Once you have been living and working in Germany on a temporary residence permit for a certain amount of time, you are entitled to apply for a permanent settlement permit. This type of residence permit, as the name suggests, grants you the right to remain in Germany indefinitely and gives you free access to the labour market.

Types of permanent residence permits

Although they are almost identical, there are actually two types of permanent residence permits in Germany. Your personal situation and travel requirements will determine which one is most suitable for you.

Permanent settlement permit

This type of permanent residence permit enables you to live and work in Germany for an unrestricted amount of time. It is available to anyone who has been living in Germany for five years on a temporary residence permit and fulfils other basic requirements. Certain categories of people (see below) may be able to obtain their permanent settlement permits much sooner.

Permanent residence permit for the European Community

The qualifying conditions for this permanent residence permit are very similar to those for the permanent settlement permit. The main difference is that this type of residence permit also gives the holder freedom of movement (and the right to temporary residence) within all European Union member states.

General requirements for the permanent residence permit

Anyone who wants to apply for a permanent residence permit in Germany needs to fulfil certain basic conditions:

• You have held a (temporary) residence permit for 5 years.
• Your subsistence is secure, i.e. you are able to support yourself without benefit payments.
• You have made contributions to a statutory pension scheme for at least 60 months or can provide evidence of a comparable old-age provision.
• You are permitted to be in employment and hold the necessary permit.
• You have sufficient command of the German language and basic knowledge of the social / legal system and way of life in Germany (demonstrated, for example, by successfully completing an integration course).
• You have sufficient living space for yourself and your family.
• You do not have a criminal record.

Note that holders of a residence permit for the purpose of studying are not eligible to apply for a permanent settlement permit. You must first complete your studies and apply for a workers’ residence permit before you can apply for permanent residency.

Categories entitled to special provisions

If you belong to one of the following categories of people, you may be able to obtain your permanent residence permit in less than five years. Note that this only applies to the German permanent settlement permit and not the permanent residence permit for the European Community.

EU Blue Card holders

If you are in possession of an EU Blue Card and fulfil all general requirements, you can receive a permanent residence permit after 33 months. You must have remained in employment and made contributions to the statutory pension scheme for the entirety of that period.

If you have sufficient knowledge of the German language (defined as being educated to level B1), you can receive the permanent residence permit after 21 months.

Graduates of German universities

If you have completed your studies at a German university, you can apply for a permanent settlement permit after two years, provided you have a job related to your degree. As well as fulfilling the general requirements, you also need to have made contributions to the statutory pension scheme (or a comparable alternative) for at least 24 months.

Highly-qualified professionals

Workers who are deemed “highly-qualified” and fulfil the general requirements may be granted a permanent settlement permit immediately. Professions that fit into this category are:

• Researchers with special technical expertise.
• Teaching or scientific personnel in prominent positions.

You may need approval from the Federal Employment Agency to apply for a permanent settlement permit as a highly-qualified professional.

Self-employed individuals

If you are self-employed, you are entitled to a permanent settlement permit after three years. To qualify, you must have a valid residence permit for self-employment and have realised the purpose of your residence permit (i.e. successfully set up your business). You will also need to prove that you have the financial stability to support yourself indefinitely.

Note that the German tax system legally distinguishes between freelance and commercial activities. Freelancers do not qualify for this reduced period.

Applying for a permanent residence permit

To submit your permanent settlement permit application, you will need an appointment at your local foreigners’ office (Ausländerbehörde). You can find your local office on the website for the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees. Depending on your location, it is not always possible to schedule this appointment in advance.

Permanent settlement permit application forms

You need to bring a completed application form with you to the appointment. This can usually be downloaded from your foreigners’ office’s website. Alternatively, the office will be able to give you a paper copy.

