What is a residence permit for medical reasons (§ 25(3) AufenthG)?
It is a temporary legal residence permit granted to people who:
do not have a valid residence status (for example, after a final asylum refusal),
suffer from a serious illness or a chronic, life-threatening medical condition that would likely lead to severe deterioration if they were deported,
and cannot obtain adequate and necessary treatment in their country of origin.
In other words, deportation would amount to an unacceptable risk under Section 60(7) AufenthG, because it could endanger life or cause serious harm to health.
When can this residence permit be granted?
When there is a serious or life-threatening condition, such as:
unstable chronic heart disease
cancer (advanced stages)
kidney or liver failure
severe mental illness (such as severe depression or suicidal risk)
complex physical disability requiring intensive care
When adequate, continuous treatment is not realistically available in the home country
due to a broken or insufficient healthcare system, or lack of access
because treatment is so expensive that it is effectively unreachable
due to shortages of vital medicines or medical equipment
It is not enough that treatment is simply “better” in Germany. You must show that treatment in the home country is not actually possible or not realistically accessible.
What must be proven to obtain the permit?
First: A detailed medical report
Issued by a specialist doctor or a hospital (preferably a recognized medical center) and including:
a precise diagnosis
an assessment of severity and risks
the required treatment plan
the likely consequences if treatment is interrupted or unavailable
a medical recommendation against deportation
Second: Evidence about medical care in the country of origin
It is strongly recommended to support the application with official information or international reports (for example, from international health or medical organizations) showing that the required treatment is not available or not accessible there.
Third: Cooperation with the authorities
The person should not have obstructed deportation procedures in the past.
A passport or proof of identity should be provided, if possible.
How long is the permit granted for?
It is often granted for one year and can be renewed as long as the medical reasons continue.
In rare cases, it may be granted for longer if the condition is chronic and improvement is not expected.
What rights does this permit provide?
| Right | Available? |
|---|---|
| Housing and social assistance | Yes, under social welfare rules |
| Health insurance | Yes, via a health insurance fund (Krankenkasse) |
| Work | Possible, but often subject to approval by the foreigners’ authority |
| Education or training | Possible |
| Family reunification | Difficult, except in exceptional humanitarian cases |
| Path to permanent residence | Possible after several years, under strict conditions |
Is it granted automatically once a doctor writes a report?
No. Even though medical evidence is crucial, the final decision is made by the Ausländerbehörde (foreigners’ authority). If there was a previous asylum case, other competent bodies may also be consulted.
Therefore, it is important to:
submit a strong, well-documented medical file
seek support from a lawyer or a legal aid/refugee counselling organization
act quickly if deportation is imminent
Difference between a residence permit (§ 25(3)) and a medical Duldung (toleration)
| Aspect | § 25(3) (Residence permit) | Medical Duldung |
|---|---|---|
| Legal status | official temporary residence | only a temporary suspension of deportation |
| Right to work | possible | often more restricted |
| Counts toward integration/permanent residence | yes | usually no |
| Legal stability | higher | lower and can be withdrawn more quickly |
Conclusion
A residence permit for medical reasons under § 25(3) AufenthG can be a genuine humanitarian solution for people with severe, life-threatening health conditions when return would mean lack of essential care. However, it requires precise medical and legal proof and is not granted automatically just because an illness exists.
ـ The site’s writing and editorial team strives to provide accurate information through extensive research and reviewing multiple sources. However, some errors may occur or certain details may be uncertain. Therefore, please treat the information as an initial reference and always consult the competent authorities for confirmed information.
