The Settlement permit a skilled worker in Germany
The Settlement permit a permanent Residence permit that allows skilled workers from abroad to live and work in Germany on a long-term basis. Unlike a temporary residence permit, it does not need to be renewed and therefore offers long-term legal certainty.
Skilled workers who have worked in Germany for several years, paid into the pension insurance system, and integrated linguistically and socially can, under certain conditions, obtain a Settlement permit . The legal basis for this can be found in the Residence Act.
Depending on Residence permit , different legal bases Residence permit for the Settlement permit. Many foreign skilled workers benefit from simplified requirements, such as shorter residence and pension periods. Holders of the EU Blue Card are particularly favored.
Who is considered a skilled worker in terms of residence law?
Skilled workers are clearly defined in the Residence Act. The law distinguishes between several groups of skilled workers, each of which is Settlement permit different requirements and deadlines for obtaining a Settlement permit .
In principle, persons are considered skilled workers if they have recognized vocational training or a recognized university degree and have Residence permit a Residence permit on this basis.
Foreign skilled workers in Germany usually have one of the following Residence permit:
- Section 18a of the Residence Act (skilled workers with vocational training)
- Section 18b of the Residence Act (skilled workers with academic qualifications)
- Section 18d Residence Act (Research)
- Section 18g of the Residence Act (EU Blue Card)
Skilled worker with vocational training (Section 18a of the Residence Act)
Skilled workers with vocational training are defined as persons who have completed at least two years of qualified vocational training. The training must have been completed either in Germany or (if completed abroad) be recognized as equivalent in Germany.
Another prerequisite is that the work performed must correspond to the qualification acquired. Simple or unskilled work does not count, even if it has been performed over a longer period of time.
Typical examples include skilled trades, technical and industrial apprenticeships, nursing and healthcare professions, and commercial occupations. Skilled workers with vocational training generally have a residence permit to pursue qualified employment in accordance with Section 18a of the Residence Act.
Skilled worker with academic training (Section 18b of the Residence Act or EU Blue Card)
Persons with a university degree are considered to be skilled workers with academic training. The degree must have been obtained in Germany or (if obtained abroad) recognized as equivalent in Germany. Another requirement is that the employment must correspond to the academic qualification.
This group includes engineers, IT specialists, scientists, doctors, and other academic professions.
Academic professionals often reside in Germany with a residence permit in accordance with Section 18b of the Residence Act (AufenthG). In addition, the EU Blue Card in accordance with Section 18g of the Residence Act (AufenthG) may also be considered. It is intended for academic professionals with a certain minimum salary.
Residence permit for research purposes (Section 18d of the Residence Act)
Persons with a residence permit for research purposes pursuant to Section 18d of the Residence Act (AufenthG) are also considered skilled workers in terms of residence law. The Residence permit for persons who are carrying out a specific research project in Germany and have concluded a contract with a recognized research institution for this purpose.
Typical cases include academic staff at universities, researchers at non-university institutions, and postdoctoral researchers.
Academic professionals outside of research generally reside in Germany with a residence permit in accordance with Section 18b of the Residence Act (AufenthG) or with an EU Blue Card in accordance with Section 18g of the Residence Act (AufenthG).
Requirements: Settlement permit foreign skilled workers
The Residence Act provides for different paths to a Settlement permit for skilled workers from abroad. The decisive factors here are not only qualifications, but also whether vocational training or studies were completed abroad or in Germany and what type of Residence permit exists.
The basis for entitlement is derived from Section 18c of the Residence Act. The provision contains various requirements but also simplifications for the Settlement permit skilled workers. In general, the requirements for skilled workers are somewhat simpler than for other groups of people.
In practice, the following groups are distinguished for the Settlement permit skilled workers:
- Skilled workers with training or studies abroad
- Skilled workers with training or studies in Germany
- Skilled workers with an EU Blue Card
- Skilled workers with an EU Blue Card and a B1 language certificate
Settlement permit skilled workers with training or studies abroad
Entitlement to a Settlement permit : Section 18c (1) sentence 1 of the Residence Act (AufenthG)
You can Settlement permit a Settlement permit in Germany if you have completed your vocational training or studies abroad. The prerequisite is that the foreign qualification has been recognized as equivalent in Germany.
