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Residence & Migration

Apply for a settlement permit

Permanent residence permit for third-country nationals following several years of lawful residence and a secure livelihood.

Processing: approx. 3 months
Success rate: 75.0 %

How to proceed

  1. 1

    Check the requirements

    Length of stay, language proficiency (B1), proof of sufficient financial means, pension contributions (usually 60 months).

  2. 2

    Appointment at the Immigration Office

    Submit the application in person, along with all supporting documents.

  3. 3

    Decision and Delivery

    If the decision is favorable, a permanent title will be issued.

Required documents

  • PassportMandatory
  • Language Certificate B1MandatoryOften forgotten
  • 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. 3 months

Official: max. approx. 3 months

Online application

In person or by post

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

You can usually file an objection against a rejection.

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

The limit varies by household and region – see the table at the responsible authority or in the application assistant.

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

Naturalization

Acquisition of German citizenship

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.

Read more