Germany

The German Permanent Resident Permit is also known as Settlement Permit or Niederlassungserlaubnis in German. This permit is only issued to you after you have lived or worked in the country for a significant period of time. With a permanent residence permit, one can work inside the country and travel wherever they want at any point of time.

How long does it take to become a permanent resident?

The time period to get a Settlement permit completely depends on the type of your current residential status. You can get the permit –

• If you are a skilled worker, then after 4 years.
• If you are a researcher, then after 4 years.
• If you are a skilled worker and hold a degree from a German educational institution, then after 2 years.
• If you are an EU blue card holder, then after 33 months
• If you are self-employed, then after 3 years.
• If you are a freelancer, then after 5 years.
• If you are the family member of a German national, then after 3 years.
• If you are seeking refuge in Germany, then after 5 years. But if you learn the language, it might take 3 years.

What are the requirements to get a German PR Permit?

There are many requirements that a candidate has to fulfill to get a German PR Permit –

• Own a valid passport from your home country.
• The candidate should not have a criminal record.
• Proficiency in German of at least B1 level.
• You must have appropriate funds to fulfill your and your family’s needs.
• You must have living accommodation for you and your family.
• To work in Germany, you must have a substantial job offer and a letter from your employer.
• If you want to study in Germany, you will need admission proof in the German university.
• If you want to live with your spouse or legal partner, a marriage certificate or proof is required.
• You must clear the ‘Life in Germany’ test to prove your knowledge about the German culture and lifestyle.

What are the benefits of the German Permanent Residence?

When you get the Settlement Permit, you get entitled to various benefits from the Government of Canada, such as – 

• You don’t have to apply for the renewal of your permit every few years.
• You will be able to change your job/profession, even if it is not related to your educational background.
• You will enjoy social security benefits from the Government of Germany.
• You can get financial support if you want to go for further education in the country.
• One can get a bank loan if one wants to invest in the real estate of the country.
• One can apply for Citizenship in Germany after they live in the country uninterruptedly for 8 years in total.

How to apply for the German Permanent Resident Permit?

You should apply for the Permanent Residence Permit before the earlier one gets expired. 

• Before actually going for the process, you must register your address in Germany, when you are applying from Germany within the initial 90 days.
• Before filling the application, you should also arrange for health insurance in Germany. And to prove financial stability, you should open a German bank account and transfer the minimum required funds there.
• You should visit the regional Ausländerbehörde (German Immigration Office) to make an appointment.
• Take a form and fill it out with all the details required with the documents.
• Go to the Ausländerbehörde for your appointment with the documents and previously filled application form. You would have to appear for an interview as well to be eligible for the permit. If you are the spouse of a citizen or resident, the other half must also attend the interview with you.
• Pay the application fee.

What is the Processing time for the German Permanent Residency?

After the submission of the application form and the documents, it generally takes two to three weeks for getting back to you with their decision.

What all documents are required to apply for the German Settlement Permit?

• You need to present the accompanying reports to apply for the Permit: 
• Your identification proof. 
• The finished and marked application structure. 
• A new ID picture. 35mm x 45mm and white background. 
• Verification of German medical coverage. 
• Assuming that you are enlisted under legal health care coverage, present an affirmation record from your supplier. 
• In the event that you have private health care coverage, present the protection strategy and evidence you have paid your commitments. 
• Evidence of federal retirement aide commitments. 
• Evidence of pay and monetary strength: 
• Bank statements in the event that you are experienced
• Assessment forms in the event that you are a freelancer or self-employed. 
• Evidence of knowledge of the German language. You really want a perceived endorsement appearing essentially B1 level. 
• In the event that you are skilled: Work contract, alongside: 
• Compensation explanations from the most recent six months. 
• Authentication of work, given by your manager inside the most recent 14 days. 
• Declaration by the German benefits protection foundation. 
• Assuming you are a freelancer or independently employed: Your total review report and most recent duty evaluation. The review must be finished by an expert, like an assessment specialist, charge specialist, or inspector. 
• The notification of benefits qualification (assuming that you are a retired person). 
• Confirmation of having your fundamental home in Germany. This incorporates: 
• The Certificate of Registration of Address (Meldebestätigung). 
• A rent or tenant contract from your property manager. 
• Confirmation of having a German college degree or professional authentication (if relevant). 
• Marriage Certificate (assuming you are hitched to a German resident). 
• Your expert permit (assuming you are viewed as an exceptionally gifted specialist).

How much does it cost to get the Permanent Resident Permit of Germany?

The cost depends on the type of permit that you have applied for –

• €113 if you are a skilled worker.
• €124 if you are a freelancer or self-employed worker.
• €147 if you are a highly skilled professional.
• €28.80 if you are a citizen of Turkey.

Would I be able to work in the EU countries with the German PR Permit?

No. A candidate has to apply separately in order to receive PR status from any country.

Can International students of Germany apply for the Germany PR Visa?

No. With a student visa, one cannot apply for a PR permit and your stay doesn’t get counted as ‘residency time’ for permanent residence.

If I leave Germany, would I lose my PR status?

If you go away from Germany for 6 months or more, you may lose your PR status. Otherwise short holiday trips and vacations are pretty good to go.

After how many years of PR would I be able to apply for Citizenship?

After living in the country continuously for 8 years, a resident becomes eligible to apply for citizenship in Germany. 

How can my Permanent Residence Permit of Germany get revoked?

Under the following circumstances, your PR permit can get revoked – 

• False information or documents used for the application.
• If you get considered as a threat to public security and policies.
• If you go outside the country for more than 6 months.
• If you get Permanent residency in any other EU country.

Where can I travel with the German PR Permit?

When you get the German PR Permit, you can get travel to the following countries without applying for a separate visa – 

• Albania
• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Bulgaria
• Croatia
• Cyprus
• Georgia
• Kosovo
• Mexico
• Montenegro
• North Macedonia
• Romania
• Turkey (as long as you get an eVisa)