How to obtain permanent residency in Germany and its most important requirements
Many people are looking for how to obtain permanent residency in Germany, especially since it is one of the best distinguished countries that provides comfort and safety to its citizens, in addition to excellent job opportunities.
In order to obtain permanent residency, you must meet all the required conditions, in order to immigrate to Germany first and then look for residency.
Through Europedia 24, we will present to you how to obtain residency in Germany, as well as its most important requirements and the required documents.
What is permanent residency in Germany?
Permanent residency in Germany is a residence permit granted to citizens within the country for an unlimited period, unlike all other permits.
Its holder is not required to renew it regularly with the German immigration authorities, and it also provides the possibility of working in Germany without any restrictions whatsoever.
The advantages are not limited only to the possibility of working within the country, but permanent residency also provides many other benefits, including comprehensive health insurance and participation in trade unions and society in general, so that you become like a German citizen.
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Advantages of obtaining permanent residency in Germany
Permanent residency in Germany provides its holder with many advantages, as it grants them a good and secure life in Germany. These advantages are as follows:
- The ability to choose jobs very easily or start your own business.
- No need to renew your permit.
- Obtaining social security benefits.
- The possibility of applying for financial assistance from the government.
- The possibility of obtaining a bank loan.
- Applying for German citizenship after staying in Germany permanently for a period of no less than 3 years.
- The possibility of receiving childcare benefits.
- Moving within and outside the European Union with great ease.
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Requirements for obtaining a permanent residence permit in Germany
In order to apply for a permanent residence permit in Germany, you must meet the required conditions, because this enhances the chances of approval of the submitted application. The most important of these conditions are as follows:
- You must hold a residence permit for at least 5 years.
- You must be able to support yourself financially, meaning not receiving any money from the Jobcenter or the social welfare office.
- You must be proficient in speaking German, at least reaching level B1.
- All pension insurance contributions must have been paid for at least 60 months.
- Determining the place of residence for yourself and your family in Germany.
- Having a work permit in Germany.
- It is necessary to successfully complete the orientation course.
- Submitting a criminal record, provided that it is free of any crimes whatsoever.
Also read – How to get job opportunities in Germany without language requirements
Categories eligible to obtain permanent residency in Germany
Of course, there are many people and categories who are eligible to obtain a permanent residence permit in Germany, but it should be noted that each category has specific conditions and circumstances under which approval for granting the permit is given.
Skilled workers and researchers
Skilled workers and researchers are those people who have a job that requires vocational training or obtaining a specific academic degree.
These people can obtain a permanent residence permit after 4 years of continuous residence in Germany, provided that some other conditions are met, as follows:
- Paying pension insurance for 48 months.
- It is necessary to have a specific job.
- Speaking German at least at the B1 level.
- Proof of residence in Germany.
- Having a work permit.
- Submitting a criminal record, provided that it is free of any crimes whatsoever.
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University graduates or vocational training graduates in Germany
In the case where the person applying for permanent residency in Germany has completed vocational training or obtained a university degree, the required conditions are much easier than other categories.
These individuals can obtain permanent residency after only two years of receiving a residence permit as a specialist or researcher.
In this case, they can apply immediately while fulfilling the other previously mentioned conditions.
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Self-employed individuals
Self-employed individuals who run a successful business in Germany can obtain permanent residency after only three years of continuous residence in the country.
This category must not receive any financial support at all from the Job Center or social welfare office, in addition to having health insurance and appropriate retirement plans, as well as not committing any crime whatsoever.
Government employees
Government employees can obtain permanent residency in Germany after only three years of residence in the country, and they are not required to show any pension insurance contributions.
As for the remaining conditions, they do not differ from the requirements of the previous categories, which must be complied with in order to obtain the residence permit easily.
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EU Blue Card holders
People holding the EU Blue Card can obtain a permanent residence permit after approximately 33 months of using the Blue Card.
This category must pay all pension insurance contributions for at least 33 months, in addition to having a suitable job and speaking German at least at A1 level.
If the person is proficient in German at B1 level, they can obtain the residence permit after only 21 months.
Family members of a German citizen
Of course, family members of a German citizen can obtain a residence permit easily, with fewer conditions than other categories.
They can apply for the permit after approximately three years of residence, in addition to the requirement of speaking German at B1 level.
