Are you a foreigner in Germany who wants to stay long-term? Interested in becoming a resident with benefits like freedom to work and study? Consider applying for a permanent residence permit. This permit allows unlimited stay and is a step towards German citizenship. Learn how to get one in this guide.
How to Achieve Permanent Residence in Germany
If you are a foreign national living in Germany, you might want to settle there permanently and enjoy the benefits of being a resident. But how can you achieve permanent residence in Germany? What are the requirements and the application process? In this article, we will answer these questions and guide you through the steps to get a permanent residence permit in Germany.
What is a permanent residence permit in Germany?
A permanent residence permit (Niederlassungserlaubnis) in Germany allows you to live, work, and study in Germany for an unlimited time. It is also known as a settlement permit. The permanent residence permit is the step after a temporary residence permit (Aufenthaltserlaubnis) and a step before acquiring German citizenship through naturalisation (Einbürgerung).
There are two official types of permanent residence permits in Germany: the general permanent residence permit and the EU permanent residence permit. The main difference is that the EU permit allows you to live in any other EU/EFTA country as well as Germany.
What are the benefits of a permanent residence permit in Germany?
The main benefit of achieving permanent residence in Germany is more freedom. Freedom of movement, freedom of employment, freedom of worry. If you wish to change jobs or become self-employed, you can do so without worrying about your visa status. Unlike the temporary residence permits, which you get through any type of visa (except a tourist visa), you are no longer bound to a company or a specific job.
You can also travel freely within the EU with your German settlement permit, but be sure to always carry your passport with you as well. For some countries outside the EU, you might encounter fewer visa restrictions, when holding a German permanent residence permit.
How long does it take to get permanent residency in Germany?
The standard qualification period for settling in Germany is five years, but this is shorter for some categories of residents. For example, if you have a university degree and work in Germany, you can apply for a permanent residence permit after four years. If you don’t have a degree, you might need to wait for seven or eight years.
EU/EFTA citizens who have been living in Germany for the qualifying period automatically receive permanent residence status, but they can apply for the EU permanent residence permit if they want official documentation.
What are the requirements to apply for a permanent residence permit in Germany?
As of 2023, the German government is in the process of reforming its immigration policy. It is clear from the draft version of the policy that the conditions have been relaxed. However, this reform has not yet become law.
As of today, in order to obtain permanent residence in Germany, you are required to fulfill specific basic conditions:
You have held a (temporary) residence permit for at least five years (or less depending on your category).
Your subsistence is secure, i.e. you are able to support yourself and your family without any help from the state.
You have no criminal record and respect the German constitution and laws.
You have a B1 level of German and pass the Life in Germany Test.
You have adequate living space for yourself and your family.
You might also need to provide additional documents depending on your situation, such as passport, passport photo, proof of income, health insurance, and certificate of no criminal record.
What are the documents required to submit along with a PR application (Bluecard holders)?
A completed application form
A valid passport
A biometric passport photo (not older than 6 months)
Proof of secure livelihood (Rental agreement, etc)
Proof of a qualified employment of at least 33 months and simple knowledge of the German language (A1) or 21 months and sufficient knowledge of the German language (B1)
Proof of sufficient living space for yourself and your family members
Proof of sufficient old-age provision
Proof of German language skills and basic knowledge of the legal and social system in Germany
What are the documents required for a PR application (Non-Bluecard holders)?
A completed application form
A valid passport or passport replacement
A current biometric passport photo
Proof of secure livelihood
Proof of a qualified employment of at least four years
Proof of at least 48 months of contributions to the statutory pension scheme or a comparable old-age provision
Proof of sufficient living space for yourself and your family members
Proof of sufficient German language skills (B1) and basic knowledge of the legal and social system in Germany
Remember, if your supporting documents are not in German or in English, you need to get it translated from a recognized translator. A google translate document may not by accepted.
You can either find a local translator in your town or find an online service. In our experience, Beglaubigung24 is a good option to translate your documents.
How to apply for a permanent residence permit in Germany?
The application process for a permanent residence permit in Germany is as follows:
Visit the local immigration office (Ausländerbehörde) and fill in the application form.
Provide the required documents and pay the application fee (usually up to €260).
Wait for the decision from the immigration office (usually within six months).
If your application is approved, collect your new residency ID card from the immigration office.
Conclusion
Achieving permanent residence in Germany is not impossible, but it requires some patience and preparation. You need to fulfil certain criteria, such as living in Germany for a certain period of time, having a stable income, and learning German. You also need to apply for a permanent residence permit at the immigration office and provide all the necessary documents. Once you get your permanent residence permit, you can enjoy more freedom and benefits as a resident in Germany.