End of three years of Aufenthaltstitel...what would be the next step

[Sx4]

Hello,
As the title says if someone is on family reunion based Aufenthaltstitel and is nearing 3 years (i.e. validity of Aufenthaltstitel), what would be the next options. I ask this question as I saw that one cannot apply for Niederlassungserlaubnis or Einbürgerung as the 3 years are not over. Is extending the Aufenthaltstitel then the only option?
Question is how does one time this visa process? (also how does one apply for extension)
Thanks
Sx4

[Bayrisch_Dude]

family reunion based Aufenthaltstitel

Never heard that phrase used. Perhaps you meant family union based? Regardless, AFAIR there are two types of Aufenthaltstitel. Married (union) and unmarried. Married is the fastest route to Niederlassungserlaubnis - three years. If one is single, or becomes so (divorced or widowed), then it's five years in Germany.

When you are roughly a month out of your Aufenthaltstitel expiry date, go to the Ausländeramt in your rathaus or landratsamt to apply for your Niederlassungserlaubnis.

There used to be hurdles such as financial stability and language proficiency before the Niederlassungserlaubnis was given. One would think these still apply.... but interacting in Germany as I do..... maybe not?

[bethannbitt]

When you are roughly a month out of your Aufenthaltstitel expiry date, go to the Ausländeramt in your rathaus or landratsamt to apply for your Niederlassungserlaubnis.

There used to be hurdles such as financial stability and language proficiency before the Niederlassungserlaubnis was given. One would think these still apply.... but interacting in Germany as I do..... maybe not?

I just went through this process, after 5 years here, and got my NE in December 2024. Details are here on Happy TT toward the end of the thread: Americans - US Passport Renewal & NE. The hurdles you refer to absolutely still exist. I got the ball rolling by emailing my case worker several months ahead of my 5 year date, but my 3-year Aet was not expiring that soon. He emailed me about what he wanted. I chose the online application format, and I saw him for 5 minutes when I picked up the NE. Was EZ-PZ.

[kaffeemitmilch]

Contact your ABH and ask them. They will probably tell you to apply for the NE and what documents you need.

[Sx4]

Contact your ABH and ask them. They will probably tell you to apply for the NE and what documents you need.

Thanks, I will do so when I get a little closer to the 3 year mark.
(p.s: How is ABH, How do I find who my ABH, and their contact info. Is that the person who interviewed me and approved the first Aufenthaltstitel?)

One more question: I have a DTB telc (Deutsch Test für Beruf) B2 certificate, Will that be acceptable as a proof of language requirement?

[bethannbitt]

Only B1 is required. And your case worker can even wave the test requirement if he/she has evidence that you function at the appropriate level. So you are likely good to go.

[kaffeemitmilch]

Contact your ABH and ask them. They will probably tell you to apply for the NE and what documents you need.

Thanks, I will do so when I get a little closer to the 3 year mark.
(p.s: How is ABH, How do I find who my ABH, and their contact info. Is that the person who interviewed me and approved the first Aufenthaltstitel?)

One more question: I have a DTB telc (Deutsch Test für Beruf) B2 certificate, Will that be acceptable as a proof of language requirement?

Yes the ABH (Auslaenderbehoerde) would be the people who issued you your residence permit. Ask them whether this language certificate would be sufficient. My guess is yes. Also, don't wait too long. Just tell them you want to start the process of getting your documents in order. If you're in a big city then you'll need the head start.