The most important requirement for this category is to prove your residence with a person who already holds German citizenship, while fulfilling some of the other requirements of the remaining categories.
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Spouses of foreigners holding a residence permit
A person married to someone who holds a residence permit can obtain permanent residency in Germany, provided that they live in Germany without receiving any assistance from the Job Center or social welfare office.
As for the requirement of German language proficiency, they must at least master level A1, along with submitting all supporting documents, in addition to complying with all other conditions.
Children of foreigners
Children of foreign nationals can obtain a permanent residence permit in Germany if they have already held a residence permit for at least five years.
They can also apply for the permit upon reaching the age of sixteen, which is the legal age in the country.
The most important requirements for children of foreigners to obtain permanent residency are as follows:
- The child must speak German at least at B1 level.
- The child must be able to support themselves financially without receiving any assistance from German authorities.
- Individuals who are studying or undergoing vocational training are not required to prove their ability to support themselves.
- The child must not commit any criminal act at all within the country.
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Permanent residency conditions in Germany for refugees
Permanent residency in Germany helps all refugees obtain safety within the country and live their lives normally.
However, there are different cases related to refugees, and the conditions naturally differ for each case, as follows:
Permanent residency for recognized refugees or those entitled to asylum
- They must stay in Germany for a period ranging from 3 to 5 years at least.
- They must obtain a certificate proving German language proficiency at level A2.
- Reduced benefits received from the state.
- Providing a fixed place of residence in Germany.
- Comprehensive health insurance.
Permanent residency for refugees with subsidiary protection
- Having a valid residence permit for at least 5 years.
- Not receiving any state benefits.
- German language proficiency at least at A2 level.
- Payment of all pension insurance contributions for a minimum of 60 months.
- Having comprehensive health insurance.
- Not committing any criminal offenses.
Permanent residency for refugees who have held a residence permit for 5 years
- Obtaining a German language certificate at C1 level.
- Having a suitable job.
- Health insurance.
- A place of residence within Germany.
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Documents required to obtain permanent residency in Germany
In order to apply for a permanent residence permit in Germany, you must provide a set of required documents to speed up approval. These documents are as follows:
- A valid passport photo.
- A copy of the employment contract.
- Submitting the latest tax assessment along with the last six salary statements.
- Comprehensive health insurance.
- A copy of the lease contract for your place of residence.
- A copy of your German language certificate.
- Your pension information and retirement plan.
- Submitting the required documents in case you receive child benefits or parental benefits.
- Registration with the police is required.
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How to apply for permanent residency in Germany
After learning about the required conditions and the specific categories eligible for permanent residency in Germany, you now need to know how to apply for the permit.
Here the application must be submitted in writing to the German immigration authorities, and it is also possible to find the application form on the official website of the immigration authority.
You must send this form along with the previously mentioned documents to the relevant authority, and then wait for a response regarding acceptance or rejection of the application.
If approved, you must know that you are required to pay the necessary fees related to obtaining the permanent residence permit, as the immigration office will send you a written notification of approval.
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Cases of loss or revocation of a permanent residence permit in Germany
Of course, any person in Germany can have their permanent residence permit revoked or lost permanently in the following cases:
- In case this person does not stay in Germany for more than 6 months.
- In case of permanently leaving Germany and living in another country.
- In case the person obtains a permanent residence permit based on false or incorrect information.
- In case the person poses a threat to public safety or order and must be deported immediately from Germany.
Processing time for a permanent residency application in Germany
Processing a permanent residency application in Germany takes about 3 months, and sometimes it may take longer.
There are many factors that affect the processing time of the submitted application, as follows:
- The type of residence permit the person holds plays an important role in the duration, as it may take longer if the person holds a temporary residence permit.
- The number of documents submitted with the application and their accuracy affect the processing time.
- If the local immigration office is busy and crowded, it may take longer.
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Frequently asked questions about permanent residency in Germany
Does a permanent residence permit allow its holder to live and work in another EU country?
A residence permit in Germany does not grant its holder the right to live in another country, but there is what is known as an EU permanent residence permit, which facilitates moving and living in another country.
Are refugees entitled to obtain permanent residency in Germany?
Of course, refugees are entitled to obtain permanent residency in Germany, provided that all requirements imposed based on the refugee’s situation are met.
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