Permanent residence permit - what is it?
Third-country nationals generally require a Residence permit to enter and stay in Germany.
Visas are issued by the foreign missions of the Federal Foreign Office. All other Residence permit Foreigners' office by the locally competent Foreigners' office . Most Residence permit issued for a limited period.
Source: Federal Ministry of the Interior and Homeland
Unlike the residence permit, the Settlement permit is Settlement permit permanent Residence permit. It entitles the holder to pursue gainful employment, is not restricted in terms of location, and may not be subject to any additional conditions except in cases permitted by the Residence Act.
The requirements for granting a Settlement permit set out in Section 9 of the Residence Act. In addition to other requirements, the basic requirement is that you have had a residence permit for five years, can support yourself financially, and have sufficient German language skills. Special regulations apply to certain individuals, such as highly qualified persons [...] and foreigners who have been granted a residence permit on humanitarian grounds (Section 26 of the Residence Act).
An overview of Residence permit various temporary and permanent Residence permit on the website of the Federal Ministry of the Interior and Homeland Affairs.
The permanent residence permit and its advantages
The permanent Residence permit Settlement permit numerous advantages for the holder. It provides secure residence status and makes it easier to plan for the long term in Germany. The most important advantages at a glance:
The advantages of the permanent residence permit
- Secure residence
The Settlement permit you to live in Germany permanently and indefinitely. - Family reunification possible
The Settlement permit it significantly easier for you to bring your family to Germany. - Better creditworthiness
Banks view the Settlement permit . Loans enable you to make larger investments, such as buying a house or opening a business. - Travel freely within the Schengen area
With a German Settlement permit , you Settlement permit stay in all Schengen countries for up to 90 days within a 180-day period without a visa. Caution is advised for long stays abroad, as the permit expires after more than six months Foreigners' office the Foreigners' office has approved a longer absence in writing in advance. - Unrestricted work permit
With an unlimited Residence permit change jobs or become self-employed at any time. - No purpose limitation
The Settlement permit valid even if your studies, training, or marriage end. - High level of security and future prospects
The Settlement permit you a very stable residence status in Germany—an important factor for long-term life planning. - No more stress with the immigration authorities
With permanent residence status, you Foreigners' office largely Foreigners' office spared the trip to Foreigners' office . - High threshold for expulsion
Except in very special cases, your permanent Settlement permit be revoked. Deportation is only possible in rare exceptional cases (e.g., for serious criminal offenses).
Legal basis for the permanent residence permit
The Settlement permit a permanent Residence permit. It is valid nationwide, is not tied to a specific purpose of stay, and allows any form of gainful employment. It therefore offers a very secure residence status and enables long-term prospects in Germany. Because of these advantages, the Settlement permit is a particularly important step in residence law Settlement permit many people.
Basic requirements for a permanent residence permit
The Settlement permit issued on the basis of various regulations, and each type has its own requirements. The type of Settlement permit you are eligible Settlement permit Residence permit on your current Residence permit . This is precisely why it is not always easy for many foreigners to find out which requirements must be met in their individual case.
Overview of general requirements
The general requirements for the issuance of a Settlement permit regulated in Section 9 of the Residence Act (AufenthG). According to this, a Settlement permit can be Settlement permit if the following requirements are met:
- At least 5 years of residence permit
To obtain a Settlement permit , you generally Settlement permit have resided legally in Germany for at least five years with a residence permit. Periods of temporary residence or Tolerance permit not Tolerance permit . Certain Residence permit such as those for study or training—are also not fully counted, and only if they later transition into residence as a skilled worker (Section 9 (4) AufenthG). - Secure livelihood
You must be able to finance your livelihood—and that of your family—independently and without social benefits such as citizen's income. Certain social benefits, such as child benefit, are excluded from this. In a marriage, it is sufficient if one partner can fully secure the joint livelihood. - 60 months of pension contributions
In order to obtain a permanent residence permit, you must generally pay 60 months of contributions into the statutory pension insurance scheme or into another legally recognized pension scheme (e.g., a professional pension fund). - No serious criminal offenses
To obtain a Settlement permit , you Settlement permit not have been convicted of an intentional criminal offense. This does not apply to minor convictions, such as fines of up to 90 daily rates or prison sentences of up to three months, if they were suspended on probation. In addition, you must not pose a threat to public safety or order.
To obtain a Settlement permit , you Settlement permit be authorized to work in Germany (work permit). In regulated professions—for example, doctors or nurses—you also need a corresponding professional license. If you are self-employed, you must provide evidence of the permits required for your professional activity.- Sufficient knowledge of German (B1)
To obtain a Settlement permit , you Settlement permit have sufficient knowledge of the German language. This can be proven by means of a language certificate. You must have at least B1 level language skills. - Knowledge of the legal and social system
To obtain a permanent right of residence, you must prove that you have a basic knowledge of the legal and social system and living conditions in Germany. As a rule, this is demonstrated by passing the "Life in Germany" test. However, proof can also be provided by a German school leaving certificate or vocational training in which this knowledge was imparted. - Sufficient living space
In order to obtain a permanent residence permit, you must have sufficient living space for your entire family. The easiest way to prove this is with a valid rental agreement. It is important that the condition and size of the apartment are sufficient for the number of family members.
