Non-EU nationals who have been in Germany for more than five years are granted a Settlement Permit, also known as a German Permanent Residence Permit. You can stay in Germany permanently if you get a residence permit.

Permanent residency provides far greater protection than holding a Temporary Residence Permit, yet it is not the same as obtaining German citizenship and receiving a German passport. If you have a degree from a German university, you are subject to particular requirements when applying for a settlement permit.

● For at least two years, you’ve had a residency permit that allows you to work as a “qualified professional.”
● You hold a position for which you are qualified or that is suitable for your skills.
● You have made 24 months of contributions to the statutory pension insurance fund.
● According to the Common European Framework of References for Languages (CEFR), you speak German fluently at a B1 level. You also understand the legal system, the social structure, and the way of life in Germany. Passing the “Life in Germany” test is one method of demonstrating this.
● You can show that you have a suitable place to live. The necessary documentation
● Filled-out application (Antrag auf Erteilung der Niederlassungserlaubnis)
● evidence of active, paid health insurance (at least 60 months of social security contributions)
● Genuine Passport
● Recognised language proficiency certificate; German at least at B1 level
● 1 biometric picture.
● a diploma from a German university (if applying for a fast-tracked Permanent Residence Permit as a graduate of a German university)
● Certificate of Marriage (if applying for a fast-tracked Permanent Residence Permit as a result of being married to a German citizen)
● Evidence of financial stability, such as bank statements for those who are employed and tax returns for those who are self-employed
● a letter from your company or institution
● Registration and lodging documentation
● Professional standing (if applying for fast-tracked Permanent Residence Permit as a result of being highly skilled in a field).

How to use

Make an appointment and pick up the application (Antrag auf Erteilung der Niederlassungserlaubnis) from the immigration office. Return for your appointment after all of your documentation is in order.

What is the time frame?

It typically takes two to three weeks to process your permanent residence permit after your interview, if all of your paperwork is in order.

What is the price?
A settlement permit application will set you back €113.00. The application fee for self-employed people is €124.00. A settlement permit application costs €147.00 for highly skilled professionals.