Settlement Permit
All information on permanent residence in Germany
Permanent Residence with VISAGUARD
The permanent residence permit, also known as a settlement permit, allows foreign nationals to live and work permanently in Germany . But what exactly is a settlement permit, what advantages does it offer and how does it differ from other permanent residence permits? On this page you will find detailed and practical information on the subject of settlement permits in Germany, so that you can avoid the biggest pitfalls when applying for an unlimited residence permit in Germany.
Permanent residence in Germany
If you have lived in Germany for a number of years and have paid taxes and social security contributions here, you can apply for a settlement permit. The settlement permit allows you to stay in Germany permanently and is the last step on the way to naturalization . In Germany, around 2.7 million foreigners have a permanent residence permit.
As a rule, applying for a settlement permit has comparatively high requirements. 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 again by the reforms to the EU Blue Card in 2023.
What is a permanent residence permit?
The permanent residence permit is a German residence permit that allows you to stay in Germany indefinitely and to enter Germany again and again. The permanent residence permit is usually issued without any additional conditions, so that you can also carry out any activity you want . 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 permits are there?
There are many different types of permanent residence permit. The most common type of permanent residence permit in practice is the settlement permit. In the context of economic migration, a distinction is made between the following important permanent residence permits:
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§ 18c Paragraph 2 of the Residence Act: Settlement permit for holders of an EU Blue Card
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§ 18c Paragraph 1 of the Residence Act: Settlement permit for other skilled workers (e.g. IT specialists)
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§ 9a AufenthG: Permit for permanent residence - EU (European settlement permit)
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§ 21 Paragraph 4 Sentence 2 Residence Act: Settlement permit for self-employed persons
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§ 28 para. 2 AufenthG: Settlement permit for spouses of Germans
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§ 9 para. 3a AufenthG: Settlement permit for spouses of skilled workers with a settlement permit
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§ 9 AufenthG: Standard case of settlement permit
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Special cases and other settlement permits (e.g. humanitarian settlement permits)
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What are the advantages of a settlement permit?
Compared to a residence permit, a permanent settlement permit has numerous advantages:
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Permanent residence: Permanent residence allows you to stay in Germany without having to renew your residence permit again and again. This saves you bureaucracy and creates security of existence.
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Independence from the 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 expiration of the residence permit: Compared to other residence permits, the settlement permit can only be revoked very difficultly.
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Simplified family reunification: Holders of a settlement permit can bring their family members to Germany under simplified conditions (family reunification visa).
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Simplified naturalization: The settlement permit is the last step on the way to naturalization. After receiving the settlement permit, you can apply for naturalization and the 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. With the settlement permit, any gainful activity can therefore be carried out.
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Practical advantages: The settlement permit is much more widely recognized in legal transactions than temporary residence permits. For example, you can more easily take out loans and buy houses with the 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) not be deported or expelled.
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German citizenship for children: Under certain conditions, children of foreigners acquire German citizenship if one parent held a settlement permit at the time of birth in Germany (Section 4 StAG).
The settlement permit has numerous other advantages compared to the temporary residence permits. However, these are usually case-specific and differ depending on the legal area. If in doubt, an immigration lawyer can advise you on this .
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FAQ settlement permit
What is the difference between a settlement permit and a residence permit?
The settlement permit and the residence permit are both German residence permits. In contrast to the residence permit, however, the settlement permit entitles the holder to stay indefinitely and has numerous other advantages. The settlement permit should not be confused with the European freedom of establishment.
What is the difference between a permanent 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.
What is the difference between a settlement permit and a permanent EU residence permit?
Both the settlement permit and the EU long-term residence permit are permanent residence permits. In direct comparison, however, the EU long-term residence permit has significantly greater advantages. The EU long-term residence permit should not be confused with the European freedom of movement rights.
What is the difference between a settlement 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 upon naturalization.
Important documents for the settlement permit in Germany
Important online services for settlement permits in Germany
Important information about the settlement permit in Germany
Summary of this Page
On this page (overview of settlement permits in Germany) you have received important information on the subject of settlement permits, unlimited residence and permanent immigration to Germany. The page explains what a settlement permit is and what specific advantages it brings for foreigners in Germany. The page also lists our VISAGUARD guides on the subject of permanent residence and settlement in Germany and provides important documents, links and information on the subject of settlement permits.
