Apply for a permanent EU residence permit

The EU long-term residence permit is a permanent residence permit. It is similar to the settlement permit in many respects, but gives the holder additional rights in other EU countries

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Residence Permit Hamburg

Residence permit Hamburg

Detailed description

You are entitled to a permanent EU residence permit if you meet the requirements. The same documents are required as for a settlement permit.
In addition, a certificate in tax matters must be presented from the tax office. Foreign nationals who hold a residence permit for humanitarian reasons or for educational purposes are not entitled to a permanent EU residence permit. The only exception to this is the holder of a residence permit in accordance with Sections 25 (2) and 23 (2) of the Residence Act; in these cases, a permanent EU residence permit can be applied for.

Information

Important notes

Prerequisites

You must have held a valid residence permit for at least five years without interruption.
You should be able to demonstrate to the immigration authorities that you have resided in the federal territory for the five years (for example, by providing proof of attendance at an educational institution or employment).
You have knowledge of the German language at level B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.

Documents required

Application via the online service Residence Permit Hamburg
valid national passport
Employment or extension contract
current certificate from the employer
Copies of the last 12 pay slips
Certificate “Living in Germany”
Language certificate
current pension insurance history from the German Pension Insurance
Rental agreement + current rent
Certificate in tax matters from the tax office

If you have a domestic school leaving certificate or successfully completed training/study, the language certificate and the “Living in Germany” certificate are no longer necessary.

A current biometric passport photo is required for the appointment.

Please note

The processing fee must always be paid. If the application is rejected, the fee will not be refunded, not even partially. A new application can be submitted at any time.

Deadlines

The customer must have been legally resident in Germany for at least 5 years and have fulfilled the 60 months of compulsory pension contributions; an application is not necessary beforehand.

Procedure & Fees

Procedure

The application can be submitted via the Hamburg residence permit online service. However, it must also be mentioned in the online service that the EU long-term residence permit is to be applied for, as this specific option cannot yet be selected directly online.
There is a message/comments field in the online service; please submit your specific request in writing there.
For faster processing, it is helpful if all the required documents are uploaded to the online service. After the documents have been checked and a decision has been made, the customer will receive an appointment from the responsible clerk.
You must always bring a current biometric passport photo, your national passport and the fee (payment preferably with an EC card) to your appointment.

Processing time

The processing time usually takes 6 to 8 weeks and also depends on the completeness of the customer's documents.

If documents are missing, the processing time will be extended.

It takes about 4 to 6 weeks for the Federal Printing Office to produce the electronic residence permit.

Fees

109 € (preferred payment with EC card)

Cash register number: 2037

Legal notes

Legal remedies

An appeal against the negative decision can be lodged with the authority within one month after notification.

Legal basis

§ 9a Residence Act (AufenthG)

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Last updated: 09.10.2024