Documents required

The documents you need for your permanent settlement application depends on your personal situation. Your foreigners’ office will be able to inform you of the exact requirements but the necessary paperwork usually includes:

• Completed application form
• Valid passport
• Biometric photo taken in the last six months
• Registration certificate including a proof of residence (Wohnungsgeberbestätigung)
• Proof of health insurance
• Rental agreement
• Proof of sufficient German language skills (e.g. certificate of completion of integration course)
• Confirmation of contributions to a pension scheme

Additional documents for employees

• Employment contract
• Tax clearance certificate (from tax office (Finanzamt))
• Last three salary statements

Additional documents for self-employed persons

• Confirmation of employment
• Tax clearance certificate (from tax office)
• Business registration
• Audit report form filled in by tax consultant for Chamber of Commerce

At the appointment, an official will check over all your documents before submitting your application. As long as all the necessary conditions are met, your application will usually be successful and your permanent residence permit issued.

The foreigners’ office will write to you to let you know when the permit is ready for you to collect. If for any reason your application is unsuccessful, you will be informed in writing and be given the chance to lodge an appeal.

Permanent residence permit costs

The cost of applying for a permanent settlement permit varies according to your professional circumstances. The fee for a general settlement permit is usually 113 euros. For self-employed workers it is 124 euros and highly-qualified people have to pay 147 euros. 

Expiration of permanent residency

If you leave Germany for a period of more than six months, your permanent settlement permit will expire. If you hold an EU permanent residence permit, it will expire after a 12-month stay outside the European Union. 

German citizenship

Whilst having permanent residency status brings many advantages, it does not give you certain rights enjoyed by those who have German citizenship. For instance, a permanent settlement permit does not enable to you to vote in elections or have a German passport. If you have lived in Germany for more than eight years, you may choose to apply for German citizenship instead.

The temporary residence permit is the most common type of residence permit issued to expats coming to live and work in Germany. There are many different types of permits; this page focuses on the eight most common ones and their requirements.

Which one you can apply for is determined by the purpose of your stay in Germany, and must match the information you provided on the application for your visa (if you submitted one). If you are unsure which best describes your situation check with your local citizens' office (Bürgeramt).

1. Permit to study in Germany

This type of residence permit, usually valid for two years, is issued to those who come to Germany to study. It allows you to work up to 120 days (or 240 half days per year).

It is usually possible to continue extending your residency until you have completed your course. After you have completed your studies, you also have the option to extend for an additional 18 months while you seek employment related to your qualification.

To apply, you will need to prove that you have either been accepted by a state-recognised higher educational institution, or have enrolled in a full-time language course or preparatory company traineeship. You will also need to prove that you have the financial means to support yourself for the duration of your studies (for instance, by opening a blocked account). 

A 9-month residence permit is also available for those applying for university in Germany. You are not permitted to take up employment if you hold this kind of residence permit.  

2. Permit for vocational training

Aimed at attracting skilled expats to work in Germany, this type of temporary permit enables you to take up vocational education or training. Usually, this requires the approval of the Federal Employment Agency (Bundesagentur für Arbeit, BA) unless the training has been pre-approved. If you will be working towards a vocational qualification, you are also authorised to work (in any role) up to 10 hours a week. 

If you successfully complete the training, you can also extend your residency by up to one year to find a job connected to the qualification.

3. Permit for the purpose of taking up employment

If you have secured a job in Germany, you can be issued with a residence permit valid for up to three years, depending on the planned duration of the employment. Applicants for work visas used to face some of the strictest requirements. However, responding to Germany's severe shortage of skilled workers, the Immigration for Skilled Workers Act came into force in March 2020, removing some of the stricter barriers.

Under this new law, skilled workers from non-EU countries are allowed to come to Germany, as long as they possess professional qualifications that are recognised in Germany, a professional practice permit (for those seeking employment in a regulated profession) and a concrete job offer. For anyone more than 45 years old who is coming to Germany for the first time for employment purposes, the gross annual salary for position they are intending to take must be at least 46.860 euros (in 2021). 

In principle, the approval of the BA must still be obtained as part of the visa procedure.   

Once the temporary residence permit has been granted, it can be regularly renewed for as long as your situation remains the same (i.e. you stay in the same job). To apply, you will need to provide an employment contract, a role description filled out by your employer and documentation of your professional qualifications.

