Apply for EU permanent residence (Section 9a of the Residence Act)
EU right of permanent residence under Section 9a of the Residence Act (Art. 18 of Directive 2003/109/EC) – permanent status for third-country nationals after five years of lawful residence in an EU Member State.
How to proceed
- 1
Check the requirements
5 years of residence, secure means of support, at least 60 months of pension insurance, B1-level German.
- 2
Schedule an appointment with the Immigration Office
Book early, as wait times can be long.
- 3
Submit the application along with all supporting documents
Fee: approx. €135.
Required documents
- PassportMandatory
- Proof of incomeMandatory
- German Language Certificate B1Mandatory
- Pension Insurance HistoryMandatoryOften forgotten
Responsible authority
The authority of your main place of residence is responsible.Find authority →
Fees
Varies by case
Processing time
approx. 1 months
Official: max. approx. 1 months
Online application
In person or by post
Common mistakes
- • Pension insurance certificate not requested
- • German language proficiency certificate has expired
Common reasons for rejection
- • Livelihood not secured
- • Pension insurance contributions are insufficient
- • Language proficiency at the B1 level has not been demonstrated
You can usually file an objection against a rejection.
The essentials before applying
Who is eligible?
Third-country nationals who have been living legally in Germany for at least 5 years and who meet the income, language, and integration requirements.
Income limit
The limit varies by household and region – see the table at the responsible authority or in the application assistant.
Processing time
Nationwide: approx. approx. 1 months
Success rate
approx. 72.0 % (estimate)
Most common mistakes
- •Pension insurance certificate not requested
- •German language proficiency certificate has expired
Common reasons for rejection
- •Livelihood not secured
- •Pension insurance contributions are insufficient
- •Language proficiency at the B1 level has not been demonstrated
Alternatives
- Check related services in the application assistant
- Use social counselling before applying
If rejected
File a written objection within 30 days – with reasons why the decision is wrong and any missing evidence.
Related services
Questions & Answers
Is it possible to obtain a permanent residence permit after less than 5 years?▼
Yes, for example, for highly qualified individuals under Section 18c of the Residence Act.