Published: 05.03.2026
Foreign nationals subject to a residence restriction may apply to the foreigners authority for the restriction to be changed or lifted. Grounds may include employment subject to social-security contributions, study or vocational training, family circumstances, or humanitarian reasons; the move is permitted only after approval.
The rule provides a lawful route for people subject to a residence restriction to relocate to another German state, but it does not permit an address change without prior approval. According to the official portal, applicants must document employment, education, family ties, or humanitarian reasons, and the authority may request additional evidence. It primarily affects recognised refugees, people with subsidiary protection, and other foreign nationals whose residence permits contain a Wohnsitzauflage. This is practically important for people already in Germany who want to move for work, education, or family reasons, but it is not a separate obstacle for newcomers who are not subject to such a restriction.