4. Permit for qualified skilled workers seeking employment

As a skilled worker, you may be issued a six-month residence permit for the purpose of searching for employment in Germany befitting your qualifications. To be defined as a "skilled worker" you need to have graduated from a German higher education institute or foreign equivalent, or an accredited foreign university. You can check with the Central Office for Foreign Education Affairs to see if your foreign qualification is recognised in Germany.

Holders of this permit are not authorised to pursue an economic activity, meaning that if you find a job you will need to apply for a residence permit for employment (as above). The six-month expiry cannot be extended. If you do not find a job, you will have to leave Germany and remain abroad for at least as long as you stayed in Germany before applying for another visa.

To qualify, you will need proof of your academic qualifications and proof of finances to cover the duration of your stay in Germany (a blocked account is one way you can prove this).

5. EU Blue Card

As of May 2009, highly-skilled workers from outside the EU may be granted a residence permit known as the EU Blue Card. This is reserved for those coming to work in Germany who possess either a German or a foreign higher education qualification (or at least five years of professional work experience). Your occupation is classified as "highly skilled" if your earnings meet the minimum threshold. In 2021 this was 56.800 euros.

For those possessing skills in high demand (for instance, mathematics, IT, natural sciences, technology or medicine), the minimum earnings threshold is reduced to 44.304 euros. The Federal Employment Agency decides whether your profession is considered “in demand”.

The EU Blue Card is valid for a maximum of four years, or the length of your employment contract plus three months. After 33 months, holders of an EU Blue Card may also be issued a permanent settlement permit, provided you have held your employment position, have basic German language skills, and made contributions to the statutory pension scheme for that period. This is reduced to 21 months if you can prove knowledge of the German language (level B1).

If your spouse wishes to join you, as an EU Blue Card holder, they do not require German language certification in order to be granted a residence permit.

6. Permit for research

As an academic researcher, you can receive a temporary residence permit for the purpose of research, as long as you have a "host" agreement with a research institute. This is valid for the length of the research project, up to a maximum of three years. You are entitled to take up research and teaching activities at the research establishment, and to work as a teacher or a freelancer.

For your application, you will need an admission agreement or contract with the research establishment. You also need to demonstrate an adequate monthly income to cover your living expenses. How high your income needs to be depends on your individual circumstances. 

After your research activities have concluded, it is possible to extend your residency by up to nine months for the purpose of seeking employment connected to your qualification.

7. Permit for self-employment

A residence permit for self-employment, up to a maximum of three years, may be issued to entrepreneurs. In order to qualify, you need to establish that there is an economic interest or regional need for your planned business that it is expected to have a positive effect on the economy, and that you have the personal capital or an approved loan to realise your idea.

Usually, you will be expected to submit a business plan, financing plan and revenue forecast as part of your application. If you are above the age of 45, you also need to demonstrate adequate provision for old age, such as savings or a pension plan.  

If, after three years, your business venture is a success, you will have the option to apply for a permanent settlement permit, as long as your income ensures the subsistence of both yourself and any dependents.

8. Permit for family reunification

If you have family members who wish to join you in Germany, they will need to apply for a temporary residence permit for family reunification. The rules vary according to your nationality.

EU Citizens’ Family Members

If your family member has European citizenship, they can join you in Germany to live, work or study without restrictions.

If your family member does not have EU or EEA citizenship, they must apply for a national visa to enter Germany and then apply for a family reunification residence permit. According to EU law, your family has the right to residence, even if they are not EU nationals.

Non-EU Citizens’ Family Members

Dependents of nationals from outside the EU will be considered on a case-by-case basis, according to the following requirements:

• You must possess a residence permit in order for your spouse to join you.
• You need to demonstrate that sufficient living space is available and that your finances can provide for the entire family unit. This will be assessed by the German Mission and the Foreigners’ Office. If you are receiving welfare benefits, for instance, your application will likely be refused.
• Your spouse needs to be able to communicate in German at least on a basic level (exceptions are made for highly-qualified or self-employed workers, and for those who cannot reasonably be expected to learn German, due to physical/mental illness, disability or extreme personal circumstances).
• The residency may be extended as long as marital cohabitation continues.
• Children are entitled to join, provided they are under the age of 16 and unmarried. Otherwise, they need to apply for a different type of residence permit separately.
• If you are an EU Blue Card or permanent settlement permit holder, your spouse will not need to demonstrate German language skills in order to be eligible.
• Holders of a family reunification temporary residence permit are permitted to work without restriction.

