Do you need to Settlement permit the Settlement permit ?
Many people wonder whether a permanent Residence permit a Settlement permit , needs Settlement permit —the answer is no.
The Settlement permit not tied to a fixed period of validity—and generally does not expire. Unlike temporary Residence permit, which are issued only for a specific period and purpose, the Settlement permit is intended Settlement permit .
The legal basis for this is found in Section 9 of the Residence Act. That provision states that a Settlement permit Residence permit Settlement permit permanent Residence permit . Therefore, anyone who Settlement permit a Settlement permit does not need Foreigners' office for an extension at the Foreigners' office .
Important: While the Settlement permit is valid Settlement permit , the electronic Residence permit eAT)—the card on which the Settlement permit is Settlement permit —expires after a certain period of time and must then be renewed.
Settlement permit: When do you need Residence permit your electronic Residence permit ?
The Settlement permit valid indefinitely, but the accompanying eAT card Settlement permit not. The card is generally valid for a maximum of ten years. When the electronic Residence permit eAT) expires, you must Foreigners' office a new card at the Foreigners' office .
In addition to renewing your eAT card when it expires, there are other situations in which you should apply for a new card.
In case of loss or theft
If your eAT card is lost or stolen, you must apply for a new one. This incurs a fee. The statutory fee for reissuing or renewing the card is 67 euros (Section 45c of the Residence Regulation).
It is also important to report the loss of your electronic residence permit as soon as possible so that the document can be blocked.
If your personal information changes
A new electronic residence permit must also be issued if certain changes are made to your personal information. This applies in particular to a change of name, such as due to marriage.
Note regarding a change of address: When you move, your eAT is generally not reissued. Instead, your new address is noted on the card with a sticker, and the chip is updated accordingly. You can have this done when you register or update your address at the Citizens’ Office.
Before traveling abroad
If you are planning a trip abroad, you should check beforehand whether your eAT card is still valid. Even if your Settlement permit is Settlement permit , you may encounter problems upon re-entry if your eAT card has expired.
It is also important to note that if you Settlement permit a Settlement permit and stay outside Germany for more than six consecutive months, the Settlement permit may expire Settlement permit certain circumstances. In some cases, the Foreigners' office may grant permission for Foreigners' office longer absence. However, you should definitely clarify this in advance.
Do you have to note the Settlement permit your passport?
Settlement permit you receive a new passport or a temporary travel document, you generally no longer need to have your Settlement permit transferred to the new passport.
It used to be different: The Settlement permit tied to the passport number. Anyone who received a new passport therefore had to have their Residence permit —which often involved an appointment at the Foreigners' office additional fees.
That has since changed. As of April 11, 2024, the Settlement permit longer includes a passport number or expiration date. This means that your Residence permit valid even if you get a new passport.
However, it is important to remember that when entering or leaving Germany, you should always Settlement permit both a valid passport and your eAT card with the Settlement permit .
Settlement permit : What documents are required for the eAT card?
If your eAT card expires, is lost, or needs to be reissued due to a change in your personal information, the Foreigners' office will require Foreigners' office proof of your identity. As a rule, you must submit the following documents:
- a completed application form from the relevant Foreigners' office
- a valid passport or passport substitute
- a biometric passport photo (available only in digital form starting in May 2025)
- Your current eAT card
- if necessary, a certificate of residence as proof of your current address
Here's how the renewal Foreigners' office at the Foreigners' office
Renewing your eAT card is straightforward, but you should plan ahead. In most cities, appointments at the Foreigners' office are Foreigners' office . That's why it's a good idea to schedule an appointment well in advance—preferably a few weeks before your card expires.
Depending on the agency, the application can be submitted online or in person. Once the documents have been submitted, the new card will be produced. It may take four to six weeks to produce the card before it can be picked up.
Conclusion: Do you need Settlement permit your Settlement permit ?
You generally do not need to renew the Settlement permit . It is a permanent Residence permit therefore remains valid even after several years have passed.
However, it is important to distinguish between the Residence permit Settlement permit) and the document that verifies your status. Only the eAT card needs to be renewed or reissued in certain cases—for example, if it expires, is lost, or if your personal information has changed.
You should also note that, Settlement permit its indefinite validity, the Settlement permit may expire under certain circumstances, such as during a prolonged stay abroad. The key point is this: While the Settlement permit not Settlement permit be renewed, you should ensure that your card remains valid and is not lost.
