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

Residency Pathway

At a Glance

Processing Time

6-8 weeks

Estimated Cost

EUR €145–€289

Varies by filing options

Stay Duration

1 year

Renewable

Renewal

Renewable

Family

Not specified

PR Pathway

None

Sponsor

No job offer needed

Work

Remote not required

Official Information
Germany flag

Living in Germany

Cost of Living
2% cheaper than United States
Avg Salary€36,000
Quality of Life
195/200
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.

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Cost Breakdown

Initial issuance (adults)EUR €100
Initial issuance (minors)EUR €50
Extension up to 3 months (adults)EUR €96
Extension up to 3 months (minors)EUR €48
Extension over 3 months (adults)EUR €93
Extension over 3 months (minors)EUR €47
Exemption for social benefit recipientsEUR €0
TotalEUR €145–€289

Requirements

PUBLISHED 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

1

Cooperate with law enforcement

2

Apply for residence permit via local authority

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