How can I apply for a settlement permit?
The application for a Settlement permit be Foreigners' office to the Foreigners' office responsible for your main place of residence. It is important that you send your application and all forms and documents to the correct authority.
In practice, many immigration authorities require a written or electronic application for the Settlement permit. Some authorities provide their own forms for this purpose or allow applications to be submitted via an online portal.
If no form is required, an informal written application can also be submitted, for example by letter or email. It is important that the application clearly states that you Settlement permit for a Settlement permit .
After receiving the application, the Foreigners' office checks whether all legal requirements have been met. Additional documents are often requested or questions asked. Only when the review is complete does the authority decide on the application.
If your application is approved, you will receive the Settlement permit an electronic Residence permit eAT) in credit card format. This contains additional electronic functions, such as for identification purposes, and replaces the previous temporary Residence permit.
Documents required for the Settlement permit
The documents you Settlement permit to apply for Settlement permit may vary. This depends on which Foreigners' office is responsible Foreigners' office you and on what legal basis you Settlement permit the Settlement permit .
The application should be submitted in good time before your current residence permit expires. Ideally, however, you should apply as soon as you Settlement permit eligible for a Settlement permit . It is particularly important to submit all the required documents in full, otherwise there may be delays in processing your application.
You will need the following documents for the Settlement permit:
- A valid passport
- A recent biometric passport photo
- Proof of income
(e.g., employment contract, employer's certificate, pay slips, tax or pension statements, if applicable) - Proof of sufficient living space
(rental or purchase agreement with details of the living space and the monthly rent or housing costs) - Proof of health insurance coverage
(confirmation from the statutory health insurance company or, for privately insured persons, appropriate evidence, e.g., contribution statements or bank statements) - Proof of retirement provision
(e.g., pension information from the German Pension Insurance or proof of comparable private or company pension provision)
(certificate of successful completion, alternative: German school or training qualification)- If applicable, proof of receipt of other benefits
(e.g., notices regarding child benefit, parental allowance, or similar benefits)
What if documents are missing?
In practice, we often find that clients do not have all the necessary documents—for example, because they do not have a valid national passport or have not yet successfully passed the language or integration test "Living in Germany."
However, in most cases this is not a problem. There are often alternatives or it is possible to submit missing documents at a later date.
If certain documents are missing because they cannot objectively be obtained or because obtaining them would be unreasonable in individual cases, the Foreigners' office may acceptsubstitute documents.
Instead of a national passport, for example, the following documents may be accepted (depending on the individual case):
- identity card
- passport replacement
- Birth certificate
- official identity documents
- Further suitable evidence for Clarification of identity
Which documents are sufficient in each specific case depends on the individual situation and the practices of the relevant Foreigners' office. It is therefore advisable to check the available documents at an early stage.
The so-called step-by-step model for Clarification of identity shows you which documents are Settlement permit for the Settlement permit . You can find all the important information on this topic in this blog post.
So don't worry if you are currently missing some documents—if necessary, we will review your situation individually and usually find a solution.
Settlement permit Application (sample)
The following example shows what a Settlement permit application form Settlement permit looks like.
Summary: What you should Settlement permit when applying for a Settlement permit
The Settlement permit an important step for many migrants in Germany. It allows them to live and work in the country indefinitely without any time restrictions on their residence permit. In practice, however, applications often fail due to formal requirements or missing evidence. Those who are well prepared can avoid delays or rejections.
Therefore, please note the following:
Appropriate Residence permit minimum stay
Not every Residence permit automatically Residence permit the holder to Settlement permit. The prerequisite is a Residence permit that can legally Settlement permit to the granting of a Settlement permit . In most cases, legal residence for at least five years is also required.
Depending on your personal situation—for example, if you are a skilled worker, a graduate of a German university, or the spouse of a German citizen—shorter deadlines or special regulations may apply.
Secure livelihood
A key criterion is a secure livelihood. The Foreigners' office whether the applicant's livelihood can be covered without benefits under SGB II or SGB XII. The decisive factor here is not a fixed income limit, but individual needs.
The following factors are taken into account, among others:
- regular income
- Costs for rent and heating
- Health insurance
- For families: the needs of the entire household
A common mistake is to assume that a certain gross or net income is automatically sufficient. The decisive factor is always the specific calculation in each individual case.
pension insurance periods
As a rule, you must provide proof of 60 months of compulsory contributions to the statutory pension insurance scheme. This primarily includes periods of employment subject to social security contributions. In certain cases, other periods may also be taken into account, such as parental leave or sick pay. You should obtain a current pension insurance overview at an early stage.