According to the General Administrative Regulation, the following guidelines apply: At least 12 m² is required for each person over the age of 6. For a child under the age of 6, 10 m² is sufficient. Children under the age of 2 are not taken into account when calculating the required living space. Deviations of 10% are generally permitted. In addition, ancillary rooms such as kitchens and bathrooms are absolutely necessary.
These standards are based on the General Administrative Regulation on the Residence Act and can be found there in Art. 1 (2.4).
The costs of a permanent residence permit
The fees for issuing a permanent residence permit range from €100 to €150, depending on the case. The exact amount depends on the type of Settlement permit applied for. As a rule, the cost for most applications for permanent residence is €113. Different fees apply to certain groups:
- 147 euros for highly qualified workers
- 124 euros for self-employed persons
The legal basis for the fees can be found in Section 44 of the Residence Regulation (AufenthV).
Reduced fees apply to minors. According to Section 50 (1) AufenthV, the fee is generally half the regular cost. For the Settlement permit Section 35 AufenthG (for well-integrated children), a fixed amount of 55 euros applies.
Exceptions and special provisions
Depending on the type of Residence permit hold, different legal requirements apply for the issuance of a Settlement permit.
In addition to the general requirements set out in Section 9 of the Residence Act, there are several special provisions in the Residence Act that make it easier or significantly quicker to obtain a permanent residence permit. In some cases, it is Settlement permit possible to apply for a Settlement permit after a significantly shorter period of time.
H3: Overview of exceptions and special provisions
- Settlement permit recognized asylum seekers and refugees
According to Section 26 (3) of the Residence Act, recognized asylum seekers and recognized refugees are subject to special concessions when applying for a Settlement permit. They do not have to cover their entire living expenses themselves, but only 51 percent, and can Settlement permit obtain a Settlement permit after five years. Particularly well-integrated persons who have German language skills at level C1 and who are able to cover 75 percent of their living expenses independently can obtain a permanent residence permit after just three years. - Settlement permit skilled workers
Skilled workers, in turn, benefit from the special provisions under Section 18c (1) of the Residence Act. If you work in Germany with a Residence permit a skilled worker, you can Settlement permit a Settlement permit after just three years. The requirements are at least 36 months of contributions to the statutory pension insurance or a comparable pension scheme, continued employment, and German language skills at level A2. In addition, you must meet some, but not all, of the general requirements of Section 9 of the Residence Act (AufenthG) – in particular, the requirements regarding no criminal record, Clarification of identity, living space, legal and social order, and Residence permit legal Residence permit. The period is reduced to two years if the applicant has graduated from a German university or completed qualified vocational training (Section 18c (1) sentence 2 AufenthG). - Settlement permit family members of German citizens
Special rules also apply to family members of German citizens. Spouses or registered partners of German citizens can Settlement permit a Settlement permit after just three years of legal residence in accordance with Section 28 (2) of the Residence Act, provided they have sufficient German language skills and there is no reason to expel them. The same rule also applies to minor children of German citizens and parents if the family community with the German citizen continues to exist in Germany. - Settlement permit EU Blue Card holders
As an EU Blue Card holder, you can obtain a Settlement permit quickly. If you are in qualified employment, this is possible after just 27 months. If you have German language skills at level B1, you can Residence permit apply for a permanent Residence permit after just 21 months. - Settlement permit children aged 16 and over
Section 35 of the Residence Act (AufenthG ) sets out specific rules for minors and young adults. Children who have had a residence permit for five years on their 16th birthday and are well integrated (e.g., through regular school attendance and sufficient German language skills) Settlement permit have to meet Settlement permit further requirements for the Settlement permit . For young adults over the age of 18, slightly higher requirements apply, particularly with regard to securing a livelihood. - Settlement permit self-employed persons
There are also special regulations for self-employed entrepreneurs. According to Section 21 (4) of the Residence Act, a Settlement permit can be granted after Settlement permit three years if the self-employed activity is successful, the financing of the business remains secure, and the applicant and their family members' living expenses are permanently covered. It is important that the business is viable in the long term and that there is an economic interest in its continuation. - Settlement permit sick persons
People with serious physical or mental illnesses or disabilities may be Settlement permit from certain requirements of Settlement permit . If someone is unable to meet certain requirements—such as language skills, pension contributions, or securing a livelihood—due to their health situation, Section 9 (2) sentence 4 of the Residence Act allows for an exemption review. In each individual case, the Foreigners' office examines which requirements are reasonable and which can be waived. - Settlement permit highly qualified persons
For particularly highly qualified persons, Section 18c (3) of the Residence Act offers the possibility Settlement permit a Settlement permit immediately. This applies in particular to scientists with specialised knowledge, as well as teachers and research assistants in prominent positions. The prerequisite is that their integration into life in Germany is likely to be successful and that their livelihood appears to be secure without state support. - Settlement permit former German citizens
Former German citizens can Settlement permit a Settlement permit in accordance with Section 38 (1) sentence 1 no. 1 of the Residence Act (AufenthG) if they have usually resided in Germany for at least five years prior to losing their citizenship. They must be able to prove that they have sufficient means of subsistence. Foreigners' office , the Foreigners' office may deviate from this rule in special personal or humanitarian cases.