Skilled workers who are eligible to Settlement permit a Settlement permit under this section generally reside Residence permit Germany with one of the following Residence permit :
- § 18a AufenthG
- § Section 18b AufenthG
- § 18d AufenthG
- § 18g AufenthG
Entitlement to a Settlement permit pursuant to Section 18c (1) sentence 1 of the Residence Act (AufenthG) exists if the following conditions are met.
Settlement permit skilled workers with training or studies in Germany
Entitlement to a Settlement permit : Section 18c (1) sentence 2 of the Residence Act (AufenthG)
If you are a skilled worker who completed your training or studies in Germany, you can obtain a Settlement permit simplified conditions. Specifically, you can apply for a Settlement permit after Settlement permit 24 months of legal residence. Accordingly, only 24 months of pension contributions are required.
This regulation is intended to promote skilled workers who were trained in Germany and are therefore particularly well integrated into the German education and labor market system.
Typical Residence permit also available here:
- § 18a AufenthG
- § Section 18b AufenthG
- § 18d AufenthG
- § 18g AufenthG
Entitlement to a Settlement permit Section 18c (1) sentence 2 of the Residence Act (AufenthG) exists if the following conditions are met.
Whether you completed your studies or training in Germany or abroad has a major influence on the requirements you must Settlement permit to obtain a Settlement permit .
Prerequisites | Studying or training abroad | Studying or training in Germany |
|---|---|---|
Residence permit | § 18a, § 18b, § 18d Residence Act or EU Blue Card pursuant to § 18g Residence Act | § 18a, § 18b, § 18d Residence Act or EU Blue Card pursuant to § 18g Residence Act |
length of stay | At least 3 years | At least 2 years |
pension contributions | At least 3 years | At least 2 years |
secure livelihood | Yes | Yes |
German language skills | B1 or exception | B1 or exception |
Naturalization test | Yes or exception | Yes or exception |
Criminal offenses | No serious criminal offenses (maximum 90 daily fines or maximum 3 months' probation) | No serious criminal offenses (maximum 90 daily fines or maximum 3 months' probation) |
National passport | Yes or exception | Yes or exception |
sufficient living space | Yes | Yes |
Miscellaneous | Training or degree recognized in Germany | Completion of training or studies in Germany |
Settlement permit skilled workers with an EU Blue Card
Entitlement to a Settlement permit : Section 18c (2) sentence 1 of the Residence Act (AufenthG)
If you are a skilled worker living in Germany with an EU Blue Card, the Residence Act Settlement permit a faster and easier route to a Settlement permit . The reason for this is that the legislator assumes that you are already particularly well integrated due to your qualifications and income.
With the EU Blue Card, entitlement to a Settlement permit can arise after Settlement permit 27 months of legal residence. During this period, only 27 months of pension insurance contributions need to be paid. In addition, only an A1 language level needs to be demonstrated.
This regulation applies exclusively to the Residence permit:
- EU Blue Card pursuant to Section 18g of the Residence Act (AufenthG)
Entitlement to a Settlement permit Section 18c (2) sentence 1 of the Residence Act (AufenthG) exists if the following conditions are met.
Further information on Settlement permit the EU Blue Card can be found in this video.
Settlement permit skilled workers with an EU Blue Card and B1 language level
Entitlement to a Settlement permit : Section 18c (2) sentence 3 of the Residence Act (AufenthG)
If you are a foreign skilled worker living in Germany with an EU Blue Card and speak German at B1 level, the minimum residence period for the Settlement permit is reduced Settlement permit 21 months. Accordingly, you only need to provide proof of 21 months of pension contributions.
Due to the higher language level, advanced integration is assumed, which is why the required deadlines are further shortened.
Here too, the regulation applies exclusively to the Residence permit:
- EU Blue Card pursuant to Section 18g of the Residence Act (AufenthG)
You are entitled to a Settlement permit Section 18c (2) sentence 3 of the Residence Act if the following requirements are met.
With an EU Blue Card, you as a foreign skilled worker benefit from simplified requirements for the Settlement permit especially if you speak German at B1 level.
