Issuing a settlement permit

The settlement permit is an unlimited residence title and entitles you to pursue gainful employment (employment and self-employment). If you were initially granted a temporary residence permit, you can usually be granted a permanent settlement permit after certain periods have expired. The settlement permit is a residence title which means that your residence is legally permanent.

Note: Holders of a (temporary) residence permit for the purpose of studying or (vocational) training cannot obtain a settlement permit.
Permanent residence permits and residence authorizations issued under the Aliens Act continue to be valid as settlement permits in accordance with the purpose of residence and the circumstances on which they were issued.

The requirements for the settlement permit are

• Your identity has been clarified and you fulfill the passport requirement
• Your livelihood is secured without you drawing on public funds
• There are no grounds for deportation against you
• You have no criminal record
• Your stay does not jeopardize or impair the interests of the Federal Republic of Germany
• You have had a residence permit for five years
• You have paid contributions to the statutory pension insurance scheme or another pension scheme with comparable benefits for five years
• You are allowed to work and have all the necessary permits to do so
• You have sufficient knowledge of German and basic knowledge of the German legal and social system
• You have sufficient living space for yourself and your family

Please also refer to the following services for further information on the subject of "settlement permits":

• Introduction of the electronic residence permit (eAT)
• Settlement permit for highly qualified persons