A private pension plan can replace the required 60 months in the statutory pension insurance scheme. It also serves as proof of long-term financial security in old age.
However, it is important to note that private pension provision must correspond to the level and term of statutory pension insurance in order to be Settlement permit toward the Settlement permit . In addition, the contributions paid must be documented by appropriate records, such as insurance histories or official evidence from the insurance provider.
Requirements for shortened periods (e.g., EU Blue Card)
60 months are not required in all cases. For certain residence permits, shortened periods apply for the Settlement permit.
Example: EU Blue Card: Here, the Settlement permit can be issued after Settlement permit 27 months if contributions to the pension insurance scheme have been paid during this period. If proof of German language skills at level B1 is provided, the period is reduced to just 21 months.
In cases of shortened periods, it is therefore sufficient if the minimum number of months prescribed in each case is fulfilled – 60 months are then not required.
Sufficient living space
Another requirement for the Settlement permit that sufficient and adequate living space is available. The Foreigners' office whether the apartment is suitable for the number of people living there and that it is not overcrowded. Usually, the rental agreement, living space, and current rental costs are required.
According to the General Administrative Regulation, the following guidelines apply to adequate living space: As a rule, at least 12 square meters are required for each person aged 6 and above. For children under the age of 6, 10 square meters are considered sufficient. Children under the age of 2 are not included in the calculation of living space.
Minor deviations of up to 10 percent are usually accepted. Another prerequisite is that the apartment has the necessary ancillary rooms such as a kitchen and bathroom.
Language skills and integration
Basically, German language skills at level B1 are required. In addition, successful completion of an integration course is required. In certain cases, exceptions are possible, for example for health reasons or in cases of proven special integration. A German school or training qualification is also considered proof of successful integration.
Impunity
No serious criminal offenses Settlement permit have been committed in order for a Settlement permit to be granted. Minor administrative offenses are generally harmless, while serious or repeated offenses may lead to rejection. Ongoing criminal proceedings can also be problematic.
Questions about Settlement permit: application, forms, costs, processing time
Migrando in Settlement permit people apply for Settlement permit . Our Immigration law experts Immigration law numerous questions on this topic every day. That's why we've Settlement permit the most frequently asked questions and answers about Settlement permit for you.
When can I Settlement permit for a Settlement permit ?
Ideally, you should apply for permanent residence as soon as you meet the requirements. Delaying the application is generally not advisable. The conditions that apply to you depend largely on your current Residence permit your personal situation.
In principle, German law requires five years of legal residence. In certain cases, Settlement permit , a Settlement permit is possible after only two or three years, for example, if you have special qualifications or certain residence permits.
If you have been living legally in Germany for several years, it may be worth checking whether Settlement permit are already eligible Settlement permit apply for Settlement permit . Our free online test is available for you to use at any time.
What requirements must I fulfill?
Settlement permit a Settlement permit , you must meet various requirements. The general requirements are set out in Section 9 of the Residence Act ( AufenthG).
However, the specific conditions that apply depend heavily on your current Residence permit your personal situation. In addition to the length of your stay, factors such as language skills, securing a livelihood, and sufficient living space also play an important role.
You can also find detailed information on the individual requirements and special circumstances in our blog posts. Among other things, we explain the conditions under which trainees, skilled workers, or persons with Residence permit humanitarian Residence permit can Settlement permit Residence permit Settlement permit .
Further information on the general requirements for the Settlement permit here.
Can I apply for a settlement permit for my entire family using one form?
No, a separate application for Settlement permit must be Settlement permit for each family member. This also applies to spouses and minor children. It is not possible to combine multiple applications for Settlement permit a single form.
The background Foreigners' office is that the Foreigners' office always checks on a case-by-case basis whether each individual meets the requirements. These requirements can also vary within a family.
The application process is regulated by Section 81 of the Residence Act (AufenthG). According to this, the application must always be submitted by the person themselves – or, in the case of minors, by their legal representatives. Only after receiving a complete application will the Foreigners' office review Foreigners' office respective claim and decide on the Settlement permit.
What does a Settlement permit cost?
Settlement permit a fee for issuing a Settlement permit . The cost per person is between €100 and €150. The exact amount of the fee depends on the respective Residence permit the legal basis on which the Settlement permit is Settlement permit .