Prerequisites | Blue card | Blue Card & B1 Level |
|---|---|---|
Residence permit | Section 18g of the Residence Act (EU Blue Card) | Section 18g of the Residence Act (EU Blue Card) |
length of stay | at least 27 months | at least 21 months |
pension contributions | at least 27 months | at least 21 months |
secure livelihood | Yes | Yes |
German language skills | A1 or exception | B1 or exception |
Naturalization test | Yes or exception | Yes or exception |
Criminal record | No serious criminal offenses (maximum 90 daily fines or maximum 3 months' probation) | No serious criminal offenses (maximum 90 daily fines or maximum 3 months' probation) |
National passport | Yes or exception | Yes or exception |
sufficient living space | Yes | Yes |
Miscellaneous | The minimum salary required for the Blue Card | The minimum salary required for the Blue Card |
Settlement permit skilled workers from abroad: Questions & Answers
Similar questions arise time and again regarding Settlement permit skilled workers. Many relate to everyday work situations, such as changing jobs, periods of unemployment, or changes in working hours. We have summarized the most important answers for you here.
What happens if I change jobs while I Settlement permit for my Settlement permit ?
A change of job is not generally a reason for exclusion from the Settlement permit. The decisive factor is that the requirements are met at the time of the decision. This includes continuing to be employed as a skilled worker and having a secure livelihood.
Important: If you change jobs, the new position should still correspond to your qualifications. In addition, the Residence permit you currently hold (i.e., § 18a, § 18b, § 18d AufenthG or EU Blue Card) must allow you to change jobs.
This is because changing jobs may require approval. This applies to both EU Blue Card holders and other Residence permit holders Residence permit skilled workers. In these cases, changing employers is only permitted with Foreigners' office the Foreigners' office .
This employer commitment generally does not apply
- if you have been employed for at least two years and subject to social insurance contributions, or
- if you have held a residence permit for three years.
The following also applies to EU Blue Card holders: When changing jobs or at the start of a new calendar year, the salary must continue to meet the applicable requirements. If the Blue Card was issued several years ago, the salary at that time is not automatically sufficient. If the salary has not been adjusted and the current requirements are no longer met, this may have an impact on the existing Residence permit Settlement permit and thus also on the Settlement permit
A short-term change of employer does not usually delay the process, as long as all requirements continue to be met.
Does unemployment or sick leave Settlement permit the Settlement permit ?
Losing your job does not necessarily mean that you will lose your Residence permit a skilled worker. As a rule, you have three months to find a new job.
This also means that short-term unemployment does not automatically Settlement permit negative Settlement permit on your entitlement to a Settlement permit . However, the following applies:
- Livelihood must be secured independently and permanently.
- Receiving citizen's income (SGB II) or social assistance (SGB XII) can be problematic.
- Receiving sick pay does not generally affect your Settlement permit as long as your return to work is foreseeable and imminent.
- The overall assessment (future forecast) by the Foreigners' office is decisive.
Sick leave is also generally not a problem as long as the employment relationship continues and income is still being earned, for example through continued payment of wages or sick pay. Periods of incapacity to work due to illness therefore do not usually affect entitlement.
Do part-time work, parental leave, or short-time work count?
Yes, such periods can generally be taken into account—but with restrictions:
- Part-time employment counts if your livelihood is still independently and fully secured.
- Parental leave does not affect residence rights, provided that the employment relationship continues.
- Short-time work is also possible, as long as it is only temporary and does not lead to permanent dependence on social benefits.
In all three scenarios, the authorities examine whether stable economic integration exists or is likely to be achieved again in the foreseeable future.
Regardless of this, the following still applies: The Settlement permit only Settlement permit granted if the required pension insurance periods have been completed. Depending on the legal basis, 36, 27, 24, or 21 months of compulsory contributions to the pension insurance scheme must be proven.
During periods such as parental leave or extended short-time work, often no or only reduced pension insurance contributions are paid. These months are then not counted or only counted to a limited extent. As a result, the date on which the Settlement permit can be Settlement permit is postponed accordingly.
What applies to fixed-term vs. permanent employment contracts?
A permanent employment contract is not a prerequisite for a Settlement permit. Even with a fixed-term contract, you may still be eligible.
The decisive factor is:
- that qualified employment is currently being pursued,
- that their livelihood is fully and independently secured and
- that there are no signs of a permanently precarious employment situation.
However, frequent job changes can be viewed critically. They can have Foreigners' office impact on the Foreigners' office future prognosis, especially if the economic outlook does not appear sufficiently stable.
Does the job have to match the qualification—even after the Settlement permit has been issued?
The following applies to the granting of Settlement permit skilled workers from abroad: The employment must correspond to the recognized professional or academic qualification.
However, once a Settlement permit has been issued, Settlement permit no longer any residence requirement linked to a specific activity. Holders of a Settlement permit generally Settlement permit engage in any gainful employment, including changing careers or taking up self-employment.
