German Permanent Residence Permit Requirements

Germany provides a lot of opportunities in terms of employment and hence a lot of people are keen on obtaining permanent residency. A permanent residence permit allows individuals to stay in Germany for an unspecified period although it is not the same as getting German citizenship. With a permanent residence permit, you can work in Germany and travel in and out of the country whenever you need. Except for people from EU countries, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Lichtenstein, all other foreign nationals need a residence permit to stay in Germany for more than 90 days. In this article, we provide you the list of documents required for application of permanent residence permit.

What is Permanent Residence Permit?

Permanent residence permit is for foreigners who have lived in Germany for a specific time and meet certain requirements. If you have a permanent residence permit, your children and spouse are allowed to join you. They will first get a temporary residence permit, and after a few years, will be able to get the permanent permit. Those from the EU do not need to apply for a Permanent Residence Permit because they already have the right to live and work in Germany and also have the option to apply for the EC long-term residence permit, also known as an EU Residence Permit. In order to get the permanent EU Residence Permit, you should meet the following criteria:

• You should have legally lived in Germany for at least five years (or three years if you are married to a German citizen).
• You should be able to financially support yourself and your family members;
• You should have a good command of German.
• You should have a basic knowledge of the legal and social system and way of life in Germany.
• You should have enough living space for yourself and your family.
• You should have paid the compulsory or voluntary contributions to statutory pension insurance for at least 60 months.
• Your job must be related to your academic degree or vocational training.
• International students who have graduated from a German university can also secure permanent residency after two years of holding a work-related permit.

Those who have graduated from a German university and then lived and worked in Germany for two years can get the permit in just two years. Moreover, if you are a highly qualified professional in a specific technical/research area, you can get the permit faster. For certain residence titles, it is not possible to obtain the permanent EU Residence Permit, e.g. those in possession of a residence permit for educational purposes or for certain humanitarian reasons will not be granted the permanent residence visa.

Documents Required to Apply for a Permanent Residence Permit in Germany

The documents you have to submit at the Ausländerbehörde for your German permanent residency application are:

• Completed application form (Antrag auf Erteilung der Niederlassungserlaubnis)
• Valid passport.
• Health insurance certificate (at least 60 months of social security contributions) – If you are enrolled with statutory insurance, submit a confirmation from your provider. If you are enrolled with private health insurance, submit the insurance policy and proof of paid contributions.
• German language proficiency certificate – at least B1 level German.
• A recent biometric picture – Make sure it follows the German visa picture guidelines.
• For employed individuals:
  • Employment contract.
  • The current certificate issued by the employer within the previous 14 days.
  • Your salary statements from the previous six months.
  • The pension insurance institution certificate.
• For self-employed and freelancers:
  • A completed audit report, completed by a tax consultant, auditor or tax agent.
  • Your last tax assessment notice.
  • Any additional documentation requested.
• Document of home ownership or a lease agreement to prove that you can  accommodate yourself and your family members.
• Proof of address registration.
• Marriage Certificate – If you are married to a German national.
• Your professional license -If you are a highly qualified professional.

Note: The Ausländerbehörde could request any additional documents.

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How to Apply for Permanent Residence Permit?

1. Register your address with the authorities.
2. Pick up the correct form (Antrag auf Erteilung der Niederlassungserlaubnis) from the immigration office and make an appointment.
3. Keep all the required documents handy.
4. Return for your appointment with the completed form and all the aforementioned documents.
5. Your documents will be checked.
6. You will have an interview of around 10 minutes and you may be asked questions regarding the purpose of your application.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a Residence Permit in Germany?

If your documents are in order, your permit will be processed in 2 to 3 weeks from the time of your interview.

How much does the permanent residence permit cost?

The standard fee for a Permit is €135 and for self-employed workers, it is €200.

Does Germany provide dual citizenship?

Yes, Germany does provide dual citizenship.