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Glossary: EU long-term residence permit

Category: Visa & Residence Permits (Sui generis residence permit as an unlimited permit for long-term residence in the EU according to § 4 para. 1 sentence 2 no. 4 of the German Residence Act )

Author: Mirko Vorreuter , LL.B. , Attorney at Law and Specialist Attorney for Immigration Law (License examination via the Federal Official Directory of Lawyers possible)

The image shows an official/formal legal template of a residence permit/eAT ("electronic residence permit") in the form of a plastic card. The plastic card is the physical document with which foreigners prove their residence status in Germany.

Image description: The image shows a binding sample of a permit for long-term residence in the EU in the form of a so-called “ electronic residence permit (eAT) ” within the meaning of Section 78 of the German Residence Act. The template is based on Council Regulation (EC) No 1030/2002 of 13 June 2002 on the uniform format of residence permits for third-country nationals , which also applies in the case of EU long-term residence permits (see Article 8(3) of the Long-Term Residence Directive (Council Directive 2003/109/EC of 25 November 2003 concerning the status of third-country nationals who are long-term residents)) . In exceptional cases, the EU long-term residence permit can also be issued as an adhesive label (“visa sticker”) affixed to the passport , pursuant to Section 78a of the German Residence Act (AufenthG). Unlike the electronic residence permit, the corresponding template for the adhesive label is not regulated at the European level by Regulation (EC) No 1030/2002, but nationally in Annex D14 of the German Residence Ordinance (AufenthV) (residence permits pursuant to Section 4(1) Nos. 2 to 4 of the German Residence Act ).

Under “Remarks,” the designation “Permanent Residence – EC” must be entered under “Type of Residence Permit” ( Article 8(3) of the Long-Term Residence Directive ). Under “Remarks,” it must also be entered whether gainful employment is permitted or not ( Section 4a(3), sentence 1 of the Residence Act ). Entering further supplementary provisions under “Remarks” is not permitted in the case of an EU long-term residence permit ( Sections 9a(1), 9(1), sentence 2 of the Residence Act ).

Table of contents

1. What does an EU long-term residence permit look like (image)?

2. Definition of EU long-term residence permit (§ 9a AufenthG)

3. Who needs a long-term residence permit in the EU?

4. Example of an EU long-term residence permit

5. Important information on the EU long-term residence permit (§ 9a AufenthG)

5.1 Duration of the EU long-term residence permit

5.2 Extension of the EU long-term residence permit

5.3 Costs of the EU long-term residence permit

5.4 Processing time for EU long-term residence permit

5.5 Competent authority for EU long-term residence permits

6. Rights and opportunities: EU long-term residence permit (§ 9a AufenthG)

6.1 Work permit with EU long-term residence permit

6.2 Study, school, language course with EU long-term residence permit

6.3 Family reunification with EU long-term residence permit

6.4 Travel and stays abroad with EU long-term residence permit

6.5 Eligible group of persons EU long-term residence permit

7. Requirements for a long-term residence permit in the EU (§ 9a AufenthG)

8. Required documents for EU long-term residence permit

9. Apply for an EU long-term residence permit online

10. Advantages of an EU long-term residence permit

11. Consolidation of residence with a permit for long-term residence in the EU (§ 9a AufenthG)

11.1 Path from EU long-term residence permit to settlement permit

11.2 Path from EU permanent residence permit to naturalization

11.3 Next steps: EU long-term residence permit

12. Legal basis for EU long-term residence permit (§ 9a AufenthG)

13. Important laws regarding EU long-term residence permits

14. Important rulings on EU long-term residence permits

15. Frequently Asked Questions about EU Long-Term Residence Permits

16. Further information § 9a Residence Act

16.1 Permit for long-term residence in the EU in other glossaries

16.2 Related Topics

16.3 Blog posts on the EU long-term residence permit

16.4 Glossary entries for the EU long-term residence permit

16.5 Sources and references for the EU long-term residence permit

Definition of EU long-term residence permit?

The EU long-term residence permit pursuant to Section 9a of the German Residence Act (AufenthG ) (colloquially also: European Settlement Permit; English: European Settlement Permit/European Permanent Residence) is an unlimited residence permit (Section 9a AufenthG) for permanent residence in Germany, regardless of the purpose of stay. In terms of its legal consequences, the EU long-term residence permit is the best residence permit available in Germany, as it is unlimited in duration and, unlike the settlement permit, can only be revoked in very limited exceptional cases (see Section 51 Paragraph 9 AufenthG ). The EU long-term residence permit should not be confused with the almost identical European long-term residence permit (Section 5 of the Freedom of Movement Act/EU).


