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Residence & Migration

Apply for a settlement permit

Permanent residence permit (Section 9 of the Residence Act) after at least 5 years of lawful residence in Germany.

Processing: approx. 2 months
Success rate: 80.0 %

How to proceed

  1. 1

    Check the requirements

    A 5-year residence permit, proof of sufficient financial means, 60 months of social security contributions, B1-level German language proficiency, and no criminal record.

  2. 2

    Submit an application to the Office of Immigration and Naturalization

    Along with proof of income, proof of pension insurance, and a language certificate.

  3. 3

    Obtained a settlement permit

    Permanent residence permit with no requirement for further renewal.

Required documents

  • Language certificate (minimum B1)MandatoryOften forgotten

    Proof of sufficient German language proficiency.

Responsible authority

The authority of your main place of residence is responsible.Find authority →

Fees

Varies by case

Processing time

approx. 2 months

Official: max. approx. 3 months

Online application

In person or by post

Common mistakes

  • • Did not take pension insurance periods into account (at least 60 months)
  • • Application submitted too late (previous permit has expired)

Common reasons for rejection

  • • Unable to support oneself
  • • Pension insurance contributions are insufficient
  • • German language skills below B1

You can usually file an objection against a rejection.

The essentials before applying

Who is eligible?

Third-country nationals who have held a residence permit for at least 5 years and who meet the 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. 2 months

Success rate

approx. 80.0 % (estimate)

Most common mistakes

  • •Did not take pension insurance periods into account (at least 60 months)
  • •Application submitted too late (previous permit has expired)

Common reasons for rejection

  • •Unable to support oneself
  • •Pension insurance contributions are insufficient
  • •German language skills below B1

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.

Read more