Important notes
It is important to note that the permanent residence permit (Settlement permit) offers numerous advantages, regardless of the legal basis on which it was issued!
To successfully apply for Settlement permit , it Settlement permit important to know the correct legal basis and to submit all the necessary documents in full. As the rules are often very complicated, we at migrando offer migrando a free assessment of your personal requirements. This allows us to check exactly which conditions you already meet and what you still need to successfully submit your application.
Residence permit permanent Residence permit
To apply for a permanent residence permit, you should find out in advance about the various options and requirements.
To find out which legal basis applies in your case, simply take our free test on permanent Residence permit here.
Here we explain when and how you can Settlement permit a Settlement permit .
Important documents for the permanent residence permit
The documents you need for your application always depend on your personal situation and the relevant legal basis. As a rule, you must prove your identity, provide evidence of the length of your stay to date, and document that you have sufficient means to support yourself. In addition, the authorities require evidence of your integration, your living situation, and—depending on your professional or personal circumstances—other specific documents. Here is an overview of the most important documents:
Basic documents:
- valid identification document (passport or passport substitute)
- current biometric passport photo
- Proof of length of stay in Germany to date (3 or 5 years – varies depending on the legal basis)
- Proof of sufficient funds to cover living expenses (e.g., pay slips, salary statements)
- Current proof of health insurance (statutory or private)
- Rental agreement or proof of home ownership
- Copy of current residence permit
Proof of integration and qualifications:
- Language certificates (level depending on requirements, e.g., A2, B1, or C1)
- Results of the "Living in Germany" test or other evidence of knowledge of the legal and social system
- School or training certificates (especially for young applicants)
Documents relating to professional activity:
- Employment contract or current employer confirmation
- Work permit, professional license or permit to exercise gainful employment
- Proof of pension contributions paid
- For self-employed persons: tax assessment notices, income surplus calculations, business evaluations, or audit reports from tax advisors or auditors
Documents relating to special life situations (if applicable):
- Certificates confirming receipt of other benefits such as child benefit or parental allowance
- Severe disability card or medical reports (in the case of health restrictions or entrance examinations)
- Pension notice, for example in the event of reduced earning capacity or reaching retirement age
The significance of the various documents
This overview shows that not everyone needs the same documents. Which documents are required in each individual case depends on your current residence permit, your employment situation, and the legal basis for your entitlement.
Since the specific assessment is left to the regional immigration authorities and different procedures have been established across Germany, the scope of the documents to be submitted may vary from one authority to another. To avoid delays, you should therefore clarify at an early stage which documents are required in your individual case.
Necessary documents missing - What now?
If you are currently missing the documents required to apply for a permanent residence permit (such as a valid national passport, a written tenancy agreement or successful participation in the integration test), we at migrando will almost always find a way to replace the missing documents or submit them later. So don't worry if you are still missing documents.
The permanent residence permit goes with Migrando
Due to the many difficulties and the enormous volume of applications, we strongly recommend that you submit your application with migrando !
Advantages of permanent residence with Migrando
Firstly, migrando will provide you with proof migrando application (a lawyer's acknowledgment of receipt), which may be of great importance later on.
On the other hand, migrando can submit your application for a permanent residence permit to the relevant authorities in a legally compliant manner migrando consulting experienced lawyers. This means that your case will be given priority treatment, as the Foreigners' office that a lawyer can file a Lawsuit for failure of act § 75 VwGO (Administrative Court Rules) if the processing time is too long.
If you submit an application without a lawyer, you may currently face enormous waiting times and processing delays due to the overload of the authorities, as an extreme wave of applications is expected in the coming months and years.
The advantages of applying through migrando bullet points
- No errors when completing the application
- Enormously accelerated procedure
- Uncomplicated process
- Enforcement of your claim in court if necessary
Summary
If you want to live and work in Germany long-term and want a secure Residence permit clear future prospects, applying for a permanent residence permit can be a very sensible step. The Settlement permit the most important form of permanent residence permit in practice and offers you numerous advantages—such as a high degree of security of residence and full access to the labor market.
Since the Settlement permit can be based Settlement permit different legal grounds, each of which has different requirements, it is essential to carefully examine your individual circumstances. This is the only way to reliably assess whether you meet the legal requirements and what evidence you need in your specific case.
To assist you with this, we at migrando have developed migrando free online test that systematically records and evaluates your personal requirements. If your result is positive, it may be Foreigners' office to submit an application to the relevant Foreigners' office as soon as possible.
We at migrando happy migrando you on this journey. Thanks to our close cooperation with experienced lawyers, we can offer you legally sound support—both in the application process with the immigration authorities and, if necessary, in court proceedings.
