Permanent Residency in Germany
The residence permit, or in German "Niederlassungserlaubnis" is an indefinite residence permit that allows you to live and work in Germany without any temporal restrictions. Applying for permanent residency in Germany can offer numerous benefits, from stability to enhanced opportunities for employment.
Are you wondering if you can apply for a residence permit? Here’s what you’ll need to know.
Depending on your current residence status, different rules apply.
The "Niederlassungserlaubnis" for skilled professionals
The "Niederlassungserlaubnis" for Blue Card EU holders
The "Niederlassungserlaubnis" for graduates of a degree or vocational training in Germany
The "Niederlassungserlaubnis" for highly qualified professionals
The "Niederlassungserlaubnis" for skilled professionals
You belong to this category if:
you completed vocational training (§ 18a Residence Act)
you obtained academic qualifications (§ 18b Para. 1 Residence Act and holders of a Blue Card EU)
you are an international researchers (according to Directive (EU) 2016/801 (§ 18d Residence Act))
What are the requirements for skilled professionals to obtain permanent residency?
You have held a residence permit according to §§ 18a, 18b, or 18d of the Residence Act for 4 years.
You can support yourself without relying on public funds.
You have paid at least 48 months of mandatory or voluntary contributions to the statutory pension insurance.
You have a job suitable for your qualifications or commensurate with them.
You have sufficient knowledge of the German language (level B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR)) and basic knowledge of the legal and social system and living conditions in Germany. This is usually demonstrated through the "Life in Germany" test.
You have adequate housing for yourself and your family members.
Please note: In some cases, permanent residency may be granted under simplified conditions. This applies if you belong to one of these groups:
Holders of a Blue Card EU
Graduates of a degree or vocational training in Germany
Highly qualified individuals
Self-employed individuals
The "Niederlassungserlaubnis" for Blue Card EU holders.
If you have a Blue Card EU, you can apply for a "Niederlassungserlaubnis" according to § 18c Para. 2 of the Residence Act. The following requirements apply to you:
You have been engaged in a qualified employment with contributions to the statutory pension insurance for at least 27 months.
You have basic German language skills (level A1 of the CEFR). If you can demonstrate German language skills at level B1, the time requirement reduces from 27 to 21 months.
You have basic knowledge of the legal and social system in Germany. This is usually demonstrated through the "Life in Germany" test.
You can prove that you have adequate housing.
You can prove that your livelihood is secured.
The "Niederlassungserlaubnis" for graduates of a degree or vocational training in Germany.
Have you successfully completed your studies or vocational training in Germany? In this case you can apply for permanent residency if the following applies:
You have held a residence permit for employment as a "skilled professional" (residence permit according to §§ 18a, 18b, or 18d of the Residence Act) for at least two years.
You have a job suitable for your qualifications.
You have paid contributions to the statutory pension insurance for 24 months.
You have sufficient knowledge of the German language (level B1 of the CEFR) and basic knowledge of the legal and social system and living conditions in Germany. This is usually demonstrated through the "Life in Germany" test.
You can prove that you have adequate housing.
The "Niederlassungserlaubnis" for highly qualified professionals
In special cases, highly qualified professionals can receive a "Niederlassungserlaubnis" according to § 18c Para. 3 of the Residence Act without a minimum previous stay.
If, for example, you have several years of professional experience as a scientist with special expertise or as a teacher in a prominent position, you can receive a "Niederlassungserlaubnis" immediately upon arrival in Germany.
It's important that you:
provide evidence of academic education, and
if it is justified to assume that you can integrate into the living conditions in Germany and support yourself without state aid.
It's best to compile the necessary documents for immediate issuance of the "Niederlassungserlaubnis" before your arrival.
The "Niederlassungserlaubnis" for self-employed individuals
If you hold a residence permit for self-employment according to § 21 of the Residence Act, you can apply for a "Niederlassungserlaubnis" (§ 21 Para. 4 of the Residence Act) after three years. The following conditions must be met:
You hold a valid residence permit for self-employment at the time of application.
You have successfully implemented the planned self-employment.
You can prove that your livelihood and that of your family members in Germany are permanently secured.
Do you have any additional questions? Reach out to hello@jetztpat.com and see how we can help.
Carina is a co-founder of Jetztpat and has supported many foreigners when relocating to Germany. She is currently located in Stuttgart and loves travelling to distant places. While she has tried crazy food from all over the world, she has stayed deeply committed to “Spätzle mit Soße” and is always missing it, when she's abroad.