permanent residence permit

Prerequisites

There are different legal bases for issuing a permanent residence permit. This determines which documents are to be submitted for the application.

• For all permanent residence permits (exception: settlement permit for foreign citizens with asylum and refugee status and for young people between the ages of 16 and 18), one of the conditions for granting a livelihood is to secure a livelihood from one's own resources (no public benefits).
• At least 60 months of mandatory or voluntary contributions to the statutory pension insurance or expenses for a claim to comparable benefits from an insurance company must be proven. (Family members of Germans are exempt from this requirement.)
• Securing a livelihood also includes health insurance .
• Sufficient knowledge of German is generally required when applying for all permanent residence permits.
• In addition, all applicants should have a recognized, valid passport or passport substitute .

Documents required

• 1 current biometric passport photo
• Payroll / employment contract
• Certificate of pension insurance contributions
• German course
• valid passport-related documents (birth certificate, marriage certificate)
• Rental agreement + bank statement stating the current rental amount
• Health insurance (insurance card), or a private health insurance that corresponds at least to the statutory scope of benefits.

Please note

• Transfer of new passport:
  If it is not possible to issue a new electronic residence permit (eAT) (settlement permit) in good time, so that the passport number listed in the eAT is not identical to the document presented, problems when re-entering Germany are likely to be limited to an extended border control time. The residence permit does not become invalid.
• When traveling abroad , please bring all documents relevant to residence law with you that prove your right of residence in the Federal Republic of Germany, e.g. valid/expired passport, previous eAT. You should apply for the transfer of the eAT soon after the trip.
• Since April 2020, there has been an expiration date on the settlement permit. This has no influence on the right of residence, your residence is secured.
  The expiry date of the card is necessarily linked to the expiry date of the national passport.
• For travel destinations outside of Europe (possibly other countries) it is recommended to contact the embassy of the destination country in advance.
• Holders of a temporary residence permit for the purpose of studying or vocational training cannot receive a settlement permit.
• Asylum seekers and holders of a temporary deportation cannot receive a settlement permit .

Fees

Self-employed EUR 124, highly qualified EUR 147, others EUR 113. Reissue 67 EUR. For underage children usually EUR 34.50.

Legal basis

• Section 9 (2) of the Residence Act (AufenthG)
  https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/aufenthg_2004/__9.html


• Section 28 (2) of the Residence Act (AufenthG)
  https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/aufenthg_2004/__28.html


• Section 35 (1) of the Residence Act (AufenthG)
  https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/aufenthg_2004/__35.html


• Section 26 (4) of the Residence Act (AufenthG)
  https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/aufenthg_2004/__26.html