Settlement permit Graduates: Here Are the Benefits
The Settlement permit a permanent Residence permit. This means it allows you to live and work in Germany indefinitely without having to renew your Residence permit . For many international graduates, it is therefore an important goal after completing their studies.
Compared to temporary residence permits, the Settlement permit offers significantly more security and flexibility. With a Settlement permit , you Settlement permit no longer tied to a specific purpose of residence and are free to choose your place of employment or start your own business.
This offers many advantages for graduates in both their daily lives and their professional careers: They have better prospects in the job market, as many employers Residence permit individuals with a permanent Residence permit . At the same time, they are no longer tied to a specific employer and can more easily change jobs if better opportunities arise.
Your personal planning will also be easier: With a Settlement permit , you Settlement permit long-term security and can reliably build a life in Germany, for example when planning a family. You’ll also benefit in your day-to-day life: Finding an apartment or taking out a loan is often much less complicated, since your residency status is considered stable and permanent.
Settlement permit Graduation – Here’s How It Works!
Have you completed your studies and would like to stay in Germany permanently? If so, the Settlement permit is the right option for you. It is intended for
- International graduates of German universities who wish to live and work in Germany after graduation
- Graduates of foreign universities who are employed in skilled positions in Germany
Important: You Settlement permit obtain a Settlement permit with a Residence permit study purposes (Section 16b of the Residence Act). To obtain a permanent Residence permit , you Residence permit first switch to a Residence permit a skilled worker (Section 18b of the Residence Act), as a self-employed person (Section 21 of the Residence Act), or to the EU Blue Card (Section 18g of the Residence Act). Only on this basis can you later Settlement permit a Settlement permit .
What is the process Settlement permit graduates to obtain Settlement permit after completing their studies?
The requirements you must Settlement permit to obtain a Settlement permit depend on whether you completed your studies in Germany or abroad.
The following overview explains the legal basis for Settlement permit a Settlement permit —and which Residence permit need to do so.
Education and Degree | current Residence permit | Eligibility for Settlement permit |
|---|---|---|
in Germany (Section 16b of the Residence Act) | § 18b of the Residence Act (Skilled Worker) | Yes – pursuant to § 18c(1), second sentence, of the Residence Act |
abroad | § 18b of the Residence Act (Skilled Worker) | Yes – pursuant to § 18c(1), first sentence, of the Residence Act |
in Germany (Section 16b of the Residence Act) | § 21 of the Residence Act (Self-Employed) | Yes – pursuant to Section 21(2a) of the Residence Act |
in Germany (Section 16b of the Residence Act) | § 18g of the Residence Act (Blue Card) | Yes – pursuant to § 18c(2), sentence 1 or sentence 3 of the Residence Act |
abroad | Section 18g of the Residence Act (EU Blue Card) | Yes – pursuant to § 18c(2), sentence 1 or sentence 3 of the Residence Act |
In short: If you have completed a degree program at a German or foreign university and currently hold a Residence permit a skilled worker (Section 18b, Section 18g, or Section 21 of the Residence Act), you may be eligible to obtain a Settlement permit Germany under certain conditions.
It matters whether your degree is from a German or a foreign university—because that determines whether you are eligible for simplified admission requirements.
Settlement permit Graduates of a German University – Requirements
In order for foreign graduates of German universities Settlement permit a Settlement permit , several requirements must be met. These requirements are set forth in Section 18c(1), sentence 2, of the Residence Act (AufenthG) and Section 21(2a) of the Residence Act (AufenthG).
An overview of the key requirements:
Degree from a German university
The basic requirement is a successfully completed degree from a state-recognized German university. This degree serves as the basis for applying for a Residence permit a skilled worker (Section 18b or Section 21 of the Residence Act).
Qualified Employment After Graduation — Transition to Residence permit Skilled Workers
After completing your studies, you must take a qualified job. Only then will it be considered skilled employment and thus serve as the basis for your Settlement permit.
Important: To obtain a Settlement permit , you Settlement permit first switch from your Residence permit studyResidence permit (Section 16b of the Residence Act) to a Residence permit skilled workers (Section 18b, Section 18g, or Section 21 of the Residence Act).
Minimum length of stay and duration of employment
Graduates of German universities are subject to shorter processing times for obtaining a Settlement permit. As a rule, it is sufficient to have lived and worked in Germany for two years with a Residence permit a skilled worker (Section 18b of the Residence Act). With a Residence permit Section 21 of the Residence Act, you can obtain a Settlement permit three years of lawful residence.
If you hold an EU Blue Card (Section 18g of the Residence Act), different deadlines apply:
- 27-month stay and employment with German language skills at the A1 level
- 21-month stay and employment with German language proficiency at the B1 level
Secure livelihood
Another important point is having a secure livelihood. This means that one’s livelihood must be permanently secured without government assistance such as basic income (SGB II) or welfare (SGB XII). Certain benefits, such as housing assistance, child supplements, or child benefits, are generally not considered problematic.
Pension Insurance
You must also provide proof of contributions to the statutory pension insurance program. For graduates of German universities holding a Residence permit 18b of the Residence Act, a minimum of 24 months is generally required. Alternatively, comparable private pension plans may also be accepted.
