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

Citizens of the European Union (EU) and the European Economic Area (EEA) who have acquired a permanent right of residence can apply to the immigration authorities for a certificate confirming the existence of this right.

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Detailed description

Citizens of the European Union (EU) and the European Economic Area (EEA: Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein) do not generally require a residence permit to enter and stay in Germany.
If you are an EU or EEA citizen and have resided legally in Germany for a period of five years, you can acquire permanent residence rights. Permanent residence rights arise immediately by law. You can apply to the immigration authorities for a certificate of permanent residence rights.
Under certain conditions, you can acquire permanent residence status before the five-year period has elapsed, for example if you:

  • have resided permanently in Germany for at least three years, have been gainfully employed in Germany or in another Member State of the European Union for the last twelve months and have since retired from working life due to your age (reaching the age of 65) or due to an early retirement scheme;
  • You have given up your job in Germany or in another Member State of the European Union as a result of total incapacity for work caused by an accident at work or an occupational disease and which gives you the right to a pension in Germany;
  • you have given up your job in Germany or another Member State of the European Union as a result of total incapacity for work after having previously resided in Germany for at least two years, or
  • have been continuously employed in Germany for three years, are now employed in another Member State of the European Union, but still have a residence in Germany to which you return at least once a week.

 

Information

Prerequisites

  • You are a national of the EU or EEA
  • You can prove that you have spent the required period of residence in Germany (usually five years, but in special cases two or three years are sufficient).
  • You are staying in Germany legally, which means that you have fulfilled the requirements of the right of freedom of movement throughout your entire stay.
  • If necessary, you can provide the evidence and documents listed under “Required documents”

Documents required

Consent of the legal representative to the planned stay if the person is under 18 years of age

The immigration authorities may request the submission of the following documents:

  • Recognized or otherwise approved valid passport or passport substitute
  • Proof that the right to freedom of movement was exercised for the period of residence completed (e.g. confirmation of registration, employment contract, trade license or proof of self-employment, sufficient means of subsistence and sufficient health insurance cover, certificate of enrollment)

In individual cases, the immigration authorities may request additional documents.

Please note

Deadlines

The certificate of permanent residence can be applied for after five years of permanent legal residence. In special cases, permanent residence can be certified after just two or three years.


The certificate of permanent residence will be issued immediately and for an unlimited period.

Procedure

  • Depending on the immigration authority, it may be possible to apply online. Find out whether your immigration authority offers electronic application. If you apply electronically, the immigration authority will contact you after receiving your application to request additional documents if necessary and to arrange an appointment with you at the immigration authority. Your documents will be checked during the appointment (bring the originals with you to the appointment if you are asked to do so).
  • If the application can only be submitted in person, make an appointment with the immigration office. During the appointment, your information will be received and your documents checked (bring the originals with you to the appointment if you are asked to do so).
  • Once the examination is complete, you will immediately be issued with a certificate of permanent residence or a rejection notice.
  • The collection must always be done in person. You must sign at the immigration office.

Processing time

Your application for a certificate of permanent residence will be processed as soon as possible.

Fees

Issuing certificate: EUR 10.00




Under certain conditions, a fee reduction or fee exemption may be considered.

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Keywords: entry Brexit EU citizens Immigration EU foreigners EU country EEA citizens EEA country EEA State Means of subsistence Freedom of movement Permanent residence European Economic Area Health insurance coverage Switzerland § 2 Freedom of Movement Act / EU § 4a Freedom of Movement Act/EU § 12 Freedom of Movement Act/EU § 5 (5) FreizügG/EU

Last updated: 05.02.2025