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What does "Fiktionsbescheinigung" mean in English?

Legal, Visas & Permits • 
Last updated on 15 March 2024

The Fiktionsbescheinigung, literally translated as “Fictional Certificate,” is a temporary document issued in Germany. It serves as a provisional residence permit for individuals whose applications for a residence permit are still being processed.

What is “Fiktionsbescheinigung”?

The Fiktionsbescheinigung is issued by the German authorities when it is not yet possible to make a decision on an application for a residence permit. This could be due to various reasons, such as missing documents or the need to wait for the outcome of criminal proceedings. The certificate ensures that the individual’s stay in Germany remains legal until a decision is made on their residence permit application. It is particularly relevant in Berlin and other German cities where there is a significant population of expatriates and immigrants awaiting decisions on their residence status.

More information about “Fiktionsbescheinigung”

There are different types of Fiktionsbescheinigung, each with specific rights and limitations. For example, some allow the holder to work and travel abroad and re-enter Germany, while others do not permit re-entry if the individual leaves the country. The type of Fiktionsbescheinigung issued depends on the individual’s current residence status and the nature of their residence permit application.

Here are some additional terms that are related to Fiktionsbescheinigung:

  • Aufenthaltserlaubnis: A residence permit allowing non-EU/EEA citizens to live in Germany for a specific purpose, such as work or study.
  • Visum: The German term for “visa,” a document required for entry into Germany for short or long stays, depending on the visa category.
  • Ausländerbehörde: The foreigner’s registration office responsible for immigration matters, including residence permits and Fiktionsbescheinigungen.
  • Duldung: A temporary suspension of deportation, granted to individuals who cannot be deported for specific reasons.

The Fiktionsbescheinigung plays a crucial role in ensuring that individuals awaiting decisions on their residence permits can legally stay in Germany, continue their employment, and, in some cases, travel.

Sources

[1] https://service.berlin.de/dienstleistung/326233/en/ [2] https://www.goethe-university-frankfurt.de/45728167/Temporary_Residence_Permit__Fiktionsbescheinigung [3] https://www.reddit.com/r/germany/comments/tcd0xz/what_does_the_actual_process_of_getting_a/?rdt=40606 [4] https://eazyleben.de/fiktionsbescheinigung/ [5] https://allaboutberlin.com/guides/fiktionsbescheinigung [6] https://www.hamburg.com/welcome/entry-residence/general-regulations/15865758/fiktionsbescheinigung-probationary-residence-permit/ [7] https://help.localyze.com/en/articles/6824233-what-s-the-fiktionswirkung-fiktionsbescheinigung-and-how-do-i-get-it [8] https://travel.stackexchange.com/questions/79644/entering-germany-with-a-fiktionsbescheinigung [9] https://www.consilium.europa.eu/prado/en/DEU-HO-13001/index.html [10] https://allaboutberlin.com/glossary/Fiktionsbescheinigung [11] https://visitukraine.today/blog/932/residence-permit-in-germany-what-is-the-difference-between-aufenthaltstitel-and-fiktionsbescheinigung [12] https://www.getworldify.com/post/what-is-a-fiktionsbescheinigung [13] https://www.expatova.com/what-is-fiction-certificate-fiktionsbescheinigung-in-germany [14] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0rYkI1OnFtA [15] https://www.reddit.com/r/germany/comments/15tk30w/query_regarding_fiktionsbescheinigung_validity/?rdt=64635 [16] https://www.consilium.europa.eu/prado/en/DEU-HO-12001/index.html [17] https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/fiktionsbescheinigung-erez-agam [18] https://www.mkjfgfi.nrw/system/files/media/document/file/info-fiktionsbescheinigung-en.pdf