Permanent Residence
Permanent Residence in Germany
Once you have been living and working in Germany on a temporary residence permit for a certain period of time, you may be eligible to apply for permanent residence.
Permanent residence allows you to remain in Germany without a fixed end date and generally gives you unrestricted access to the German labour market.
Types of Permanent Residence
Germany has two main types of permanent residence status. The right option depends on your personal situation and, in particular, whether you want to benefit from mobility within the European Union.
Permanent Settlement Permit (Niederlassungserlaubnis)
The permanent settlement permit allows you to live and work in Germany for an unlimited period.
It is generally available to people who have lived in Germany for five years with a temporary residence permit and who meet the other applicable requirements. Certain groups, such as EU Blue Card holders and graduates of German universities, may qualify after a shorter period.
EU Permanent Residence Permit
The EU permanent residence permit has similar requirements to the permanent settlement permit. One important difference is that it can make it easier to move to another EU member state under the applicable immigration rules.
It is important to note that it does not give you an unrestricted right to live and work in every EU country. The rules of the country you want to move to still apply.
General Requirements for Permanent Residence
Depending on your situation, you generally need to meet requirements such as:
- You have held a temporary residence permit for the required period.
- Your livelihood is secure and you can generally support yourself without relying on public benefits.
- You have made sufficient contributions to the statutory pension insurance system or can demonstrate an equivalent form of old-age provision.
- You are permitted to work and have the necessary authorization.
- You have sufficient knowledge of the German language.
- You have basic knowledge of Germany's legal and social system and way of life, for example through an integration course.
- You have sufficient living space for yourself and your family.
- You meet the applicable requirements concerning public safety and criminal convictions.
The exact requirements depend on your residence status and personal circumstances.
Students and Permanent Residence
A residence permit for studying does not normally provide a direct route to a permanent settlement permit.
After completing your studies, you may need to switch to an appropriate residence permit for employment or another qualifying purpose. The time spent studying may be treated differently depending on the type of residence status and the specific permanent residence route.
Categories With Special Rules
Certain groups can qualify for permanent residence after a shorter period than the standard route.
EU Blue Card Holders
EU Blue Card holders may qualify for a permanent settlement permit after:
- 27 months of qualifying employment and pension contributions, or
- 21 months if they have German language skills at level B1.
Other requirements must also be fulfilled.
Graduates of German Universities
Graduates of German universities may qualify for a permanent settlement permit after a shorter period if they have:
- Completed their studies in Germany
- Held a qualifying residence permit for employment
- Worked in qualifying employment
- Made the required pension contributions
- Met the applicable language and integration requirements
Highly Qualified Professionals
Certain highly qualified professionals may be eligible for a permanent settlement permit under special rules.
This can include certain researchers, scientists, and teaching or scientific personnel in particularly qualified positions.
The requirements depend on the specific position and residence status.
Self-Employed Individuals
Self-employed people may be eligible for a permanent settlement permit after a shorter period if their business is successfully established and they can demonstrate:
- Successful self-employment
- Secure income
- Sufficient financial resources
- Appropriate pension provision
- Compliance with the other applicable residence requirements
The exact requirements depend on the residence permit and type of self-employment.
Applying for Permanent Residence
You normally apply for permanent residence at your local Foreigners' Office (Ausländerbehörde).
Before applying, check the website of your local office because the application procedure, appointment system, and required documents can vary between cities.
Application Forms
The application form is usually available:
- On the website of your local Foreigners' Office
- Through an online application system, where available
- In paper form at the Foreigners' Office
Documents You May Need
The exact documents depend on your personal situation, but commonly include:
- Completed application form
- Valid passport
- Recent biometric photo
- Registration certificate
- Proof of accommodation
- Proof of health insurance
- Rental agreement
- Proof of German language skills
- Proof of pension contributions
- Proof of sufficient financial resources
- Current residence permit
Additional Documents for Employees
Employees may also need:
- Employment contract
- Recent salary statements
- Proof of employment
- Tax documents, where required
Additional Documents for Self-Employed People
Self-employed applicants may need:
- Business registration
- Tax documents
- Proof of income
- Business records
- Evidence that the business is financially sustainable
- Documents from a tax advisor, where required
The Foreigners' Office will review your application and may request additional documents.
Permanent Residence Costs
The fee for a permanent settlement permit depends on your situation and the type of application. Check the current fee with your local Foreigners' Office before submitting your application.
When Can Permanent Residence Expire?
Although permanent residence is not limited to a fixed end date, it can expire in certain circumstances, particularly if you leave Germany for an extended period.
The rules depend on the type of permanent residence permit and your individual circumstances. Before moving abroad for an extended period, contact your Foreigners' Office to find out whether your permanent residence status will remain valid.
Permanent Residence vs. German Citizenship
Permanent residence gives you the right to live in Germany indefinitely, but it does not give you all the rights of a German citizen.
For example, permanent residents generally do not receive a German passport or full voting rights in federal elections.
If you meet the requirements, you may instead consider applying for German citizenship.
Conclusion
Permanent residence is an important milestone for international residents in Germany. It provides long-term security and allows you to remain in Germany without having to regularly renew a temporary residence permit.
The requirements vary depending on your residence status, employment, qualifications, and personal circumstances. Start preparing your documents early and check the requirements of your local Foreigners' Office before submitting your application.