§25(4a) — Residence Permit for Victims of Human Trafficking

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§25(4a) — Residence Permit for Victims of Human Trafficking

Residency Pathway Dependents Allowed

At a Glance

Processing Time

6-8 weeks

Application Fee

144.5 – 289 EUR

varies by filing options

Stay Duration

1 year

Renewable

Dependents allowed

No PR pathway

No job offer needed

Remote work not required

Official Information

Living in Germany

Cost of Living

Same as United States

Avg Salary€39,600

Quality of Life

196/200

Full Country Guide

Overview

Temporary residence for victims willing to cooperate with law enforcement in criminal proceedings.

The German §25(4a) AufenthG permit grants temporary residence to victims of human trafficking (§§232–233a StGB) who cooperate with law enforcement in criminal proceedings against their traffickers. Legal residence is not required to apply.

Issued for one year initially, renewable in 2-year extensions tied to proceedings duration, with possible continuation on humanitarian grounds afterwards. Work requires separate Ausländerbehörde authorisation. Initial fee is EUR 100 (EUR 50 for minors); waived for social benefit recipients.

This visa is ideal for non-EU trafficking victims willing to testify against perpetrators who need temporary legal status and protection from deportation while proceedings are active.

Fee Breakdown

Initial issuance (adults)100 EUR

Initial issuance (minors)50 EUR

Extension up to 3 months (adults)96 EUR

Extension up to 3 months (minors)48 EUR

Extension over 3 months (adults)93 EUR

Extension over 3 months (minors)46.5 EUR

Exemption for social benefit recipients0 EUR

Requirements

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Status as a victim of human trafficking

Willingness to cooperate with law enforcement

Severed ties with perpetrators

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Police report/cooperation confirmation

Proof of victim status

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

Protection from deportation
Fee exemptions

Worth Knowing

Dependent on ongoing criminal proceedings
High emotional and legal burden
Refusal to cooperate with law enforcement

Application Process

Cooperate with law enforcement

Apply for residence permit via local authority

Verified Claims (19)

Last verified May 31, 2026

Application Steps

Cooperate with law enforcement; Apply for residence permit via local authority

service.rlp.de

Dependent Visa

Highly restricted (only possible for reasons of international law, humanitarian reasons, or to prote…

verwaltung.bund.de

Fee Breakdown

Initial issuance (adults): 100 EUR; Initial issuance (minors): 50 EUR; Extension up to 3 months (adu…

verwaltung.bund.de

Fees

EUR 100 for initial issuance (EUR 50 for minors); EUR 96 for extension up to 3 months (EUR 48 for mi…

verwaltung.bund.de

Forms

—

verwaltung.bund.de

Included Nationalities

—

verwaltung.bund.de

Job Offer Required

false

service.rlp.de

Official Info

https://verwaltung.bund.de/leistungsverzeichnis/en/leistung/MV/113306615

verwaltung.bund.de

Official Information

Living in Germany

Cost of Living

Same as United States

Avg Salary€39,600

Quality of Life

196/200

Full Country Guide

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Overview

Temporary residence for victims willing to cooperate with law enforcement in criminal proceedings.

This visa is ideal for non-EU trafficking victims willing to testify against perpetrators who need temporary legal status and protection from deportation while proceedings are active.