The EU long-term residence permit is legally equivalent to the settlement permit , unless the Residence Act provides otherwise ( § 9a para. 1 sentence 1 of the Residence Act). With regard to the requirements, the long-term residence permit largely refers to the settlement permit (in particular concerning language skills, integration requirements , and proof of sufficient means of subsistence ). Accordingly, the EU long-term residence permit is, under national law, a sui generis settlement permit with a European legal basis ( Council Directive 2003/109/EC of 25 November 2003 concerning the status of long-term residents of third-country nationals ). The most important difference in legal terms between an EU long-term residence permit and a settlement permit is that the EU long-term residence permit can remain valid for up to 2 years (instead of only 6 months like the settlement permit) after departure ( § 51 para. 9 AufenthG ) and that this period can even be interrupted by a stay of just a few days (ECJ, judgment of 20.01.2022, C-432/20).

Who needs a permanent residence permit for the EU?

The EU long-term residence permit is generally required in the same situations as the settlement permit , i.e., for a purpose-independent and permanent stay in Germany. However, the EU long-term residence permit according to Section 9a of the German Residence Act (AufenthG) has specific application cases that distinguish it from the settlement permit. These are, in particular, the following:

Example : A wealthy US retiree who previously worked in Germany for 5 years has adult children and a summer house in Germany, but lives in the USA . While his permanent residence permit would expire here due to his habitual residence being outside Germany ( § 51 para. 1 no. 6 AufenthG ), for his permanent residence permit , a presence of just a few days per year is sufficient to prevent its expiration (see § 51 para. 9 AufenthG).

Important information EU long-term residence permit

Duration of EU long-term residence permit

The EU long-term residence permit does not have a fixed duration as defined in Section 9a Paragraph 1 of the German Residence Act (AufenthG) , but is valid indefinitely. Residence with this permit is permanent. However, the validity of the physical card ( electronic residence permit (eAT) ) may be limited (usually 10 years). After 10 years, a new card can simply be applied for without the requirements for the EU long-term residence permit being re-examined.

Extension of EU long-term residence permit

An extension of the EU long-term residence permit is neither possible nor necessary, as the EU long-term residence permit is valid indefinitely ( § 9a para. 1 of the German Residence Act ). Only the physical card of the EU long-term residence permit needs to be renewed after 10 years. However, the requirements for the EU long-term residence permit are not re-examined for this purpose.

Cost of EU long-term residence permit

The EU long-term residence permit costs €109 in administrative fees (§ 44a AufenthV). Legal fees, potential court costs , and translation and authentication costs are not included.

Processing time for EU long-term residence permit

An EU long-term residence permit has a relatively long processing time of 3 to 9 months or more, as authorities do not prioritize processing applications for EU long-term residence permits. The processing time therefore depends heavily on the issuing authority and the workload of the case worker. It is also relevant whether all requirements are met without any problems and whether additional documents need to be requested. The processing time can be expedited with the assistance of a lawyer ( action for failure to act pursuant to Section 75 of the German Administrative Court Procedure Act ).

Competent authority EU long-term residence permit

The permit for permanent residence is reviewed and granted by the local immigration authorities (§ 71 AufenthV). Local jurisdiction is determined by the applicant's habitual residence or place of residence (§ 3 para. 1 no. 3 a) VwVfG).

Rights and opportunities EU long-term residence permit

Work permit, EU long-term residence permit

Foreign nationals who hold an EU long-term residence permit are allowed to engage in any gainful employment (i.e., both dependent employment and self-employment). There is no restriction on the scope of permitted work with an EU long-term residence permit ( § 9a para. 1 of the German Residence Act in conjunction with § 9 para. 1 of the German Residence Act ). Working for foreign employers is also possible with an EU long-term residence permit , which is why this permit is particularly useful for remote employers .

Studies , school , language course , EU long-term residence permit

Attending university, school, and language courses is possible with any residence permit, including EU long-term residence permits . Unlike a work permit, no separate permit is required for this.

