Permanent Residency
All necessary information about permanent residence in Germany
... what is a permanent residence permit (settlement permit)?
... what advantages the permanent residence permit has
... the difference between the settlement permit and other permanent residence permits
... where you can obtain further information on the permanent residence permit (VISAGUARD guides)
HERE YOU LEARN ...
Permanent residency in Germany
If you have lived in Germany for several years and have paid taxes and social security contributions here, you can apply for a settlement permit. The settlement permit enables permanent residence in Germany and is the last step on the way to naturalization. Around 2.7 million foreigners in Germany have a permanent residence permit.
As a rule, the requirements for applying for a settlement permit are comparatively high. However, skilled workers and other well-trained and experienced workers have the opportunity to apply for a permanent residence permit in Germany under simplified conditions. The corresponding options were even simplified further by the EU Blue Card reforms in 2023.
What is a permanent residence permit (settlement permit)?
The permanent residence permit is a German residence title that allows you to stay in Germany indefinitely and enter Germany again and again. As a rule, the permanent residence permit is issued without any ancillary provisions, which means that you can work in any occupation. There are numerous ways to obtain a settlement permit. Each of these options has different requirements. The requirements depend on the type of settlement permit.
What types of permanent residence permit are there?
There are many different types of permanent residence permit. In practice, the most common type of permanent residence permit is the settlement permit. In the context of gainful migration, a distinction is made between the following permanent residence permits:
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Settlement permit for holders of an EU Blue Card
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Settlement permit for other skilled workers (e.g. IT specialists)
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Permanent residence permit - EU (European settlement permit)
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Settlement permit for self-employed persons and freelancers
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Settlement permit for spouses of Germans
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Other settlement permits
Which advantages has the permanent residency?
Compared to the residence permit, the settlement permit has numerous advantages:
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Permanent residence: Permanent residence makes it possible to stay in Germany without having to keep renewing the residence permit. This saves bureaucracy and creates security of existence.
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Independence from an employment contract: Most residence permits require an employment contract. This often does not apply if the foreigner already has a settlement permit.
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No expiry of the residence permit: Compared to other residence permits, the settlement permit is very difficult to revoke.
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Simplified family reunification: Holders of a settlement permit can bring their family members to join them under simplified conditions (family reunification visa).
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Simplified naturalization: The settlement permit is the last step on the path to naturalization. After receiving the settlement permit, you can apply for naturalization and a German passport.
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Changing jobs, freelancing and starting a business: Unlike other residence permits, the settlement permit is not tied to a specific position. The settlement permit can therefore be used for any gainful employment.
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Practical advantages: The settlement permit is much better recognized in legal transactions than temporary residence permits. For example, you can take out loans and buy houses more easily with a settlement permit.
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Long stays abroad possible: Under certain conditions, you can stay abroad for a very long time with a settlement permit. This applies in particular to the European settlement permit. Other residence permits, however, expire after 6 or 12 months.
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Protection against deportation: Foreigners with a settlement permit can (almost) never be deported or expelled.
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German citizenship for children: Under certain conditions, children of foreigners acquire German citizenship if one parent had a settlement permit at birth in Germany (§ 4 StAG).
The settlement permit has numerous other advantages compared to temporary residence permits. However, these are usually case-specific and vary depending on the area of law. If in doubt, a lawyer specializing in immigration law can advise you on this.
FAQ (unlimited residency)
1. What is the difference between a settlement permit and a residence permit?
The settlement permit and the residence permit are both German residence titles. In contrast to the residence permit, however, the settlement permit entitles the holder to permanent residence and has numerous other advantages. The settlement permit should not be confused with the European freedom of establishment.
2. What is the difference between an unlimited residence permit and a settlement permit?
The settlement permit is a form of permanent residence. Another permanent residence permit is, for example, the EU permanent residence permit.
3. What is the difference between a settlement permit and an EU permanent residence permit?
Both the settlement permit and the EU permanent residence permit are permanent residence permits. In direct comparison, however, the EU permanent residence permit has significantly greater advantages. The EU permanent residence permit should not be confused with European freedom of movement rights.
4. What is the difference between a permanent residence permit and naturalization?
Both the settlement permit and naturalization allow unlimited residence in Germany. In contrast to the settlement permit, however, the foreigner acquires German citizenship and a German passport in the case of naturalization.
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