Niederlassungserlaubnis (settlement permit)

Landesamt für Einwanderung (LEA) (State Office for Immigration)

The Niederlassungserlaubnis (settlement permit) is a residence title which allows you to live and work in Germany on a permanent basis. Unlike other residence titles, it is not tied to a specific purpose, such as your family circumstances or employment. You can take up any type of job, and you will not lose your residence status if you receive social benefits.

In addition to these advantages, a Niederlassungserlaubnis makes it easier to access further rights, such as family reunification. Not all Aufenthaltserlaubnisse (residence permits) make it possible for your children or spouse to join you in Germany. In such cases, having a Niederlassungserlaubnis can be important.

Daueraufenthalt-EU (EU long-term residence permit)

In addition to the Niederlassungserlaubnis (settlement permit) under German law, you also have the option of applying for a permanent settlement title under European Union law. This is called the EU long-term residence permit . One advantage is that it allows you to apply for a residence permit for employment in another EU country. It also does not expire as easily as a Niederlassungserlaubnis. If you would like to live in another EU country in the future, the EU long-term residence permit may be a good option.

Find out whether you meet the requirements here: EU long-term residence permit

Einbürgerung (naturalization)

In many cases, you can also apply directly for naturalization. This may be possible, for example, if you currently hold an Aufenthaltserlaubnis (residence permit) for employment or family reunification. One advantage of naturalization is that it allows you to vote in elections. It also gives you greater freedom when traveling. German citizenship also cannot expire. A Niederlassungserlaubnis (settlement permit) on the other hand, can expire if you live outside Germany for an extended period. Read more about this under the question: Can I lose my Niederlassungserlaubnis? You do not have to give up your current citizenship when applying for naturalization.

Einbürgerung (naturalization)

There are different requirements for a Niederlassungserlaubnis (settlement permit). These relate to factors such as the length of your stay in Germany, your financial situation, your German language language and civic knowledge. The requirements are not always the same, they can vary depending on your personal situation. In addition to the general Niederlassungserlaubnis, there are several special types of Niederlassungserlaubnis, for example for skilled workers or family members of German citizens.

Check the reason for your current residence title . You can then choose the type of Niederlassungserlaubnis that matches your situation and view the relevant requirements. If none of the options apply to you, or if you would like to apply for the Daueraufenthalt-EU (EU long-term residence permit ), select "Niederlassungserlaubnis allgemein":

• Niederlassungserlaubnis für Asylberechtigte und anerkannte Flüchtlinge
  Settlement permit for persons entitled to asylum and recognized refugees
• Niederlassungserlaubnis für subsidiär Schutzberechtigte oder Inhaber einer Aufenthaltserlaubnis mit Aufnahmezusage des Bundes
  Settlement permit for persons entitled to subsidiary protection or holders of a residence permit with a federal approval for admission
• Niederlassungserlaubnis für Fachkräfte mit Aufenthaltserlaubnis
  Settlement permit for skilled workers with a residence permit
  Niederlassungserlaubnis für Fachkräfte mit Blaue Karte EU
  Settlement permit for skilled workers with an EU Blue Card
• Niederlassungserlaubnis für Familienangehörige von Deutschen
  Settlement permit for family members of German citizens
• Niederlassungserlaubnis für Kinder – ab 16 Jahre
  Settlement permit for children aged 16 and above
• Niederlassungserlaubnis allgemein – Erlaubnis zum Daueraufenthalt-EU
  General settlement permit – EU long-term residence permit

Tip: If you click "Jetzt Online Erledigen" at the bottom right of the information page, you will find a quick check. Take the test to find out whether you meet the requirements.

That depends on the type of residence title you have. You can apply for a permanent residence permit once you have lived in Germany and paid contributions into the statutory pension insurance scheme for 5 years, at the latest.