The German residence permit application procedure

If you fulfil the requirements for a temporary residence permit, you may want to start the application procedure. It can take several weeks to process your application, so be sure to apply well in advance of the expiry date of your visa.

Visit our residence permit application procedure page to get all the information you need on the application process: where to apply for your residence permit, the forms and documents required, and how much the application costs.

Permanent residence and German citizenship

If you are considering staying in Germany indefinitely and meet the requirements, you might consider applying for a permanent residence permit or German citizenship.

Whether you have entered Germany on a national visa and now need to convert it into a residence permit, or you entered without a visa and are applying for residency for the first time, the application process for a residence permit can seem daunting. This page walks you through every step of the German residence permit application procedure.

Required steps before your residence permit application appointment

To gather all of the documents required for your residence permit application, there are several steps you will need to take in advance of submitting your application.

Register at your local citizens’ office

One of the documents you will be asked to provide as part of your residence permit application is your registration certificate (Anmeldebescheinigung). This document can easily be obtained by attending a registration appointment (Anmeldung) at your local citizens’ office (Bürgeramt).

Obtain German health insurance

For most residence permit applications, you will also have to provide proof that you are covered by German health insurance. Foreign insurance policies are not usually accepted so you may need to take out a new policy. 

Open a German bank account

Often you are required to prove your financial means, especially if you are applying for a family reunion visa. One of the best ways to demonstrate financial stability is to open a German bank account and transfer your money there. Your bank statements can then be used in your supporting documentation to prove you can provide for yourself and your family.  

Open a blocked bank account

If you entered without a visa and have no income in Germany (for instance, if you are here to study or look for a job), you need to prove that you have sufficient financial resources to cover your living expenses before you can get a residence permit. The most common way of proving this is opening a blocked account (Sperrkonto), a special type of bank account into which you deposit a lump sum of money that is then withdrawn at monthly intervals.

Submitting your residence permit application

Once you have gathered all the required documentation, you can submit your residence permit application at your local foreigners’ office (Ausländerbehörde). You can find your local office on the website for the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees. These centres are usually very busy and have limited availability. To avoid surpassing your three-month limit, it would be wise to book an appointment as soon as possible. Note that some centres do not offer appointments and run a drop-in service only.

German residence permit application forms

You can usually find a digital version of the application form for a German residence permit on the website of your local foreigners’ office. Alternatively, you can pick up a paper copy when you arrange your appointment. Usually, you have to fill out this form in advance and bring it along to your appointment.

Supporting documents for a German residence permit

You will be required to submit several documents for your temporary residence permit application. The foreigners’ office will be able to advise you on exactly what you need to bring to your appointment. This usually includes:

• Valid passport
• One current biometric photo
• Completed application form for a temporary residence permit
• Certificate of registration
• Proof of health insurance
• Proof of secure livelihood (e.g. bank statements)
• Proof of purpose in Germany. Depending on the type of residence permit you apply for, you may need to submit additional documentation such as an employment contract, certificate of enrolment or proof of a pension plan. Check with your foreigners’ office for the latest requirements.

At your appointment, the official will check through your documentation and, if everything is in order, submit your application for processing.

German residence permit application fees

The foreigners’ office will charge a fee to process a German residence permit application. The cost is usually somewhere between 50 and 110 euros (less for minors), depending on location and the complexity of your case. You can check the exact prices with your local office. Your fees will not be refunded if your application is rejected. Be aware that not all offices in Germany accept credit cards.

