Re-entering Germany after visa expire

I had a Type D Study Schengen Visa that expired on 25 April 2022, I planned to re-enter Germany on 24 April but the prices were extremely high.

I had already applied for residence permit and I have been informed that it is ready and I can pick it up once I arrive in Germany.

Now the office where I applied for the residence permit sent me a certificate declaring that I applied for residence permit, but I was informed that this does not guarantee re-entry normally.

In my situation, what can I do to ensure re-entry?

Thank you.

Best Answer

If it is your first time applying for a German residence permit and do not have a Fiktionbescheinigung issued under § 81 Abs. 4 Satz 1, you need a valid visa or residence permit to return to the Schengen Area, unless your nationality is exempt from visa and you still have "days" left for short stays. A PDF does not suffice and is unlikely to be recognized by airlines or a border guard at a land border (they may not even speak German).

You can either ask if it is possible for a trusted friend or relative to pick up your residence permit and courier it to you; if not, ask if it is possible for the German embassy/consulate to expedite a return visa based on the issued residence permit (even if not in your possession); if still not possible, you need to follow the embassy's directions on how to obtain a new visa.