The permanent residence in Germany often referred to as PR by expats, is a crucial bureaucratic document on your way to fully settle in Germany. In this guide, we will discuss its benefits, requirements, and application process.
What is a German Permanent Residence Permit?
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 usually a step before acquiring German citizenship through naturalization (Einbürgerung) for many.
How long does it take to get Permanent Residency in Germany?
Usually, you can apply for permanent residence in Germany after you have lived and worked for 5 years in Germany. We will look at the exact requirements below. When you start your stay in Germany as an employee with a temporary residence permit, it is usually valid for 2 years. If you still have a valid work contract after those 2 years, you will get another temporary residence permit for another 2 years.
After yet another year, you can schedule an appointment with your Ausländerbehörde to apply for permanent residency. Once you have handed in all necessary documents, it usually takes 6 to 8 weeks until you can pick up your permanent residence title. We list the application process in detail below.
Do You Qualify?
Since the new citizenship law was passed in Germany in 2024, you can also already apply for naturalization after 5 years in Germany.
To check whether you fulfill all the requirements and whether your current residence permit permits you to apply for citizenship, do this free test from our partner, Migrando: Take the FREE test!
Do you prefer video over text? Then our video explanation is for you:
General Requirements for a Permanent Residence Permit in Germany
To be eligible for a permanent residence permit in Germany, you must fulfill the following requirements and provide the following documents:
- Minimum of 5 years residence in Germany
- Minimum 60 months of contributions to the German pension insurance (Rentenversicherungsverlauf) unless you qualify for a fast-track as described above
- No criminal record (Führungszeugnis)
- B1 German level (integration course, language course, or test certificate)
- Proof of being financially secure (work contract, last payslips, or bank records; for self-employed, the latest tax return)
- Proof of registration and accommodation (rental contract and Meldebescheinigung for your living space, which must be sufficient for you an your family members)
- Proof of health insurance from your health insurance fund
- For any fast-track applicant, the proof that allows you to fast-track (degree, business permit, EU Blue Card, marriage certificate, etc.)
- Proof that you have basic knowledge of the legal and social system and way of life in Germany. You can do so with a certificate that you passed the ‘Leben in Deutschland‘ or German Citizenship test. You can grab our study kit for this test here.
- Valid passport
- 1 biometric photo
Some cities may require additional documents, so be sure to follow the instructions from your immigration office.
Simple Germany’s Hot Tip
Do this free test to find out whether you qualify for permanent residence. Our partners at Migrando are immigration lawyers who can check your case for you.
Fast-Track To a Permanent Residence Permit in Germany
You may qualify to apply for permanent residence in Germany after 2 or 3 years. All other above-mentioned requirements except for the 5 year timeframe still need to be fulfilled.
Let’s take a look at the categories entitled to fast-track applications.
1. Skilled Workers
Skilled workers can already apply for permanent residency after working and contributing to the German pension fund for 3 years. You are a skilled worker if you:
- have a qualified vocational education (attained in Germany or a foreign equivalent one)
- have a German university degree or a recognized or comparable foreign university degree
- are an EU Blue Card holder
- are an international researcher
2. EU Blue Card Holders
As an EU Blue Card holder, you can even already apply for permanent residence after only 27 months if you can prove A1 German skills.
With a B1 German language certificate, you can even apply after 21 months!
This is by far one of the fastest ways of becoming a permanent resident in Germany. Be aware, though, that only those months are counted in which you lived in Germany, you held employment, and you contributed to the statutory pension insurance.
Read Our Related Guide
3. Graduates Of German Universities Or Vocational Training
In case you have acquired a German degree or vocational training certificate, you can apply for permanent residency after being employed in your field and contributing to the statutory pension insurance for 2 years.
4. Highly Skilled Professionals
In special cases, highly skilled professionals (e.g., scientists and other specialists) can qualify for permanent residency immediately without needing to fulfill any prior time spent in Germany. The requirements for this special treatment are very individual and on a case-by-case basis.
You need an academic degree, several years of professional experience, and a certain level of higher skills. You will also need to demonstrate that you will integrate into life in Germany smoothly and will not require financial assistance from the German social system.
