Residence permit in Berlin
All information on the application process for a settlement permit at the State Office for Immigration (LEA) in Berlin.
Here you learn ...
How to apply for a settlement permit in Berlin
required documents for the settlement permit in Berlin
Application form (PDF) for a settlement permit in Berlin
Apply for a settlement permit in Berlin online
Table of Content
1. Apply for a settlement permit in Berlin
2. Documents for a Berlin residence permit
3. Application form (PDF) Berlin branch
4. Apply for a settlement permit in Berlin online/by mail
5. Conclusion: Berlin settlement permit
1. Apply for a settlement permit in Berlin
Obtaining a settlement permit is an important step for many foreigners who wish to live and work permanently in Germany. Especially in an international metropolis like Berlin, applying for a settlement permit represents an important goal for many people. However, the path to a permanent residence permit can be complicated and fraught with bureaucratic hurdles . In this article, we show you step by step how to apply for a settlement permit in Berlin . However, this article only describes the administrative application process. If you are looking for information on the requirements for a settlement permit, we recommend this article.
2. Documents for a Berlin residence permit
In Berlin, numerous documents are also required to apply for a settlement permit. The required documents for applying for a settlement permit for skilled workers and EU Blue Card holders in Berlin can be found online (see Documents for the EU Blue Card Berlin settlement permit and Documents for the other skilled workers in Berlin settlement permit ).
The following documents are generally required to apply for a settlement permit at the State Office for Immigration (LEA) in Berlin:
Application form or informal application
Copy of the passport data page (the page with the photo)
biometric photo
Residence permit
employment contract
Employer certificate
Payroll statements for the last 6 months
German Language Certificate (You can register for the B1 test here)
Proof of rent payments for the last 6 months (bank statements)
Pension insurance history
Please note that the documents listed for a settlement permit in Berlin are intended only as a rough guide. The required documents may vary depending on the individual case. If in doubt, consult your local immigration officer or a lawyer.
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3. Application form (PDF) Berlin branch
To apply for a settlement permit, you must first complete the application form. However, there is no actual PDF application in Berlin. The State Office for Immigration (LEA) simply states on its website that the application for a settlement permit should be submitted "informally." This means that no specific form is required; rather, the application can simply be submitted by letter or email (if necessary, using the LEA's contact form ). The letter or email must then contain something like " I hereby apply for a settlement permit " to constitute a legally valid application for a settlement permit.
Another option for applying for a settlement permit in Berlin is to use the official application form for all other residence permits issued by the LEA. You can then enter the settlement permit under "Purpose of Stay." Submitting the general application form is also a legally valid application for a settlement permit, as long as the form indicates that you are applying for an indefinite or unlimited stay.
4. Apply for a settlement permit in Berlin online/by mail
After you have collected all documents and signed the application, you must submit the complete application package to the State Office for Immigration (LEA). The application email (or the form) can be easily submitted via the LEA contact form (e.g., to the B1, B2, or B3 department for skilled workers). In Berlin, you could also send your application documents for a settlement permit by email to b1b2b3@lea.berlin until 2023. However, this email address has been deactivated.
If you wish to submit your application for a settlement permit in Berlin by mail, please contact the LEA's Friedrich-Krause-Ufer (FKU) office . You can reach the FKU office by mail as follows:
State Office for Immigration (LEA)
Friedrich-Krause-Ufer 24
13353 Berlin
Phone: (030) 90269-4000
After you have applied for a settlement permit, the immigration authorities will process and review your application. If the application is complete, the State Office for Immigration (LEA) will give you an appointment to issue the settlement permit. A separate application for an appointment with the immigration authorities to issue the settlement permit is therefore not necessary (and is no longer possible in Berlin ). During the appointment, the immigration authorities will review the documents you previously submitted via the online form. After you have paid the fee, you will then be issued with a settlement permit. As with other electronic residence permits (eAT), you will initially only receive the letter of approval at the appointment. You can then pick up the plastic card from the State Office for Immigration after it has been printed by the Federal Printing Office three to six weeks later.
Summary of this Page
Applying for a settlement permit in Berlin is an important step on the path to permanent residence in Germany – especially for skilled workers and holders of an EU Blue Card. While the process involves a lot of bureaucracy, the application is relatively straightforward with good preparation. A key element is gathering the required documents and submitting the application correctly – either online using the LEA contact form or by mail to the Friedrich-Krause-Ufer location. A formal PDF form is not required; an informal application is sufficient. It is important that the application clearly states that a permanent residence permit is being applied for. If you are unsure, we recommend consulting the responsible caseworker or a lawyer specializing in immigration law. Those who carefully follow all steps have a good chance of successfully completing the process.
