The settlement permit is a permanent residence permit and entitles the holder to engage in gainful employment (both salaried and self-employed work). If you were initially granted a temporary residence permit, you may generally be eligible for a permanent settlement permit after certain periods have elapsed. The settlement permit is a residence permit that legally secures your right to stay.

Note: Holders of a (temporary) residence permit for the purpose of studying or (vocational) training are not eligible to receive a settlement permit.
Permanent residence permits and residence authorizations still issued under the Aliens Act continue to be valid as permanent residence permits in accordance with the purpose of residence and the circumstances on which their issuance was based.

The requirements for a settlement permit are:

• Your identity has been verified and you comply with the passport requirement
• Your livelihood is secured without relying on public funds
• There are no grounds for your deportation
• You have no criminal record
• Your presence does not endanger or harm the interests of the Federal Republic of Germany
• You have held a residence permit for five years
• You have paid contributions to the statutory pension insurance or to another pension plan offering comparable benefits for five years
• You are permitted to engage in gainful employment and possess all necessary permits to do so
• You have sufficient knowledge of German as well as a basic understanding of the German legal and social systems
• You have sufficient living space for yourself and your family

Please also refer to additional information on the topic of “settlement permits” in the following sections:

• Introduction of the Electronic Residence Permit (eAT)
• Settlement Permit for Highly Qualified Individuals

As of September 1, 2011, you will receive your residence permit in the form of a card with additional electronic functions. For more information, see "Introduction of the Electronic Residence Permit (eAT)."

Processing may take several weeks.

• Proof of Compliance with Passport and Visa Requirements
• Proof of sufficient financial means
• Proof that there are no grounds for your deportation
• Proof that you do not endanger or harm the interests of the Federal Republic of Germany
• Proof that you have no criminal record
• Proof that you have held a residence permit for the past five years
• Proof of paid pension insurance contributions or payments to a comparable pension plan
• Proof that you are permitted to engage in gainful employment and possess the necessary permits
• Proof of sufficient knowledge of German as well as a basic understanding of the German legal and social system
• Proof of adequate living space for yourself and your family

Fees

• 113 euros
• Settlement permit for self-employed persons: €124
• Settlement permit for highly qualified persons: €147

Notes:

• For minors, we charge half the fees, which is usually 55 euros.
• Under certain circumstances, we do not charge any fees.