5. Self-Employed People
When you come to Germany with a freelance visa or acquire it while in Germany, you can already apply for permanent residence in Germany after 3 years, provided that your business is striving and providing enough financial resources.
Read Our Related Guide
6. Family Members Of A German Citizen
If you have rejoined a family member in Germany who is a German national. In that case, you can change your temporary residence permit for a permanent residence permit after 3 years if the family unit is still in place. This applies to spouses and minor unmarried children alike.
Requirements for a Permanent Residence Permit for family members of foreign nationals in Germany
Should you have moved to Germany with your spouse and children, they most likely received a temporary residence permit similar to yours. Let’s take a look at their eligibility for a settlement permit in Germany.
Children of Foreign Nationals in Germany
If your child has had a German residence permit for at least 5 years before turning 16, they will be able to receive a settlement permit after their 16th birthday, according to BAMF.
If your child only completes the 5 years of holding a temporary residence permit after turning 16, your child needs to prove a good knowledge of the German language and a ‘secure livelihood’. This includes attending school or vocational training.
Family Members of Foreign Nationals in Germany
Spouses do not automatically qualify for a settlement permit because their partners do.
However, if your spouse has a settlement permit for skilled workers, and you work at least 20 hours a week, you can apply for permanent residency already after 3 years.
In case you do not work a minimum of 20 hours per week, the regular timeframe of 5 years also applies to spouses.
All other requirements remain the same. The proof of financial stability and the minimum 60 months of contributions to the German pension fund can also be fulfilled by only one spouse.
The application process for a Permanent Residence Permit in Germany
The application process for permanent residence in Germany (Antrag auf Erteilung einer Niederlassungserlaubnis) varies from city to city.
All initial applications have been digitalized. In some cities, like Munich, you have to fill out an actual application form, while in others, like Berlin, you need to send a ‘formless application.’
So be sure to read the requirements and desired application process in your city carefully and abide by the steps to ensure a smooth process.
Below you can find the links to the requirement pages of the biggest expat cities in Germany. They are in German, but you can use Chrome as a browser and translate the page with a right-click.
The online application is usually followed by an in-person appointment to submit your biometrics.
Costs of a Permanent Residence Permit in Germany
The cost for a permanent residency permit in Germany depends on the job category you are in:
- General: 113 euros
- Self-employed: 124 euros
- Highly qualified professional: 147 euros
- Re-issuing: 67 euros
Temporary vs. Permanent Residence Permit Germany
The ID card for your residence permit in Germany looks identical and you need to look closely to identify its type. Below you can see two images indicating the clear distinction between a Niederlassungserlaubnis and Aufenthaltserlaubnis.
German Permanent Residence Permit
German Temporary Residence Permit
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 the status of your residence permit.
Can you travel with your German Permanent Residence Permit?
Yes, you can 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.
Can German Permanent Residence expire?
Yes, it can. If you leave Germany for longer than 6 months (without prior permission), your German permanent residence permit will expire.
How to maintain German Permanent Residence
Once you receive your permanent residence permit for Germany, it is valid for an unlimited period. However, the residency ID card is only valid for 5 – 10 years, similar to a national ID card or passport. Since it is tied to your passport, you need to keep both documents valid. To renew your permanent residence permit or in case you lose your residence title, you need to make an appointment with your local Ausländerbehörde and request a new physical permit.
Conclusion
Acquiring permanent residence in Germany for the freedom of movement and employment is pretty straightforward and, in most cases, dependent on the number of years you have already lived and worked in this beautiful country. Depending on your degree and job, you may be able to fast-track the usually necessary five years. Your local Ausländerbehörde handles the application process.
Good luck with this essential step to settle in Germany for good!
Disclaimer: Neither myself as the author of this article, nor Simple Germany as a business, are qualified to provide immigration advice under German law. We cannot provide specialist immigration services beyond any of the general tips contained herein. For immigration advice, we strongly recommend you consult a professional immigration consultant or your local German embassy or Foreigners office.
