Difference between Aufenhaltstitel Artikel 50 EUV and Aufenthaltsdokument-GB
I am a British citizen who has been living in Germany since 2013 (as a student from 2013-2015, then working as a PhD to Postdoc since).
During the Brexit Withdrawal agreement period, I received a lot of confusing information (when I actually got given information, because there was a lot of confusion at the time).
I applied for an Aufenhaltstitel, and did get one with the 'Artikel 50 EUV' type. At the time when I got it I was told this was for 10 years (even though the actual card says 'Karte gültig bis').
When I went to 'renew' the card last week (as it runs out in March 2026), I was told that in fact it was only for 5 years and I now have to apply for a 'Daueraufenthalt-EU' permit.
I have tried researching again, and I've found out the 10 year residence seems(?) to come from the 'Aufenhaltstitel-GB', and this should allow residence for 10 years with the rights I had previously (without language/integration tests/certificates etc).
I would like to ask if anyone can explain the difference between what I received and what I thought I had, and if it is still theoretically possible to get the Aufenhaltstitel-GB with the 10 year residence rights, and if any other British citizens have had a similar situation of confusion
I have consulted with a lawyer (but wants to charge a huge amount of money for what I think would be a single form I have to submit), and the Ausländerbehörde are being slow and not very helpful.
Note: theoretically I could apply for the proper Daueraufenthalt-EU, but my family are moving to a different EU country next year due to a new job for EU citizen partner, so I don't think it makes sense to go through the more extensive/extra bureaucracy for something I would relinquish
Welcome on our platform, dear @jfy133
This sounds like a confusing situation. As far as I understand, your card will expire in March 2026, therefore, you applied for an extension but the case worker suggested you to apply for a Daueraufenthalt-EU.
First of all, it is correct that with the Withdrawal agreement, the issued card can be valid for 5 and up to 10 years, but it doesn’t have to be 10 years. There might be technical reasons why the card has an expiration Limit. This has nothing to do with your eligibility of stay.
Theoretically the foreigners department can only issue you a new Aufenthaltstitel-GB. Honestly, it isn’t understandable why they want you to apply for a Daueraufenthalt-EU - did you might say that you are planning to move to another EU country?
Nevertheless, there shouldn’t be the need to apply for a Daueraufenthalt-EU, you should be able to only extend your current residence permit. Since the case worker didn’t give you any reason and it is understandable that you don’t want to consult a lawyer, you can easily talk to a migration counseling center in your area. On the website from BAMF, you can enter your zip code to find the closest one. They are also familiar with residency, can go through the application form and the documents with you and know more about the practice of your local foreigners department.
I hope there will be an easy solution for your situation. Please let me know if you need support finding a suitable counseling center or have further questions. Wish you all the best!