Medical reasons need evidence.
Medical documents should explain why departure within the period is practically impossible or unreasonable.
Return decision
Extending the voluntary departure period: when is it realistic?
When the 14-day voluntary departure period under section 55 FPG may be set for a longer period.
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Mag. Mirela Saric
Attorney at law · German and BCS
Mirela Saric assists clients in immigration matters with a clear structure: review the decision, secure deadlines, define the strategy and act quickly. She advises in German and Bosnian/Croatian/Serbian.
14 July 2026 · Mag. Mirela Saric, Attorney at Law
A return decision generally grants a period for voluntary departure. Under section 55 FPG, the standard period is 14 days from enforceability of the return decision.
A longer period is not automatic. It requires special circumstances and evidence. Anyone who needs time should act before the period expires.
Classify the urgency
Why can departure not take place within 14 days?
Answer one short question to identify the evidence needed first.
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Why is the departure period not enough?
The answer shows which evidence comes first.
All paths at a glance
Overview of all answers.
Organisation must be verifiable.
For passport, emergency travel document or flights, documented efforts and a concrete plan matter.
Personal reasons need structure.
School, care duties and family organisation may matter if they are specific and linked to a departure plan.
Rule and exception under section 55 FPG
Rule and exception under section 55 FPG
Section 55 FPG sets the regular 14-day period. If special circumstances predominate, the period may be set once for a longer time. Those circumstances must be evidenced with a departure date.
The article on voluntary departure and deadline explains the basic rule. This article focuses on extension.
Circumstances that may matter in practice
Circumstances that may matter in practice
Medical issues, missing travel documents, organisation of departure, school-age children or care duties may be relevant. The point is not the label, but the evidence.
The authority needs a verifiable explanation: what prevents departure now, how long the solution will take and when departure is planned. The deadline calculator only helps with timing.
When no voluntary period is granted
When no voluntary period is granted
Section 55 FPG also lists cases where no voluntary departure period is granted, for example certain public order concerns or risk of absconding. Then the starting point itself must be reviewed.
In entry ban cases, the reasons in the decision and the proportionality assessment should be checked. A simple request for more time is not enough.
Important: An extension should be prepared before the period expires. Evidence, departure date and explanation belong together.
FAQ
Extending voluntary departure
Do I automatically get more than 14 days? +
No. A longer period requires special circumstances and evidence.
Which evidence is useful? +
Depending on the reason: medical reports, embassy correspondence, travel bookings, school confirmations or proof of care duties.
Does a request help after expiry? +
It becomes much harder. After expiry, enforcement and legal remedies may become the focus.
Further reading
Deadline, departure and evidence
Topics
Voluntary departureDeadline extensionReturn decisionSection 55 FPG
Entry ban, return decision, a running appeal deadline?
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