Chancen Residence Permit 2023: Conditions for Obtaining a Trial Residence

The “Chancen-Aufenthaltsrecht” (§ 104c AufenthG): A fair opportunity after years of waiting

The Chancen-Aufenthaltsrecht (opportunity residence law) entered into force on 31 December 2022. It creates a special “bridge” for people who have been living in Germany for many years under a Duldung or Duldung-Light, without a secure residence status. Anyone who fulfils the conditions and has been in the country for at least five years can apply for a temporary residence permit for 18 months. During this period, you may work legally and use the time to qualify for a long-term residence title.

1. Who is eligible to apply?

You may benefit from this law if:

• you had a Duldung or Duldung-Light under § 60b AufenthG up to 31 October 2022 (handbookgermany.de, asyl.net),

• you have been continuously living in Germany for five years since 31 October 2017, without long interruptions of more than three months (proasyl.de),

• you have no conviction for an intentional criminal offence with a sentence of more than 50–90 daily fines or for a serious criminal offence,

• you are at least 16 years old and have signed a declaration of commitment to the democratic constitutional order of the Federal Republic of Germany.

2. What does this law grant you?

Under § 104c AufenthG you receive:

• a legal residence permit for 18 months (handbookgermany.de),

• full access to the labour market: any employment or self-employment is in principle allowed, without additional restrictions,

• a duty for the immigration authority to provide you with clear written guidance on how you can switch your status later to a residence title under § 25a or § 25b AufenthG – and this must happen before the 18-month period ends (handbookgermany.de).

During these 18 months you are expected to:

• prove that your livelihood is secured without relying fully on public benefits,

• obtain a passport or recognised identity document, or demonstrate credible and ongoing efforts to obtain one within the 18-month period,

• show basic German language skills (A2 level) and a basic understanding of the German legal and social system.

3. What happens after the 18 months?

• If you fulfil the requirements of § 25a or § 25b AufenthG, you can obtain a longer-term or even permanent residence permit.

• If you do not meet these requirements, you normally fall back into Duldung status. In such a case, deportation is possible once the legal conditions are met (asyl.net).

4. How has the law been implemented so far?

• By mid-2025, around 76,000 people had received a temporary residence permit under the Chancen-Aufenthaltsrecht – out of roughly 137,000 people who were considered potentially eligible (bamf.de).

• Implementation is highly uneven between federal states: some Länder have processed tens of thousands of applications, while others have so far received very few or practically none.

Why is this law an exceptional opportunity?

• It gives you legal security and a clearly defined status for 18 months.

• It supports official, regular employment, which strengthens your economic and social integration.

• It offers a realistic pathway to long-term residence, if you can demonstrate language skills, integration and financial independence during this period.

Conclusion

The Chancen-Aufenthaltsrecht is an unusual and comparatively generous tool within German residence law. It does not provide automatic regularisation, but it does offer a clear and structured legal framework for people who have waited for many years, who respect the rules and who are ready to take their integration seriously.

If you have held a Duldung for five years or more, this temporary residence permit can be the chance to turn long years of insecurity into a stable and meaningful life in Germany.

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The editorial team of this website strives to provide accurate information based on thorough research and multiple sources. Nevertheless, errors cannot be completely ruled out and some details may be uncertain or subject to change. Therefore, the contents of this article should be regarded as an initial guide; for binding and up-to-date information, please always consult the competent authorities and qualified legal professionals.