Extract from the FAQ of the State Residents' Office:
My residence title contains a supplementary provision which states that it "becomes invalid if benefits are received according to SGB II/XII or AsylbLG". Due to the economic consequences of the coronavirus outbreak, I must receive benefits according to SGB II (Hartz IV), SGB XII (social assistance) or AsylbLG. Does this mean that my residence permit has become invalid?
No. On March 24, 2020 and on March27, 2020, the Berlin Aliens Department issued two General Orders. They state that your residence permit will not become invalid if you receive short-time work benefits, SGB II (Hartz IV), SGB XII (social welfare) or AsylbLG (Asylum Seeker Benefits Act) between March 18, 2020 and June 17, 2020.
This applies despite the conditions in your residence permit, provided that you remain the aliens' registration office responsible for your residence status in Berlin for the entire period during which you receive these benefits (i.e. if you keep your main residence in Berlin and are registered here). In this case you do not need to do anything.
Due to the economic effects of the coronavirus outbreak, I must temporarily receive benefits according to SGB II (Hartz IV), SGB XII (social welfare) or AsylbLG (Asylum Seeker Benefits Act). However, a prerequisite for my right of residence was that I could secure my livelihood without having to claim social welfare benefits. Is my right of residence now at risk?
No. Although your residence permit can be cancelled by the Berlin Aliens Department if one of the essential prerequisites for obtaining the residence permit is no longer fulfilled (the so-called validity restriction according to § 7 Paragraph 2 No. 2 of the Residence Act). However, the Berlin Aliens Authority will only apply this regulation from June 17, 2020 with regard to the use of such services.
Please bear in mind that when you apply for a formal extension of your residence permit after the end of the coronavirus pandemic, you will again have to prove that you can secure your own livelihood without claiming social welfare benefits.
If your residence permit expires within the next six weeks, please complete our online form.
Link FAQs in English
Link 1. General Decree (in German only)
Link 2. General Decree (in German only)