During these 5 years (or less), you must have had lawful residence. This means that you held a residence title such as an Aufenthaltserlaubnis (residence permit) or a visa. Periods covered by a Fiktionsbescheinigung (certificate of fictional right of residence) also count, as long as you received another residence title immediately afterwards. For recognized refugees, periods with an Aufenthaltsgestattung (temporary permission to stay during the asylum procedure) are also taken into account. Periods spent with a residence permit for studying or an apprenticeship only count as half.

If you have changed residence titles or moved during this period, your time in Germany will still count. The important thing is that there has been no interruption to your legal residence.

You can use the Berlin Service Portal to find out whether your income qualifies as sufficient to support yourself financially, and is enough for a Niederlassungerlaubnis:

Quick Check: Lebensunterhalt

Tip: If you click "Jetzt Online Erledigen" at the bottom right of the page, you will find a tool to help you calculate whether you meet the income requirements. Take the quick check to find out whether you meet this requirement.

There are also exceptions. For example, if you are permanently unable to work because of an illness, you may still qualify. You will need to prove this with a medical certificate from a specialist or other documents. If you receive benefits from the Jobcenter , it is generally assumed that you are able to work.

If you are married or in a registered same-sex civil partnership, your income will be assessed together. In that case, neither of you may claim social benefits.

For a Niederlassungserlaubnis (settlement pemit), you normally need to prove that you have basic knowledge about Germany. In most cases, this is done by passing the "Leben in Deutschland" test, which is taken at the end of an integration course.

You do not need to take the test if, in Germany, you:

• attended school for at least four years (and moved up to the next grade each year, with a final average grade of 4 or better)
• successfully progressed to Year 10 at a general education school
• received a school-leaving qualification
• completed a vocational qualification (apprenticeship or university degree) or earned a doctoral degree
• received a license to practice a regulated profession
• have lived with your German child who is under 18 or your German spouse for at least three years
• cannot take the test because of an illness or disability that makes it difficult for you to learn. In this case, you will need to provide a medical certificate from a specialist

If none of these situations apply to you, you will need proof of your knowledge about Germany.

In Berlin, it is often only possible to take the "Leben in Deutschland" test as part of an integration course. However, if your German language skills are already sufficient, you do not have to attend an integration course. Some language schools also offer the test separately. The test costs 25 euros. Check online to see whether there are appointments in Berlin for the "Leben in Deutschland" test.

You can also prove your knowledge about Germany by taking the "naturalization test". You can find information about the naturalization test here.

Please note: Waiting times are currently long.

Do you live in Berlin and would like to apply for a Niederlassungserlaubnis (settlement permit) here? In Berlin, you can submit your application online. You can find online applications for LEA Berlin above.

Tip: Use the quick check first to find out whether you meet all the requirements.

The application usually costs a total of 113 euros. Turkish nationals and minors have the option to pay a reduced fee.

Pay the first instalment (56.50 euros) when submitting the online application. Payment can only be made by PayPal or credit card. The second instalment is paid when you collect your permanent residence permit from LEA .

If you have been recognized as a refugee or have subsidiary protection status, the application is free of charge.

Once you have submitted your application online, you must download the PDF confirmation of your application. The confirmation can be downloaded on the last page of the application. Make sure to save this PDF or print it out. You can use this document as a Fiktionsbescheinigung (certificate of fictional right of residence) until a decision has been made on your application. However, if your previous residence permit has expired, this document does not allow you to travel abroad.

Your application will then be reviewed. In most cases, you will either receive an appointment for a personal visit to LEA or be asked to submit additional documents.

Tip: Always check your spam folder as well as your inbox. Messages from LEA sometimes get misdirected.

Due to the high number of applications, it may take several months before you receive a response.

Yes, even a Niederlassungserlaubnis (settlement permit) can expire if you leave Germany for an extended period. For example, if you stay abroad for more than six months or if you begin studying in another country. However, there are exceptions. For example, different rules may apply if you are married to a German citizen or if you need to care for family members abroad. In many cases, you must apply for permission before leaving Germany for an extended period.

Make sure to inform yourself before traveling. You can find the relevant rules on the website of the Landesamt für Einwanderung (LEA) (State Office for Immigration) . If you are unsure, it is best to seek advice.