Family reunification, EU long-term residence permit

Family reunification with the holder of an EU long-term residence permit is generally always possible ( § 29 para. 1 no. 1 of the German Residence Act ). Spousal reunification with the holder of an EU long-term residence permit is significantly privileged (compared to spousal reunification with the holder of a residence permit) (see § 30 para. 1 sentence 1 no. 3 b) of the German Residence Act ). Reunification of minor children with the holder of an EU long-term residence permit is always possible (see § 32 para. 1 no. 7 of the German Residence Act ). Parental reunification with the holder of an EU long-term residence permit, however, is only possible in specific exceptional cases if the child is already of legal age (see § 36 of the German Residence Act ).

Travel and stays abroad; EU long-term residence permit

Entry to and exit from Germany is straightforward with an EU long-term residence permit . Unlike other residence permits, the EU long-term residence permit does not expire even if the holder is absent for more than six months or for a non-temporary reason ( § 51 para. 1 no. 6, no. 7 of the German Residence Act ), as special rules apply to the EU long-term residence permit due to its European legal basis (see § 51 para. 9 of the German Residence Act). Therefore, the EU long-term residence permit only expires if the foreigner stays outside the EU for more than 12 months or outside Germany for more than six years (§ 51 para. 9 sentence 1 no. 3, 4 of the German Residence Act). For holders of an EU long-term residence permit who previously held an EU Blue Card , the 12-month period is extended to 24 months (§ 51 para. 9 no. 3 of the German Residence Act). According to the case law of the ECJ, this expiry period is even interrupted by a stay in Germany of only a few days, which is not the case with a permanent residence permit.

Eligible group of persons: EU long-term residence permit

All foreigners residing in Germany who meet the requirements for issuance according to Section 9a of the Residence Act (AufenthG) are entitled to apply for an EU long-term residence permit . Students and trainees cannot apply for an EU long-term residence permit (Section 9a, Paragraph 3, No. 4 of the Residence Act). A change from humanitarian protection to an EU long-term residence permit is also generally not possible (Section 9a, Paragraph 3, Nos. 1-3 of the Residence Act). The same applies to holders of a residence permit for temporary purposes (some cases under Section 19c of the Residence Act ; Section 9a, Paragraph 3, No. 5 of the Residence Act). European citizens and diplomats cannot apply for a settlement permit , as the Residence Act does not apply to them ( Section 1 of the Residence Act ).

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Requirements for a permanent residence permit in the EU

The requirements for granting an EU long-term residence permit pursuant to Section 9a Paragraph 2 of the Residence Act are as follows:

  1. Fulfillment of the residence period requirement in Germany: 5 years possession of a lawful and unexpired residence permit (see § 9b AufenthG for the calculation of the residence period)

  2. Secure livelihood (see § 9c of the German Residence Act (AufenthG ) for the calculation of livelihood for the EU long-term residence permit ), in particular also sufficient living space (§ 9a para. 2 sentence 1 no. 6 of the German Residence Act (AufenthG))

  3. Sufficient German language skills (level B1; § 9a para. 2 sentence 2 no. 3 AufenthG)

  4. Possession of basic knowledge of the legal and social system and living conditions in the Federal Republic of Germany (i.e., school / vocational training / university studies in Germany or completion of the "Living in Germany" test or naturalization test; Section 9a Paragraph 2 Sentence 1 No. 4 of the Residence Act)

  5. Valid passport and verified identity ( § 5 para. 1 no. 1a, no. 3 Residence Act )

  6. No ongoing investigations/no pending criminal proceedings against the applicant (see Section 79 Paragraph 2 of the Residence Act )

  7. No grounds for deportation (no negative AZR/SIS/VIS entries ), no security risk, no criminal record (§ 5 para. 1 no. 2, no. 3 AufenthG) and no entry ban ( § 11 AufenthG )

  8. Residence does not violate public safety or order (i.e., in particular, no relevant criminal offenses ; Section 9a Paragraph 2 Sentence 1 No. 5 of the Residence Act )

The requirements for an EU long-term residence permit are proven with the appropriate documents (e.g., proof of income demonstrates sufficient means of subsistence). The fulfillment of the requirements for an EU long-term residence permit is frequently the subject of administrative and judicial proceedings.

