Ausländerbehörde letter explained in English
Immigration office. Handles visas and residence permits for people who are not German or EU citizens.
Letters you may get
- Termin zur Vorsprache — an appointment to apply for or extend your permit
- Anhörung — they plan a decision about your stay and let you explain first
- Fiktionsbescheinigung — a paper that keeps you legal while they decide
What to do
- Apply to extend your permit before it ends. Your stay stays legal while they decide.
- Answer hearing letters (Anhörung) in time — it can change the decision.
- Find the deadline. Look for “Frist”, “bis zum”, “innerhalb”.
- Write the reference number from the letter on everything you send back, and keep copies.
- If you disagree with a decision, object in writing before the deadline (“Einspruch”, “Widerspruch”). See the template.
Words you may see
- Anhörung
- Your chance to explain your side before they decide.
- Fiktionsbescheinigung
- Temporary paper that lets you stay legally while your permit is being processed.
Questions
What is the Ausländerbehörde?
Immigration office. Handles visas and residence permits for people who are not German or EU citizens.
How long do I have to answer a letter from the Ausländerbehörde?
It depends on the letter. Look for words like “Frist”, “bis zum”, “innerhalb” — they mark the deadline. In Germany, a posted official letter usually counts as delivered on the 4th day after it was sent. To object, the letter usually names the way to do it (“Einspruch”, “Widerspruch”).
Can I read a Ausländerbehörde letter in English?
Yes. Take a photo of the letter with Briefly. It explains the letter in plain English, finds the deadline and the amount, and gives you ready-made replies in German. Your letter never leaves your device.
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