Settlement Permit - Permanent Residency in Germany

Once you have settled in Germany with your temporary residence permit, and want to stay permanently, you can apply for a permanent residence permit. This permanent residence permit is also referred to as a settlement permit.

The settlement permit has several benefits, such as the right to live in Germany together with your family, obtain employment or become self-employed.

Settlement Permit For Skilled Professionals

You are categorized as a skilled professional if you belong to one of the following:

• If you have completed vocational training in Germany;
• If you have completed academic training, or possess an EU Blue Card;
• If you are classified as an international researcher.

The requirements that qualified professionals need to fulfill in order to get a settlement permit are:

1. You have had a residence permit (temporary) for at least 4 years;
2. You are able to cover the cost of living for you and your dependents;
3. You are employed at a job you are qualified or adequately qualified to do;
4. You possess a minimum level of B1 in German language skills according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR); and
5. You have enough living space for yourself and your family members.

The settlement permit can be applied for at your local Foreigners Authority, together with applicable documents. A settlement permit can also be issued under facility circumstances, such as;

• Persons who hold an EU Blue Card;
• Persons who have completed university or vocational training in Germany;
• Persons who are Self-employed; and
• Persons classified as highly qualified professionals;

Settlement Permit for EU Blue Card Holders

EU Blue Card holders can apply for a settlement permit as soon as they qualify for the following requirements:

1. You have been employed in a qualified position for at least 33 months and made contributions to the statutory pensions fund.
2. You possess a minimum level of B1 in German language skills according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). If you are able to provide proof for a level A1, the time can be reduced to 21 months;
3. You have basic knowledge of the social and legal order in Germany; and
4. You are able to provide sufficient proof of adequate living space.

Settlement Permit for Vocational Training and University Graduates

If you have successfully completed vocational training or university in Germany, special conditions apply when obtaining a settlement permit. If you have completed one of the two, and fulfill the following conditions, you can apply for a residence permit.

1. You have held a residence permit for the purpose of employment as a qualified professional for at least 2 years;
2. You are employed at a job you are qualified or adequately qualified to do;
3. You have contributed to the statutory pensions fund for at least 24 months;
4. You possess a minimum level of B1 in German language skills according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), together with knowledge of the legal and social order in Germany; and
5. You are able to provide sufficient proof of adequate living space.

Settlement Permit For Self-Employed Persons

Self-employed persons who have held a residence permit for at least three (3) years, can apply for a settlement permit if they fulfill the following requirements:

1. Your residence permit is valid for being self-employed
2. You are successfully self-employed financially
3. You are able to cover the cost of living for you and your dependents;

Document required for self-employed persons

The following documents are required for self-employed persons when applying for a residence permit:

• The application completed entirely;
• A Valid passport;
• A passport photo;
• Documents of business registration and activities:
• Tax notices for previous financial years and, if applicable, profit calculation for the last financial year with confirmation from the tax advisor, provided that no income tax notification has been received (original and a copy);
• Business evaluations (BWA) or, if necessary, a confirmation by the tax advisor providing details about the profits for the current financial year (original and a copy);
• Evidence of existing business relationships(original and a copy) possibly evidence of jobs created if you employ persons (original and a copy);
• If applicable, evidence of settlement of the business salary (original and a copy)
• A written description of the current business activities with an outlook for the next three financial years;
• Comments from the regional trade authorities, the professional representation or the Chamber of Commerce, Industry or the Chamber of Crafts or, if applicable, the authorities responsible for the professional license (these are usually obtained from the responsible immigration authority);
• If applicable, current extract from the trade register or the commercial register or current craft card (original and a copy);
• Proof of health insurance (original and one copy) Lease (original and one copy); and
• Current registration certificate.

Settlement Permit For Qualified Professionals

In certain circumstances, a settlement permit can be issued immediately upon arriving in Germany in cases of highly qualified professionals. These are qualifications in high demand such as scientists with special technical knowledge or teachers in high-level positions.

It is advised to bring all your necessary documents with you to Germany in order to apply for the settlement permit immediately. The only requirement for highly qualified professionals is:

1. You must be able to provide proof of academic training; and
2. You are able to cover the cost of living for you and your dependents.

German Settlement Permit Fees

The fee for a German settlement permit varies according to job category. However, generally, the cost of obtaining a settlement permit is EUR 113. Self-employed persons are applicable to a fee of EUR 124 and qualified professionals are required to pay a fee of EUR 147.