The following time limits apply to the EU Blue Card (Section 18g of the Residence Act):
- 27 months of pension payments for language level A1
- 21 months of pension payments for language level B1
German language skills
If you wish Settlement permit a Settlement permit with a Residence permit Section 18b or Section 21 of the Residence Act, you must demonstrate German language proficiency at the B1 level. This requirement is intended to ensure that sustainable integration in Germany is possible.
In addition, if you completed your degree program in German, this will be accepted as proof of your language proficiency. In that case, you do not need a separate language certificate.
With an EU Blue Card (Section 18g of the Residence Act) , language proficiency at the A1 level is sufficient . In that case, you are Settlement permit eligible to apply for a Settlement permit after 27 months of residence. If you can demonstrate language proficiency at the B1 level, you can apply for a Settlement permit after Settlement permit 21 months of residence.
Additional requirements
In addition to the points mentioned above, several other general requirements must be met. These include, in particular, having no serious criminal record and providing clear proof of identity —usually in the form of a valid national passport.
In addition, the authorities require what is known as a positive prognosis for the future. This means that the authorities will assess whether you are capable of supporting yourself financially in the long term and integrating into German society on a permanent basis.
A basic understanding of the legal and social systems is also required. For graduates of German universities, this requirement is met by the completion of their degree—particularly if their coursework included subjects such as law, politics, or sociology.
Overview of requirements: Settlement permit graduates of German universities
Prerequisite | § 18b of the Residence Act (Skilled Worker) | Section 18g of the Residence Act (EU Blue Card) |
|---|---|---|
Degree from a German university | Yes — followed by a change in § 18b of the Residence Act | Yes — then switch to 18g AufenthG |
length of stay | 2 years (under Section 18b of the Residence Act) | 27 months (under Section 18g of the Residence Act) OR 21 months (under Section 18g of the Residence Act + B1) |
Secure livelihood | 100% guaranteed, no job center | 100% guaranteed, no job center |
Pension Insurance | 2 years | 27 months, or 21 months for B1 language proficiency |
German language skills | B1 or exception | A1 (for a 27-month stay) or B1 (for a 21-month stay) |
Criminal record | up to 90 daily fines or up to 3 months' probation | up to 90 daily fines or up to 3 months' probation |
established identity | Yes | Yes |
positive outlook | Yes | Yes |
Living in Germany Test | Yes — or a college degree in relevant fields | Yes — or a college degree in relevant fields |
Miscellaneous | Minimum salary for 2026: €50,700 gross per year. For occupations facing labor shortages or entry-level employees: €45,934.20 gross per year. |
Requirements Settlement permit graduates of foreign universities
Graduates of foreign universities can also Settlement permit a Settlement permit in Germany. To qualify, you must work in Germany as a skilled professional after completing your studies and meet all legal requirements.
Here is an overview of the most important requirements:
Degree from a foreign university
The basic requirement is a successfully completed degree from a recognized foreign university. It is important to note that your degree must be recognized as equivalent in Germany. Only then can you take up qualified employment as a skilled worker and Settlement permit the groundwork for a future Settlement permit .
Skilled employment after graduation
After completing your studies, you must hold a qualified position in Germany. It is also important that you Residence permit a valid Residence permit . To obtain a Settlement permit , you generally Settlement permit a Residence permit a skilled worker—for example, under Section 18b of the Residence Act (AufenthG) or the EU Blue Card (Section 18g of the Residence Act).
Minimum length of stay and duration of employment
Compared to graduates of German universities, longer deadlines apply to graduates with a foreign degree.
If you earned your degree at a foreign university and are subsequently working in Germany with a Residence permit a skilled worker (Section 18b of the Residence Act), you must have resided in Germany for at least three years before you can Settlement permit a Settlement permit .
With the EU Blue Card (Section 18g of the Residence Act):
- 27 months for those with A1-level German proficiency
- 21 months for those with B1-level German proficiency
Secure livelihood
Your livelihood must be permanently secured. This means that you may not receive benefits such as basic income support (SGB II) or welfare (SGB XII). Benefits such as housing assistance, child supplements, or child benefits are generally not an issue.
Pension Insurance
To obtain a Settlement permit , you Settlement permit provide proof that you have made contributions to the statutory (or private) pension insurance system. The required contribution period depends on the type of Residence permit hold.
If you have a residence permit as a skilled worker under Section 18b of the Residence Act, you must have made contributions to the pension insurance system for at least three years.
Shorter time limits apply to the EU Blue Card (Section 18g of the Residence Act): In general, 27 months of contributions are sufficient. If you can also demonstrate German language proficiency at the B1 level, this period is reduced to 21 months.
German language skills
The required level of German proficiency also depends on your Residence permit.
If you have a residence permit under Section 18b of the Residence Act, you are generally required to demonstrate German language proficiency at the B1 level.
The EU Blue Card (Section 18g of the Residence Act) has simplified requirements: For the standard 27-month period, language proficiency at the A1 level is sufficient. However, if you reach the B1 language level, the minimum period of residence is reduced to 21 months.
