Permanent residence permit
 

A permanent residence permit is an indefinite residence title and, for many people, an important step towards a permanent life in Germany. It offers significantly more security than a temporary residence permit and generally allows unrestricted employment.

Many people assume that a permanent residence permit can only be granted under Section 9 of the Residence Act. In fact, however, the Residence Act contains various ways to obtain a permanent residence permit – some even with significantly shorter processing times.

 

General residence permit according to § 9 of the Residence Act

The general settlement permit according to Section 9 of the Residence Act (AufenthG) generally requires that a residence permit has been in place for five years. In addition, the following conditions, among others, must be met:

• secure livelihood

• sufficient German language skills

• sufficient living space

• no serious crimes

• Typically 60 months of pension insurance contributions

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Settlement permit for skilled workers and holders of the EU Blue Card

Skilled workers often qualify for less stringent requirements. The regulations are particularly relevant for skilled workers with academic or qualified vocational training, as well as for holders of an EU Blue Card.

Holders of an EU Blue Card can often obtain a permanent residence permit after just 27 months. With German language skills at level B1, a permit can sometimes be granted after only 21 months. Skilled workers with certain residence permits can also obtain permanent residency significantly faster than under the general regulations of Section 9 of the German Residence Act (AufenthG).