Residence permit application response time

Once your forms are submitted and your fee has been paid, the foreigners’ office will assess your application. Depending on the type of residence permit you have applied for, they may also have to contact the Federal Employment Agency. The process usually takes two to four weeks but it can be longer during busy periods. During this time, you will be covered by a certificate stating that you are applying for a residence permit.  

Collecting your residence permit

If approved, your residence permit is issued and you will be asked to come to the foreigners’ office to collect it. You must pick it up in person. You may also be sent a PIN code in the post which you will need to collect your permit.

Since September 2011, the paper residence titles have been superseded by an electronic "credit card" residence title. This electronic residence permit (eAT) is issued as a plastic credit card with a chip containing all your personal data, your passport photo, and fingerprints. Existing paper titles will retain their validity until August 31, 2021.

If you will be staying in Germany for longer than three months, you need to register your address (anmelden) at your local citizens’ office (Bürgeramt).

Meldepflicht (compulsory registration) requires everyone, whether German or international, to register at their home address. Registration authorities (Meldebehörde) register the persons residing in their area of jurisdiction in order to track population and places of residence.

Receiving your registration certificate (Anmeldebescheinigung) & tax ID

Your registration appointment (Anmeldung) is the most important step when relocating to Germany, as it provides you with your registration certificate (Anmeldebescheinigung). You will need this for all kinds of administrative tasks in the country, for instance applying for a residence permit, opening a bank account or finding a job.  

When you register, you will also automatically receive your tax ID (steuerliche Identifikationsnummer). This separate document is a unique number provided to you by the Federal Central Tax Office. Your employer will need it to work out what rate of income tax you should pay. It may also be required for taking out health insurance or starting a pension.

How to register in Germany

By law, you need to register within 14 days of moving into your new address in Germany. If you don’t yet have a fixed address, registering can be tricky, as one of the documents required to register is a confirmation of residence signed by your landlord. In some municipalities, it may be possible to have this filled out by the proprietor of your temporary accommodation, but usually you will be unable to register until you have a rental contract. If you are uncertain, check with your citizens' office.

Making an appointment to register

It’s best to make an appointment to register, either in person or by phone. Most citizens' offices in major municipalities also offer online registration appointment bookings, although these are usually only available in German. When selecting a service, look for “Meldeangelegenheiten” to find the option to register. If phoning, ask the office for an appointment for “registering an address” (Anmeldung einer Wohnung). The service is usually free, but some offices may charge nominal fees. Be aware that many places in Germany do not accept payments by credit card.

Note that appointments are limited and it is not always possible to get an appointment within the 2-week cut-off period. However, it usually suffices to have booked your appointment within 2 weeks of moving in, even if the appointment itself is later than that. If you urgently need your registration certificate or Tax ID, you can always go to the citizens' office for a drop-in appointment. Turn up as early as possible, take a number ticket, and be prepared for quite a long wait.

The registration appointment

The appointment itself lasts about 10-15 minutes, as the official checks your documents, fills in the paperwork and then gives you a stamped certificate of registration. Your Tax ID will arrive separately in the post within 2-3 weeks.

Staff cannot always be expected to speak English and so the registration appointment will usually be conducted in German. If possible, take a German speaker along with you. You can often print off and fill out the registration form (Anmeldeformular) in advance from your citizens' office's website to help you prepare. It is also possible for someone who speaks German to attend the appointment in your place. They will need a letter signed by you authorising them to act on your behalf. They will also have to take your completed registration form and corroborating documents along with them, as well as their own passport or identity card.  

Church tax (Kirchensteuer)

You will be asked at your registration appointment whether you belong to a religious denomination. If you identify as either Protestant (evangelisch) or Catholic (katholisch), you will be expected to pay a church tax of between eight and nine percent of your annual income tax. To avoid paying it, make sure you register yourself as "without religion" (ohne Religion).

Citizens’ offices (Bürgerämter) contact details

You can find your local citizens' office by selecting "Einwohnermeldeamt" and entering your postcode on the Deutsche Post website. There are usually multiple ones in each German city. You do not necessarily need to register at the office closest to you, so it might be worth going to one further away if they have an appointment available sooner.