Required documents: EU long-term residence permit

The documents required for an EU long-term residence permit depend on the responsible immigration authority . The required documents are usually listed on the immigration authority's website. It is not possible to provide a definitive answer for all cases regarding which documents are needed to apply for an EU long-term residence permit. Contrary to a widespread misconception, the procedure for granting an EU long-term residence permit is generally not bound to a specific form (in particular, not to a mandatory appointment or personal application) ( Administrative Court Osnabrück, decision of April 24, 2009, 5 B 29/09 ) .

In the administrative practice of immigration authorities (which is subject to the discretion of the case workers at the authority), it has become established that at least the following documents are usually required for a long-term residence permit in the EU:

  1. Proof of personal data: Application form for EU long-term residence permit (if an online application is not possible (depending on the respective immigration authority))

  2. Proof of identity and nationality: passport copy or photo of passport

  3. Proof of legal first entry: Copy of the visa used for the first entry (if not visa-free entry by Best Friends nationals according to § 41 AufenthV ) and current electronic residence permit (eAT)

  4. Proof of entry date: Image of the entry stamp

  5. Proof of residence for the jurisdiction of the immigration office: registration certificate

  6. Proof of sufficient means of subsistence (housing): Rental agreement stating the size of the apartment and proof of payment of rent (e.g., bank statements); for condominiums, the rental agreement must be replaced by an excerpt from the land register and the purchase agreement.

  7. Proof of sufficient means of subsistence ( health insurance ): Health insurance certificate and, if requested by the case worker, also a description of benefits and confirmation of sufficient scope of health insurance benefits from BaFin.

  8. Proof of sufficient means of subsistence ( financial resources for daily needs ): Permanent employment contract with successful completion of the probationary period, proven by the employer's certificate and at least 3 payslips.

  9. Proof of language proficiency: B1 language certificate

  10. Proof of basic knowledge of the legal and social system and living conditions in Germany: Integration course certificate, naturalization test certificate or school, vocational training or university degree from Germany

  11. Other formalities:

Apply online for EU long-term residence permit

The EU long-term residence permit can be applied for online at the relevant immigration office. The links to the online applications for an EU long-term residence permit at the municipal immigration offices for the 10 largest cities are as follows:


Advantages of EU long-term residence permit

The EU long-term residence permit has the following advantages:

  • Mobility in the EU: The EU long-term residence permit can be recognized as a temporary residence permit in any EU member state (see § 38a AufenthG in Germany).

  • The EU long-term residence permit does not expire even if there is an absence of more than 6 months, and the expiry period is interrupted even by a short-term stay ( § 51 para. 9 AufenthG ).

  • Secure residence: The EU long-term residence permit cannot be revoked as easily as a residence permit ( § 51 para. 2 AufenthG ).

  • Independence from the employment contract : Since the EU long-term residence permit is independent of the employment contract, it cannot be revoked after the termination of the employment contract ( § 9 AufenthG ).

  • Naturalization option with EU long-term residence permit: For foreigners who cannot apply for naturalization with their residence permit, the granting of a settlement permit or EU long-term residence permit is mandatory for naturalization (see Section 10 Paragraph 1 No. 2 of the German Nationality Act ).

  • Less administrative effort: With the EU long-term residence permit, no appointments or applications are necessary, as the EU long-term residence permit does not need to be extended ( § 9 AufenthG ).

The path from EU long-term residence permit to settlement permit

A change from an EU long-term residence permit to a settlement permit has no practical relevance.

The path from EU permanent residence permit to naturalization

Naturalization with an EU long-term residence permit is the standard procedure for naturalization (see Section 10 Paragraph 1 Sentence 1 No. 2 of the German Nationality Act ). Naturalization with an EU long-term residence permit is therefore easily achievable.

Next steps: EU long-term residence permit

First, check whether you meet the requirements for an EU long-term residence permit . Particularly relevant in practice are fulfilling the five-year residency requirement , demonstrating sufficient financial means to support yourself, and possessing B1 level German language skills . Next, you need to find out from your local immigration office which documents are required for the EU long-term residence permit. You then need to submit the required documents to the immigration office by mail or other means (often online) to apply for the EU long-term residence permit. Our lawyers will be happy to advise you on the specific requirements and assist you with the application process. → Book an appointment

Contact Us

Are you looking for a lawyer specializing in German immigration and visa law? We are happy to assist you with residence procedures before embassies, immigration authorities, and administrative courts. Contact us to book an online appointment with a German immigration lawyer!

