Apply for a settlement permit
Permanent residence permit for third-country nationals following several years of lawful residence and a secure livelihood.
Wo wohnen Sie?
Damit wir Apply for a settlement permit mit dem zuständigen Ausländerbehörde in Ihrer Stadt anzeigen können.
Oder Großstadt wählen:
Sie werden zur geführten Suche weitergeleitet – mit Kontaktdaten, Termin und nächsten Schritten für Apply for a settlement permit.
Quick answer
- 1
Documents you need
Passport · Language Certificate B1 · Pension Insurance History
- 2
Responsible authority
The authority of your main residence
- 3
How to do it
In person or by post at the office
- 4
Costs
100–110 € Aufenthaltstitel, sonst kostenlos
How to proceed
- 1
Check the requirements
Length of stay, language proficiency (B1), proof of sufficient financial means, pension contributions (usually 60 months).
- 2
Appointment at the Immigration Office
Submit the application in person, along with all supporting documents.
- 3
Decision and Delivery
If the decision is favorable, a permanent title will be issued.
Responsible authority
The authority of your main place of residence is responsible.Find authority →
The essentials before applying
Who is eligible?
Individuals who generally have a residence permit valid for at least 5 years, a secure source of income, sufficient language skills (generally B1 level), and have made pension contributions.
Income limit
Processing time
Nationwide: approx. approx. 3 months
Success rate
approx. 75.0 % (estimate)
Most common mistakes
- •Pension insurance history not submitted in full
- •Language certificate is missing
Common reasons for rejection
- •Length of stay is not yet sufficient
- •Livelihood not permanently secured
- •Language proficiency level B1 not 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
How long do you have to have lived in Germany?▼
Generally 5 years with a residence permit; for holders of an EU Blue Card, sometimes as early as 21–33 months.
Freshness & source
- Maintenance
- Continuously reviewed & updated
- Source
- Bundesamt für Migration und Flüchtlinge
- Data quality
- 100 %