Documents needed to register

Your citizens' office's website will list exactly which documents you need to bring with you to the appointment. The required documents are usually:

• Valid passport or ID card (not a driving licence).
• Visa (if applicable).
• Proof of residence certificate (Wohnungsgeberbestätigung - see below).
• Completed registration form (if someone is attending on your behalf; otherwise the registration form will be filled out by the official at your appointment).
• Marriage certificate (if applicable).

Note: if you are registering multiple people at the same time (i.e. your partner or children), make sure to bring all of their documents as well. It is acceptable to have one proof of residence certificate for more than one person.

Proof of residence certificate (Wohnungsgeberbestätigung)

Once you start renting a room or apartment, it is important to ask your landlord for a proof of residence certificate (Wohnungsgeberbestätigung). A rental contract will not suffice.

As of November 2015, the federal government has made it compulsory for landlords to cooperate with registration by providing proof of residence. As so much bureaucracy in Germany depends on having a certificate of registration, it would be inadvisable to rent a place from a landlord who refuses to provide a residence confirmation.

Penalties for not registering

Registering is compulsory for all citizens by law. Remaining unregistered, giving incorrect details or registering late are not permitted. If you do not register correctly, you could be fined up to 1.000 euros.

Registering for a short stay

If your stay in Germany will be less than three months but you are working or studying, you will need a registration certificate and / or a tax ID, which means you will still need to register at your local citizens' office. 

Changing address

If you change your address in Germany you will need to go through the same process again to register at your new address within 2 weeks. You do not need to de-register from your old address.  

De-registering

If you are leaving Germany permanently, you also need to de-register at the citizens' office within two weeks of moving out. You are not allowed to de-register more than one week before you move away.

Getting a registration certificate (variously called an Anmeldebescheinigung, Meldebescheinigung or Anmeldebestätigung in German) is the first and most important step that expats in Germany have to take.

What is the registration certificate?

A registration certificate is a proof of address, given to everyone who lives in Germany, whether expat or German citizen.

The registration certificate will be required for all kinds of processes in Germany, especially ones that involve any kind of a contract, such as:

• Applying for a residence permit
• Enrolling at a university
• Opening a bank account
• Taking out health insurance
• Getting a mobile phone

Note that the registration certificate does not automatically grant expats the right to live and work in Germany. You may also need to apply for a residence permit.

How do I get a registration certificate?

You will receive your registration certificate when you register at your local citizens’ office (Bürgeramt). Anyone who will be staying in Germany for longer than three months is legally obliged to register at their address within 14 days of moving in. If you will be staying less than three months, you will still need to register if you want to take out any kind of contract.

When registering your address, you will need to provide a valid proof of identity like a passport or an ID card (not a driving licence) and a proof of residence certificate (Wohnungsgeberbestätigung) from your landlord. Non-EU citizens will also have to provide a visa unless your country is exempt from visa requirements.

If all of your documents are in order, you will be provided with a registration certificate straight away. Your tax ID, a different document which you need to start a job or take out a pension, will be posted to you separately.

Since 2015, anyone renting in Germany who wishes to register their address needs an extra piece of paperwork: the Proof of Residence Certificate (Wohnunggeberbestätigung).

What is a proof of residence certificate (Wohnungsgeberbestätigung)?

The proof of residence certificate (Wohnungsgeberbestätigung or Wohnungsgeberbescheinigung) is a form, filled out and signed by your landlord, confirming that you have moved into a new place of residence. By law, anyone wishing to get registered at the local citizens’ office (Bürgeramt) needs one.

The law was brought in in November 2015 to combat so-called “Scheinanmeldungen” (sham registrations), where people register at addresses despite not actually living there. This might be to get into the catchment area for a good school or to save money on car insurance by registering at an address in a lower risk area.

How do I get a proof of residence certificate?

Legally, your landlord is obligated to provide you with a proof of residence certificate. Failure to do so could result in them being fined up to 1.000 euros.

Visa sponsorship for a job in Germany. What you need to know when it comes to recruiting and relocation