Legal basis: EU long-term residence permit

The legal basis for the EU long-term residence permit at the national level is found in Sections 9a, 9b, and 9c of the German Residence Act (AufenthG). Sections 9a et seq. of the Residence Act are based on Council Directive 2003/109/EC of 25 November 2003 concerning the status of third-country nationals who are long-term residents , which was transposed into German law by Sections 9a et seq. of the Residence Act. Furthermore, parts of the Residence Ordinance (AufenthV) are also applicable to the EU long-term residence permit (e.g., regarding fees, Section 44 of the Residence Ordinance). Secondary legal bases for the EU long-term residence permit include the relevant administrative regulations (in particular, the General Administrative Regulation of the Federal Ministry of the Interior on the Residence Act of 26 October 2009 and the Procedural Guidelines for Residence in Berlin (VAB)) and relevant case law (in particular, the case law of the European Court of Justice).

Important laws regarding EU long-term residence permits

The most important laws regarding the permit for long-term residence in the EU are the following:

Important rulings on the EU long-term residence permit

The most important rulings regarding the EU long-term residence permit are the following:

Frequently asked questions about EU long-term residence permits

When does one receive permanent EU residence?

The EU long-term residence permit is generally granted under the same conditions as the EU settlement permit (see Section 9a of the German Residence Act ). However, unlike the settlement permit, it requires only 5 years of legal residence in Germany, not 60 months of contributions to the pension insurance scheme . This can be a significant advantage in certain situations (e.g., for freelancers who do not contribute to the pension insurance scheme).

How do I obtain a permanent residence permit for the EU?

The EU long-term residence permit is not a "permanent residence permit" for the EU. Such a residence title does not exist, as residence law (except for the Schengen visa ) is implemented by the member states and not by the EU. However, the EU long-term residence permit may, under certain circumstances, be recognized in other EU countries, meaning it can be effectively equivalent to a permanent residence permit.

EU long-term residence permit in other glossaries

The EU long-term residence permit can also be found in the following glossaries:

List of sources for the EU long-term residence permit

( Government resources and literature )

[1] Federal Ministry of the Interior, General Administrative Regulation on the Freedom of Movement Act/EU (AVV zum FreizügG/EU) of 3 February 2016

[2] Federal Ministry of the Interior M. Migration, Integration; Refugees; European Harmonisation, General Administrative Regulation on the Residence Act of 26 October 2009, § 9a Residence Act

[3] Permit for long-term residence EU in the procedural guidelines for residence in Berlin (VAB), as of 23.12.2025, § 9a AufenthG

[4] Bergmann/Dienelt/Dollinger, Commentary on Immigration Law, 15th ed. 2025, Residence Act § 9a

[5] NK-AuslR/Müller, 3rd ed. 2023, AufenthG § 9a

[6] Huber/Mantel, Residence Act/Asylum Act, 4th ed. 2025, Residence Act § 9a

[7] BeckOK AuslR/Maor, 46th ed. 1.10.2025, AufenthG § 9a Rn. 1-20

[8] BeckOK MigR/Beiderbeck, 24th ed. 1.1.2026, AufenthG § 9a Rn. 1-10

[9] Huber in Huber/Eichenhofer/Endres de Oliveira, AufenthaltsR | Part 1. Residence Act, para. 1079 | 2nd edition 2025

[10] Lisken/Denninger/Bäcker, Handbook of Police Law, 8th ed. 2026, Chapter 8, para. 71

[11] Erbs/Kohlhaas/Hadamitzky/Senge, Strafrechtliche Nebengesetze (AufenthG), 259th ed. October 2025, § 9a

[12] Sieweke: Current legal issues concerning the EU long-term residence permit, article by Sieweke, ZAR 2014, 186

[13] Council Directive 2003/109/EC of 25 November 2003 on the status of third-country nationals who are long-term residents (Long-term Resident Directive)

[14] Section 9a of the Act on the Residence, Economic Activity and Integration of Foreigners in the Federal Territory (Residence Act - AufenthG) of 25 February 2008 (Federal Law Gazette I p. 162), last amended by Article 3 of the Act of 25 October 2024 (Federal Law Gazette 2024 I No. 332)

Last updated: January 2, 2026


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