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Glossary: Residence permit

Category: Visa & Residence Permits (Residence permit as an unlimited settlement permit according to § 4 para. 1 sentence 2 no. 3 AufenthG )

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 template of a settlement permit in the form of a so-called " electronic residence permit (eAT) " pursuant to Section 78 of the German Residence Act (AufenthG ). The template is based on Council Regulation (EC) No. 1030/2002 of 13 June 2002 on the uniform design of residence permits for third-country nationals , which is regularly amended. In exceptional cases, the settlement permit can also be issued as an adhesive label ("visa sticker") affixed to the passport , in accordance with 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 permit pursuant to Section 4 Paragraph 1 Nos. 2 to 4 of the German Residence Act ).

Under “Remarks,” the following must be entered for a settlement permit: “ permanent residence ” and “ Section 9. ” Under “Remarks,” it must also be entered whether gainful employment is permitted or not ( Section 4a, Paragraph 3, Sentence 1 of the Residence Act). Furthermore, the substantive validity period of the residence card ( electronic residence permit (eAT) ), which may differ from the formal validity period (permanent) and is generally 10 years, must be entered under “Remarks.” Entering further supplementary provisions under “Remarks” is not permitted for a settlement permit ( Section 9, Paragraph 1, Sentence 2 of the Residence Act).

Table of contents

1. What does a residence permit look like (image)?

2. Definition of residence permit

3. Who needs a residence permit?

4. Example of a permanent residence permit

5. Important information about the residence permit

5.1 Duration of the residence permit

5.2 Extension of the residence permit

5.3 Costs of the residence permit

5.4 Processing time for the residence permit

5.5 Authority responsible for granting the residence permit

6. Rights and opportunities regarding residence permits

6.1 Work permit with the residence permit

6.2 Study, school, language course with the residence permit

6.3 Family reunification with a permanent residence permit

6.4 Travel and stays abroad with a permanent residence permit

6.5 Eligible group of persons for a residence permit

7. Requirements for a residence permit

8. Required documents: Residence permit

9. Apply for a residence permit online

10. Advantages of a permanent residence permit

11. Consolidation of residence status with a settlement permit

11.1 Ways to obtain a permanent residence permit

11.2 Path from residence permit to naturalization

11.3 Next steps: Residence permit

12. Legal basis for residence permit

13. Important laws regarding residence permits

14. Important rulings on residence permits

15. Frequently Asked Questions about the Permanent Residence Permit

16. Further information

16.1 Settlement permit in other glossaries

16.2 Related Topics

16.3 Blog posts on the residence permit

16.4 Glossary entries for the residence permit

16.5 Sources and references regarding the residence permit

Definition of residence permit

The settlement permit pursuant to Section 9 of the German Residence Act (AufenthG ) (colloquially also: indefinite residence/permanent residence; English: settlement permit/permanent residence (PR)/unlimited residence) is an indefinite/unlimited residence title ( Section 9 AufenthG ) for permanent residence in Germany. The settlement permit allows for permanent residence in Germany. Unlike a residence permit or visa, the settlement permit is independent of a legally defined purpose of stay. The settlement permit can only be subject to a supplementary provision in cases expressly permitted by the Residence Act; in particular, it may not impose any restrictions on employment or a prohibition on working ( Section 9, Paragraph 1, Sentence 2 AufenthG ). The settlement permit is often used synonymously with the term "permanent residence," although this is legally incorrect terminology.


The settlement permit should not be confused with the European long-term residence card under the Freedom of Movement Act ( § 5 FreizügG/EU ) and not with the permit for long-term residence EU ( § 9a AufenthG ).

Who needs a residence permit?

All foreigners who wish to reside in Germany, regardless of their purpose of stay, require a settlement permit . A settlement permit is needed, for example, for foreigners who want to work remotely for a foreign company without a branch in Germany, as they cannot obtain a work permit . A settlement permit is also required by some foreigners whose temporary residence permit does not entitle them to naturalization (see Section 10 Paragraph 1 Sentence 1 No. 2 of the German Nationality Act and the VISAGUARD article “ Naturalization: Which Residence Permit ?”).

Example : An Indian IT professional wants to apply for a residence permit in order to be able to stay in Germany without a job.

Important information regarding residence permits

Duration of residence permit

The permanent residence permit has no fixed duration and is valid indefinitely. With this permit, residency can be granted indefinitely. 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 permanent residence permit being re-examined.

