one. Travelling with a temporary residence permit is possible, but we recommend that you contact the embassy of the country you visit regarding entry and departure requirements. Temporary residence permits are subject to fees. For further information please contact the Foreign Resident's Office of the City of Oldenburg.