Who it applies to
Holders of an ordinary German residence permit planning a temporary absence.
Germany residence permit — absence
A German residence title can expire during a stay abroad, with timing dependent on the title and reason for departure.
Check your own dates: Germany residence permit — absence calculator →
Summary
- Day rule / reminder
- 6 calendar months • each recorded absence
- Window
- 6 calendar months from the recorded departure
- What the tool measures
- A date or day-count reminder
- Official reference
- Berlin Immigration Office ↗
A German residence title can expire during a stay abroad, with timing dependent on the title and reason for departure.
The rule
Berlin’s guidance gives six months for a standard permit, while Blue Cards and other categories can differ. A departure for a non-temporary reason can end a title sooner; longer absence may need prior authorization.
Counting the days
For each recorded absence, the reminder date is the departure date plus six calendar months. The numerical absence total excludes departure and return dates. This counter shows the recorded absence whose reminder date is nearest.
- Choose the date through which you want to count, then add your recorded visits.
- Use the counting convention above. Include recorded trips abroad and returns home, so the tool can distinguish separate absences.
- Read the result alongside the conditions. Missing records and other eligibility requirements are not inferred from a total.
Examples
These examples demonstrate the counter's arithmetic, using a count-through date of 30 October 2026. They do not determine legal status or eligibility.
Example 1 — one recorded visit
- to · France
Recorded result: 8 days
Example 2 — overlapping records
- to · France
- to · France
Recorded result: 13 days
Example 3 — two visits with a gap
- to · France
- to · France
Recorded result: 8 days
Exceptions & edge cases
A standard residence permit generally expires after six months abroad. EU Blue Cards and other permits/exemptions can have different rules. A non-temporary departure can invalidate a permit sooner.
Use the official reference for the full conditions and any changes since the source review date shown on this page.
Common misconceptions
“A counter result is the same as permission or eligibility.”
The counter measures recorded dates. Your actual permission, status and other conditions remain separate.
“Missing records count automatically as days abroad.”
Only recorded journeys contribute. Unknown gaps are not filled in as absences.
Frequently asked questions
What does this rule count?
A German residence title can expire during a stay abroad, with timing dependent on the title and reason for departure.
Which counting window does this tool use?
6 calendar months from the recorded departure. For each recorded absence, the reminder date is the departure date plus six calendar months. The numerical absence total excludes departure and return dates. This counter shows the recorded absence whose reminder date is nearest.
What else should I check before relying on the total?
A standard residence permit generally expires after six months abroad. EU Blue Cards and other permits/exemptions can have different rules. A non-temporary departure can invalidate a permit sooner.
Where can I read the official requirements?
Read Berlin Immigration Office ↗. The source was last reviewed on .
Keep this count with your travel history.
Follow your recorded days and selected reminders in Untild, alongside your other travel counters.
Get Untild for iPhone ↗Sources
Source last reviewed: . This is the source review date, not a claim that every legal condition is calculated.
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