Baden-Württemberg urges longer permit validity within existing German law
The 6 October circular addresses skilled workers, students and qualifying Duldung holders.
Baden-Württemberg’s Ministry of Justice and Migration issued a circular on 6 October asking immigration authorities to use the maximum permit durations already available under federal law. It highlights 4-year permits under sections 18a, 18b, 18g and 19c of the Residence Act and the usual 2-year duration for study permits under section 16b.[1][2]
Duldung holders in employment subject to social insurance or higher education should normally receive 6 months, excluding those finally convicted during their stay in Germany whose conviction remains in the Federal Central Register. Local authorities must report employment or higher-education study to Karlsruhe’s regional authority, which checks criminal-record status before confirming the extension. They must also report when the employment or study ends.[1]
This is a state-level implementation instruction within existing federal limits, not a new nationwide entitlement or automatic extension. Duldung means suspension of deportation, not a residence permit.[1]
Official sources
This article provides general information. Individual applications are subject to the applicable rules and the competent authority’s assessment.