The settlement permit (Niederlassungserlaubnis) is a residence title (Aufenthaltstitel) with no expiry date. It allows you to live in Germany permanently. You may also do any kind of work, as an employee or self-employed. Many people first receive a temporary residence permit (Aufenthaltserlaubnis). After a few years, they can then apply for the settlement permit. It is an important step if you want to stay in Germany for a long time.
Where you will come across the word
- At the immigration office (Ausländerbehörde), when your residence permit is about to expire.
- On application forms from the immigration office. They often say „Antrag auf Erteilung einer Niederlassungserlaubnis“ (application for the issue of a settlement permit).
- On your residence card, the electronic residence title (elektronischer Aufenthaltstitel). The type of title is recorded there.
- With employers, landlords or banks that ask about your residence status (Aufenthaltsstatus).
What you should do
- Check whether you meet the requirements. The most important ones are usually: several years of living here with a residence permit, a secure income without social benefits, contributions to the pension insurance (Rentenversicherung), enough living space and good German skills. You often also need knowledge about life in Germany, for example through the „Leben in Deutschland“ (Life in Germany) test.
- The exact rules depend on your current residence title. Different waiting periods often apply to skilled workers, people with an EU Blue Card (Blaue Karte EU) or family members. Ask at the immigration office.
- Submit your application in good time, before your current residence permit expires. Appointments are often hard to get, especially in big cities.
- Gather your documents. Typical documents are: passport, biometric photo, proof of work and income, a pension insurance record (Versicherungsverlauf), rental contract, language certificate and proof of your health insurance.
- You pay a fee for the application. The immigration office will tell you the amount.
- Once you have the settlement permit, be careful about long stays abroad. If you live outside Germany for too long, the permit can expire. Find out more before a long trip.
Every city organises its immigration office differently. Forms, appointment booking and the exact name of the office can vary depending on the city and federal state. You can find more on this under Sorting out your residence title. If you want to improve your German, the page Learning German can help you.
Example
- “Your residence permit will expire soon. Please check whether you meet the requirements for a settlement permit.”
- “To be issued the settlement permit, please submit the following documents.”
- “Do you have a temporary residence permit or already a settlement permit?”
Related terms
- Residence permit (Aufenthaltserlaubnis): A residence title with an expiry date that applies to a specific purpose, for example work or study.
- EU long-term residence permit (Erlaubnis zum Daueraufenthalt-EU): Also a permanent title, which can additionally make it easier to move to other EU countries.
- EU Blue Card (Blaue Karte EU): A residence title for certain skilled workers that can lead to a settlement permit more quickly.
- Naturalisation (Einbürgerung): You become a German citizen and no longer need a residence title afterwards.
- Fictional certificate (Fiktionsbescheinigung): A document that provisionally allows your stay while the office reviews your application.