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§18b residence permit (Berlin) + Zusatzblatt restrictions: part-time jobs, Bürgergeld, and extension options
Hello everyone,
I’m looking for guidance on what is allowed under my current residence permit conditions in Berlin, and what options I have for a visa extension.
Background (timeline)
- Moved to Berlin in 2019 (non-EU Country - Not in the high-risk list)
- Completed my Master’s degree in 2020
- Worked some part-time jobs (Nebenjobs)
- Later joined Company X:
- Working student: ~6 months
- Full-time contract (40 hrs/week): 2022–2024
- Total employment at Company X: 3 years, 4 months
- Working student: ~6 months
- I resigned due to a toxic work environment
- Last working day: Oct 2024
- Last working day: Oct 2024
- After that:
- Received ALG I until Oct 2025
- Completed a Weiterbildung via Agentur für Arbeit: Jan 2025 – Mar 2025
- Received ALG I until Oct 2025
- Job search: 180+ applications in 6 months, no offer yet, but maintaining an active database for my Job search.
- Since ALG I ended, I have been receiving Bürgergeld since November 2025
Current residence permit
- Residence permit: § 18b Abs. 1 AufenthG
- Valid until: 18.04.2026
- Zusatzblatt wording (exact):
“Beschäftigung nicht erlaubt mit Ausnahme der Tätigkeit als XXX bei XXX GmbH. Selbstständige Tätigkeit erlaubt nach 2 Jahren. Versicherungspflichtig beschäftigt. Ist beschäftigt. Jeder Art erlaubt.”
Questions
Employment permissions:
Based on this Zusatzblatt, am I allowed to take a part-time job that is not related to my field, e.g., a “non-qualified” job (unqualified/helper job / Barista), to cover living costs, if I voluntarily decide to take part-time employment that does not physically strain me or cause a hindrance in my regular job search criteria?- If I don’t take a part-time job:
What realistic options do I have to extend my residence permit when my current permit expires?
- Requirement for extension:
For an extension under §18b, do I need to show an employment contract (qualified or unqualified), or can an extension be granted while actively job searching?
- Bürgergeld and extension chances:
What are the chances of getting an extension if I’m currently receiving Bürgergeld, but have a strong employment history and ongoing job search? If yes, what kind of Extension and for approximately how long could I get it?
- Basis for extension application:
If I apply for extension while receiving Bürgergeld, what “basis” should I select on the LEA application? (For example: job search, pending employment, change of employer, etc.)
- Timing:
When is the best time to submit the extension request to LEA if my permit expires on 18.04.2026? - I also want to understand what do the "aufenthaltsrechtlichen Nebenbestimmungen" mean exactly in this case?
Any guidance would be highly appreciated. Thank you very much.
1 Comments
Hi! Under a residence permit issued according to § 18b Abs. 1 AufenthG, employment is only permitted if it is explicitly allowed in the residence permit or the Zusatzblatt. Since your Zusatzblatt restricts employment to a specific employer and position, you are not automatically allowed to take a different or unqualified part-time job without prior approval or an amendment by the LEA.
An extension of the § 18b permit normally requires a valid qualified employment contract. A pure job-search situation without a concrete offer is usually not sufficient for extending this permit. If no qualified job is available, a change of residence purpose (e.g., to a job-search permit) may need to be considered instead.
Receiving Bürgergeld can negatively affect extension chances, as the immigration authority must verify that your livelihood is secured independently. However, a strong employment history and documented active job search may still support your case, depending on the authority’s discretion.
You should submit the extension application about 8–12 weeks before the permit expires to maintain legal stay during processing.
What I can recommend is to contact the Ausländerbehörde/LEA in writing to clarify whether your Zusatzblatt can be amended to allow part-time or other employment and which extension pathway applies in your situation. At the same time, continue your active job search to secure a qualified job offer, as this provides the strongest basis for extending your residence permit.
**Please note: We do not provide legal advice, do not cooperate with German authorities, and do not offer assistance in filling out forms or other documents.
For further and personal advice on site, please contact the free advice centers in your area in Germany:
https://bamf-navi.bamf.de/en/Themen/Beratungsstellen/.
Best of luck! Violeta