Additional requirements
In addition, certain other requirements must be met. These include, in particular: no serious criminal record and a verified identity (e.g., through a valid national passport).
In addition, the authorities will assess whether there is a positive outlook for the future. This means that it must be likely that you will be able to support yourself in the long term and that you are well integrated in Germany.
In addition, you must demonstrate a basic understanding of the legal and social system in Germany. This is typically done by successfully passing the “Life in Germany” naturalization test.
Overview of requirements: Settlement permit graduates of foreign universities
Prerequisite | § 18b of the Residence Act (Skilled Worker) | Section 18g of the Residence Act (EU Blue Card) |
|---|---|---|
Degree from a foreign university | Yes + Residence permit Section 18b of the Residence Act | Yes + Residence permit Section 18g of the Residence Act |
length of stay | 3 years (under Section 18b of the Residence Act) | 27 months (under Section 18g of the Residence Act) OR 21 months (under Section 18g of the Residence Act + B1) |
Secure livelihood | 100% guaranteed, no job center | 100% guaranteed, no job center |
Pension Insurance | 3 years | 27 months, or 21 months for B1 language proficiency |
German language skills | B1 or exception | A1 (for a 27-month stay) or B1 (for a 21-month stay) |
Criminal record | up to 90 daily fines or up to 3 months' probation | up to 90 daily fines or up to 3 months' probation |
established identity | Yes | Yes |
positive outlook | Yes | Yes |
Living in Germany Test | Yes | Yes |
Miscellaneous | Minimum salary for 2026: €50,700 gross per year. For occupations facing labor shortages or entry-level employees: €45,934.20 gross per year. |
What documents do graduates need to apply for a Settlement permit?
If you wish Settlement permit a Settlement permit , you must Foreigners' office various documents to the Foreigners' office . The exact documents required may vary slightly depending on the agency. However, there are certain documents that are required in most cases.
These include:
- Valid national passport
Your passport serves as proof of your identity and citizenship. - Current Residence permit
For example, your residence permit under Section 18b of the Residence Act (AufenthG) or Section 21 of the Residence Act (AufenthG), or your EU Blue Card (Section 18g of the Residence Act (AufenthG)).
Employment Contract This document confirms that you are employed in a skilled position.- Pay stubs
Generally, the last three to six pay stubs are required to prove that you have a stable source of income. - Proof of pension insurance
For example, a pension insurance history statement from the German Pension Insurance Fund showing your contributions to date. - Proof of German language proficiency
Typically, this requires a language certificate at the B1 level. Alternatively, a degree from a German university may be accepted as proof if the program was completed in German.
Rental Agreement This demonstrates that you have sufficient living space.
Registration Certificate This document confirms your current residence in Germany.- Proof of health insurance
A current certificate from your public or private health insurance provider. - Proof of knowledge of the legal and social system
Often provided by the “Leben in Deutschland” certificate. For graduates of German universities, the diploma is usually sufficient.
Biometric Passport Photo For the issuance of the electronic residence permit (eAT).
Settlement permit Graduation: FAQ
Can I Settlement permit a Settlement permit right after I graduate?
No. A Settlement permit be obtained with a Residence permit study purposes (Section 16b of the Residence Act). You must first switch to a Residence permit skilled workers (Section 18b of the Residence Act), as a self-employed person (Section 21 of the Residence Act), or under the EU Blue Card (Section 18g of the Residence Act), and then fulfill the corresponding minimum period of residence.
How long do graduates have to work after completing their studies to Settlement permit a Settlement permit ?
That Residence permit on Residence permit . Graduates of German universities can Settlement permit obtain a Settlement permit after just two years if they hold a residence permit as a skilled worker (Section 18b of the Residence Act). Graduates of foreign universities can obtain a Settlement permit three years.
With the EU Blue Card, the period is generally 27 months—or 21 months if you have B1-level German language skills.
Does my job have to be related to my field of study?
To obtain a Residence permit Section 18b or Section 18g of the Residence Act, you must be engaged in qualified employment. However, this does not necessarily mean that the work must be related to your field of study. In general, engaging in qualified employment is sufficient to qualify as skilled employment.
Can I Settlement permit a Settlement permit if I dropped out of college?
Generally speaking, no—at least not through the standard route for graduates. If you drop out of college and do not have a recognized college degree, you do not meet the requirements for a Residence permit a skilled worker under Section 18b of the Residence Act or for the EU Blue Card (Section 18g of the Residence Act).
This means that obtaining a Settlement permit these regulations is not an option.
However, there are alternative options: For example, you can complete a recognized vocational training program in Germany and then work as a skilled worker with vocational training (Section 18a of the Residence Act). Under certain conditions, Residence permit also be Settlement permit a Settlement permit later on through other Residence permit .
How long does it take to process a Settlement permit how much does it cost?
Processing times can vary Foreigners' office depending on Foreigners' office . In many cases, it takes several months to a year.
The costs for the Settlement permit set forth in § 44 of the Residence Regulation (AufenthV). The fee for the Settlement permit § 18b or § 18g of the Residence Act (AufenthG) is 113 euros.
