Permanent Settlement Permit

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

The permanent settlement permit is a permanent residence status. With a permanent settlement permit, you can live and work in Germany on a permanent basis. Unlike other residence statuses, it is no longer tied to a specific purpose, such as your family situation 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 permanent residence status makes it easier to access further rights, such as family reunification. For example, having a residence permit does not always mean that your children or spouse can join you in Germany. In such cases, obtaining a permanent settlement permit can be important.

EU Long-Term Residence Permit

In addition to the permanent settlement permit under German law, you also have the option of applying for a permanent residence status 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 permanent settlement permit. For example, if you would like to live in another EU country in the future, the EU Long-Term Residence Permit may be a good option.

You can find out whether you meet the requirements here: EU Long-Term Residence Permit

Naturalization

In many cases, you can also apply directly for naturalization [internal link]. This may be possible, for example, if you currently hold a 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 travelling. Unlike a permanent settlement permit, German citizenship cannot simply be lost. A permanent settlement permit, however, can be lost if you live outside Germany for an extended period. Read more about this under the question: Can I Lose My Permanent Settlement Permit? You do not have to give up your current citizenship when applying for naturalization.

Naturalization

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

Check the reason why you currently hold a residence permit . You can then choose the permanent settlement permit 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 EU Long-Term Residence Permit , select "General Permanent Settlement Permit":

• Niederlassungserlaubnis für Asylberechtigte und anerkannte Flüchtlinge
  Permanent Settlement Permit for Persons Entitled to Asylum and Recognized Refugees
• Niederlassungserlaubnis für subsidiär Schutzberechtigte oder Inhaber einer Aufenthaltserlaubnis mit Aufnahmezusage des Bundes
  Permanent Settlement Permit for Beneficiaries of Subsidiary Protection or Holders of a Residence Permit Based on a Federal Admission Commitment
• Niederlassungserlaubnis für Fachkräfte mit Aufenthaltserlaubnis
  Permanent Settlement Permit for Skilled Workers with a Residence Permit
  Niederlassungserlaubnis für Fachkräfte mit Blaue Karte EU
  Permanent Settlement Permit for Skilled Workers with an EU Blue Card
• Niederlassungserlaubnis für Familienangehörige von Deutschen
  Permanent Settlement Permit for Family Members of German Citizens
• Niederlassungserlaubnis für Kinder – ab 16 Jahre
  Permanent Settlement Permit for Children Aged 16 and Above
• Niederlassungserlaubnis allgemein – Erlaubnis zum Daueraufenthalt-EU
  General Permanent Settlement Permit – EU Long-Term Residence Permit

Tip: Tip: If you click "Do It Online" 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 permit you have. At the latest, you can apply for a permanent settlement permit once you have lived in Germany for 5 years and paid contributions to the statutory pension insurance scheme for 5 years.

During these 5 years (or less), you must have had lawful residence. This means that you held a residence status such as a residence permit or a visa. Periods covered by a Certificate of Fictional Right of Residence (Fiktionsbescheinigung) are also counted, provided that you obtained another residence status immediately afterwards. For recognized refugees, periods with a temporary residence permit for asylum seekers are also taken into account. Periods spent with a residence permit for studying or apprenticeship count only as half.

If you changed from one residence status to another or moved to a different location during these years, the time continues to count. The important thing is that there are no interruptions.

You can use the Berlin Service Portal to find out whether you can support yourself financially and therefore have sufficient income for a permanent settlement permit:

Quick Check: Income Requirement Calculation

Tip: If you click "Do It Online" 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. To prove this, you will need a specialist medical certificate or other supporting 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 incomes will be assessed together. In that case, neither of you may be entitled to social benefits.

To obtain a permanent settlement permit, 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 have:

• successfully attended school for at least four years (with promotion to the next grade and a final average grade of 4 or better), or
• successfully progressed to Year 10 at a general education school, or
• obtained a school-leaving qualification, or
• completed a vocational qualification (apprenticeship or university degree) or earned a doctoral degree, or
• obtained a license to practice a regulated profession, or
• lived with your German minor child or your German spouse for at least three years, or
• are unable to learn adequately and therefore unable to take the test because of an illness or disability. In this case, you will need a specialist medical certificate as proof.

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 only.

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 permanent settlement permit here? In Berlin, you can submit your application online. You can find the LEA Berlin online applications further up on this page.

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

The application usually costs a total of 113.00 euros. A reduced fee applies to Turkish nationals and minors.

You 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 settlement permit from the 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 process. Make sure to save this PDF or print it out. You can use this document as proof of your legal right to stay in Germany until a decision has been made on your application. However, if your previous residence permit has already 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 the LEA or be asked to submit additional documents.

Tip: Always check your spam folder as well as your inbox. Messages from the LEA often end up there.

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

Yes, even a permanent residence status can expire if you leave Germany for an extended period or remain outside Germany for a long time. For example, this may happen 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 travelling. You can find the relevant rules on the website of the State Office for Immigration (LEA). If you are unsure, it is best to seek counseling.