The invention relates to a bistable electromagnetic actuating apparatus (1) having an actuating element (2), which forms an engagement region (4) at the end and can be moved axially between two end positions, in particular for engaging in a control groove in a cam of an internal combustion engine, and having a coil device (11) which is provided in a stationary manner relative to the actuating element (2) and is designed to exert a force on said actuating element, wherein the actuating element (2) has permanent-magnet means (5) which are designed to interact with a core region (3) which is provided in a stationary manner relative to the actuating element (2), and wherein the coil device (11) is designed to generate a counterforce, which counteracts a retaining force of the permanent-magnet means (5) and releases said permanent-magnet means from the core region (3), in response to an electronic actuation signal, and wherein spring means (14) are provided, said spring means being arranged such that they apply a spring force to the actuating element (2) in an axial direction which faces away from the core region (3). The invention makes provision for the core region (3) and the permanent-magnet means (5) to overlap in the axial direction for the purpose of influencing the retrieval point.