Check re-entry refusal risk after permit lapse

Overview

Use this if your residence permit may have expired while you were abroad. Re-entry can be refused by border authorities or airlines—seek legal advice before attempting to return.

Timing to be aware of

After permit expired

Reference only — your timing may differ. Confirm with the relevant office.

Key date to check

Permit expiry date

Common questions

Questions people often look up at this stage. Answers are general — confirm with the relevant office or a qualified professional.

• My visa expires in 72 hours and the Foreigners' Office hasn't replied. Am I illegal?
• My visa extension was "Abgelehnt" (Rejected); do I really have to leave the country immediately?
• Can I travel abroad and return to Germany with a Fiktionsbescheinigung?

Related events

• Automatic permit lapse warning threshold
  Critical
  150 days after departure
• Automatic permit lapse (temporary permits)
  Critical
  180 days after departure
• Automatic Blue Card lapse
  Critical
  365 days after departure
• Niederlassungserlaubnis lapse (general)
  Critical
  180 days after departure
• EU long-term permit lapse (outside EU)
  Critical
  365 days after departure