Apply for a certificate of permanent residence for EU/EEA citizens entitled to freedom of movement

Prerequisites

• They hold the citizenship of a member state of the European Union (EU) or the European Economic Area (EEA).
• Under the following conditions, you can obtain a permanent right of residence based on your right to freedom of movement:
  • They have resided permanently and legally in Germany for at least 5 years.
• If any of the following apply to you, you can obtain permanent residency before the 5-year period has expired:
  • You have lived continuously in Germany for at least three years and have worked in Germany or another EU member state within the last 12 months. You have now left the workforce due to age or an early retirement arrangement.
  • You have given up your work in Germany or in another EU country because you have become fully disabled due to an occupational accident or occupational disease and are therefore entitled to a pension in Germany.
  • You have given up your job in Germany or another EU country due to total incapacity for work, after having lived continuously in Germany for at least 2 years.
  • They have worked continuously in Germany for 3 years, now work in another EU country, but maintain a residence in Germany and return there at least once a week.

Documents required

• valid identification document
• Proof of your permanent right of residence (for example, registration certificate, employment contract, business license, benefit notice)

In individual cases, the responsible authority may request further documents from you.

Please note

Deadlines

No

Procedure

• You apply for the issuance of your certificate of permanent residence by email to the authority responsible for your place of residence and send proof of your permanent residence right as a PDF attachment (for example, registration certificate, employment contract, business license, benefit notice).
• The responsible authority will review your application and may request further documents necessary for the review.
• The relevant authority will then send you an appointment for a consultation.
• Your identity will be verified during the appointment.
• You pay the fee.
• You will receive the written certificate.

Processing time

The processing will take place directly during the appointment, provided all documents are complete.

Fees

The fee is €10.00.


In certain cases, the fee may be reduced or waived entirely.

Legal remedies

Contradiction

Legal basis

Section 2 of the Freedom of Movement Act/EU (FreizügG/EU)


https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/freiz_gg_eu_2004/__2.html


Section 4a Freedom of Movement Act/EU (FreizügG/EU)


https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/freiz_gg_eu_2004/__4a.html


Section 5 of the Freedom of Movement Act/EU (FreizügG/EU)


https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/freiz_gg_eu_2004/__5.html


Section 12 of the Freedom of Movement Act/EU (FreizügG/EU)


https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/freiz_gg_eu_2004/__12.html


Section 47 Paragraph 3 of the Residence Ordinance (AufenthV)


https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/aufenthv/__47.html


Annex D15 Residence Ordinance (AufenthaltsV)


https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/aufenthv/anlage_d15.html