According to Section 44 of the Residence Regulation (AufenthV), the following fees currently apply:
- 113 euros in most cases
- 147 euros for highly qualified persons (Section 18c (3) of the Residence Act)
- 124 euros for self-employed persons (Section 21 (4) of the Residence Act)
Special regulations apply to applicants who are minors. According to Section 50 (1) sentence 1 of the Residence Regulation, the fee for children is €55.
How long does it take to process a Settlement permit?
The processing time for a Settlement permit Foreigners' office depending on Foreigners' office . In many cities and regions, applicants have to wait several months, sometimes up to a year or longer, for a decision—especially if documents are missing or questions arise.
Long processing times can be problematic for those affected. Personal or professional circumstances may change during the ongoing process, for example due to a change of job or reduced working hours. Private reasons, such as plans to start a family or an upcoming move, can also influence the processing time.
A complete application can help Foreigners' office delays and additional requests from the Foreigners' office . This is exactly where Migrando , helping you to submit your application in a structured manner and as smoothly as possible.
Why is the processing time expected to be more than 1 year soon?
The processing time for Settlement permit applications Settlement permit continue to increase in the coming months and years. One of the main reasons for this is the developments of recent years.
Since 2015, many people have entered Germany and Residence permit a legal Residence permit here. A large proportion of these individuals are now reaching the point at which they can Settlement permit a Settlement permit .
Since a Settlement permit is Settlement permit possible after five years of legal residence, many immigration authorities expect a significant increase in the number of applications in the future. This additional burden will affect authorities that are already overloaded in terms of personnel and organization in many places. The result could be longer waiting times, delayed appointments, and extensive requests for additional documents.
In addition, legal and political conditions may change. Especially in times of political upheaval or after elections, it cannot be ruled out that migration and residence policies may change.
Even though existing rights are generally protected, future requirements, procedures, or discretionary powers of the authorities may become more stringent.
Against this background, it may be advisable to apply for Settlement permit , as soon as you have met the legal requirements. This will help to mitigate long waiting times and provide legal certainty for your own life and future planning.
Summary
To Foreigners' office a Settlement permit Foreigners' office an application to the Foreigners' office responsible for your area. The legal requirements must be met and various documents must be submitted. In practice, this can often lead to errors, incomplete applications, or delays due to additional requests from the authorities.
Migrando you in avoiding these typical mistakes and submitting your application for Settlement permit .
Settlement permit : Your advantages with Migrando
- Assistance in correctly completing the application
- Avoiding common mistakes and incomplete documentation
- Structured and straightforward application process
- Possibility of faster processing thanks to complete and accurate application
- Support with legal action in the event of problems or rejection
If you would like to benefit from our many years of experience in residence law, we will be happy to review your individual circumstances. To do so, please start by taking our free online test.
FAQ – Frequently asked questions about Settlement permit
When you Migrando for Settlement permit the help of Migrando , you will be supported by experienced lawyers and experts in residence law. This ensures that your application is complete, legally compliant, and submitted correctly—an important prerequisite for avoiding unnecessary delays.
If processing still takes longer than expected, legal action may be taken. According to Section 75 of the Administrative Court Rules (VwGO), a Lawsuit for failure of act can be filed if the Foreigners' office does not decide Foreigners' office an application within three months. Such a lawsuit can result in the authority being obliged to make a decision.
This legal option enables Migrando help shorten lengthy procedures and actively Foreigners' office toward a decision by the Foreigners' office . Our goal is to provide you with clarity and legal certainty as quickly as possible.
Rejections or delays in applications for Settlement permit often Settlement permit formal or legal reasons. Residence law is complex, and even minor errors, incomplete documents, or unclear information can Foreigners' office to additional requirements or rejection by the Foreigners' office . In addition, many authorities are extremely busy.
Migrando you in precisely this area: our experienced lawyers and experts review your individual situation, prepare your application in a legally compliant manner, and clarify any open issues at an early stage—including through direct communication with the Foreigners' office
If your application for Settlement permit is Settlement permit , you should seek legal advice as soon as possible. A rejection does not automatically mean that you are not entitled to a permit or that no further steps can be taken.
Our immigration lawyers will first check whether the rejection was lawful and whether the Foreigners' office took Foreigners' office relevant aspects of your case into account. Depending on the situation, an appeal or legal action may then be considered. In some cases, it may also be advisable to submit a new application.
Thanks to our many years of experience in residence law and dealing with immigration authorities, we know which exceptions and discretionary powers may be relevant in each individual case. Our goal is to realistically assess your legal options and choose the most sensible course of action.
