Permanent residence in Germany: the settlement permit explained

Who needs it

The Niederlassungserlaubnis (settlement permit) is an unlimited residence permit. It is optional: nobody has to apply, but it gives you security. You no longer need renewals, you may work in any job or be self-employed, and your right to stay doesn't depend on one employer.

EU, EEA and Swiss citizens don't need it. After five years they automatically have a right of permanent residence under EU free-movement rules.

When

When you can apply depends on the permit you hold now.

"Skilled worker" here means you hold a permit as a skilled worker or researcher (§ 18a, § 18b, § 18d or § 18g AufenthG) and still have a job that fits it.

Pension months can also come from comparable private or professional pension schemes (for example a professional pension fund for doctors or lawyers). Time spent studying in Germany may count half towards the five-year period in the general rule.

What you need

For most routes you need all of the following:

• the required time with a residence permit (see table)
• secure income without social benefits
• enough pension contributions (see table)
• German skills at the level required; certificates like DTZ, telc, Goethe or TestDaF are common proof (see learning German)
• basic knowledge of the legal and social system, usually proven by the "Leben in Deutschland" test (the integration course final test)
• enough living space for you and your family
• no relevant criminal convictions
• your work permit and any professional licence still valid

A passed integration course counts as proof of both B1 German and basic knowledge of Germany (§ 9 (2) AufenthG).

Typical documents

• passport and current residence permit
• biometric photo
• employment contract and recent payslips, or proof of self-employed income
• pension record (Versicherungsverlauf) from the Deutsche Rentenversicherung
• language certificate and "Leben in Deutschland" certificate
• rental contract and proof of flat size
• health insurance confirmation

How to do it

1. Check your date. Count your months carefully: the time with a permit and your pension months.
2. Order your pension record from the Deutsche Rentenversicherung. It's free.
3. Get your certificates. Book language and "Leben in Deutschland" tests early, as test dates fill up.
4. Apply at your Ausländerbehörde. Many offices take applications online or by form first.
5. Keep your old permit valid. If it expires during processing, you are protected if you applied before it ran out.

What happens afterwards

You receive a new eAT card that says "Niederlassungserlaubnis". The card itself has an end date (like an ID card), but the permit doesn't. When the card expires, you simply renew the card.

Daueraufenthalt-EU

The Erlaubnis zum Daueraufenthalt – EU (EU long-term residence) is a similar unlimited permit. It generally needs five years of residence, secure income, B1 German and basic knowledge of Germany. It can make it easier to move to another EU country later. Some people hold both options open. Ask your office which one suits you.

Common problems

Can I get permanent residence without B1 German?

Yes, in one case: EU Blue Card holders can apply after 27 months with basic German (A1). Most other routes require B1. Exceptions exist for illness or disability.

Does time on a student visa count?

For the general five-year rule, time spent studying in Germany counts half. Skilled workers with a German degree have their own shorter route of two years.

Do months of parental leave count as pension months?

Periods of childcare or home care are taken into account for the general rule. Ask the Deutsche Rentenversicherung for your record and the Ausländerbehörde how it applies to you.

I changed from a Blue Card to another permit. Do my months still count?

For the Blue Card fast track, only months of employment on a Blue Card count. Other permit time may count under a different route. Ask your office.

Costs

A standard settlement permit costs €113. The Daueraufenthalt-EU costs €109. Language tests and translations are extra.