Extension of residence permit

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

Costs of a residence permit

The settlement permit costs €113 in administrative fees ( § 44 AufenthV ). Fees are charged for issuing a settlement permit for highly qualified individuals ( § 18c paragraph 3 of the Residence Act ) €147 and for issuing a settlement permit for self-employment ( § 21 paragraph 4 of the Residence Act ) €124 ( § 44 AufenthV ). Legal fees, any court costs , and translation and authentication costs are not included here.

Processing time for residence permit

A permanent residence permit has a relatively long processing time of 3 to 9 months or more, as authorities do not prioritize processing applications for permanent residence permits . However, the processing time depends on the type of permit, 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 for settlement permit

The settlement permit is reviewed and issued 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 ). The jurisdiction of the immigration authorities can be researched using the BAMF-NAvI database .

Rights and opportunities regarding residence permits

Work permit, residence permit

Foreign nationals who hold a permanent 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 a permanent residence permit ( § 9 para. 1 of the German Residence Act ). Working for foreign employers is also possible with a permanent residence permit, which is why it is particularly useful for remote employers .

Studies , school , language course, residence permit

Attending university, school, and language courses is possible with any residence permit, including a permanent residence permit. Unlike a work permit, no separate permit is required for this.

Family reunification, residence permit

Family reunification with the holder of a permanent residence permit is generally always possible ( § 29 para. 1 no. 1 of the German Residence Act ). Spousal reunification with the holder of a permanent residence permit is also significantly privileged, as (unlike with a residence permit ) the type of permanent residence permit is irrelevant (see § 30 para. 1 sentence 1 no. 3 a) of the German Residence Act ). Reunification of minor children with the holder of a permanent residence permit is always possible (see § 32 para. 1 no. 6 of the German Residence Act ). Parental reunification with the holder of a permanent 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; residence permit

Entry to and exit from Germany is straightforward with a permanent residence permit . However, like any other residence permit, the permanent residence permit generally expires if the holder is absent from Germany for more than six months ( § 51 para. 1 no. 7 of the German Residence Act ) or if they leave for a non-temporary reason (§ 51 para. 1 no. 6 of the German Residence Act). The permanent residence permit of a foreigner who has resided legally in Germany for at least 15 years, as well as the permanent residence permit of their spouse living with them in marital cohabitation, does not expire if they leave for more than six months or for a non-temporary reason, provided their livelihood is secured and there is no public interest in their deportation ( § 51 para. 2 sentence 1 of the German Residence Act, § 51 para. 10 of the German Residence Act ). The same applies to the holder of a permanent residence permit who lives in a marital relationship with a German national (Section 51 Paragraph 2 Sentence 2 of the Residence Act). In these cases, the immigration authority at the place of the last habitual residence issues a certificate upon application to prove the continued validity of the permanent residence permit (so-called certificate of continued validity; Section 51 Paragraph 1 Sentence 3 of the Residence Act ).

Eligible group of persons: Settlement permit

All foreigners residing in Germany who meet the requirements for granting a permanent residence permit are entitled to apply. Students cannot apply for a permanent residence permit ( § 16b para. 4 sentence 2 of the German Residence Act ). European citizens and diplomats also cannot apply for a permanent residence permit, as the Residence Act does not apply to them ( § 1 of the German Residence Act ).

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!

Requirements for a residence permit

The requirements for obtaining a permanent residence permit depend on the type of permit. A distinction is made between general and specific requirements . The general requirements for a permanent residence permit are found in Section 9 of the German Residence Act (AufenthG ). The specific requirements for a permanent residence permit vary depending on the type of permit. The following types of permanent residence permits exist:



Settlement permit for former Germans with at least five years of residence in Germany ( § 38 para. 1 AufenthG )

Die Voraussetzungen für die Erteilung einer Niederlassungserlaubnis lauten dementsprechend wie folgt:


  1. [Erfüllung der besonderen Voraussetzungen je nach Art der Niederlassungserlaubnis]

  2. Erfüllung der Aufenthaltszeit in Deutschland: 5 Jahre Besitz einer rechtmäßigen und nicht erloschenen Aufenthaltserlaubnis und 60 Monate Zahlung von Rentenversicherungsbeiträgen (falls nicht anders durch besonderen Aufenthaltszweck vorgegeben; § 9 Abs. 2 S. 1 Nr. 1, Nr. 3 AufenthG)

  3. Gesicherter Lebensunterhalt (§ 9 Abs. 2 S. 1 Nr. 2 AufenthG)

  4. Aufenthalt verstößt nicht gegen öffentliche Sicherheit oder Ordnung (also insbesondere keine relevanten Straftaten; § 9 Abs. 2 S. 1 Nr. 4 AufenthG)

  5. Innehaben einer Beschäftigungserlaubnis, wenn Antragsteller Arbeitnehmer ist (§ 9 Abs. 2 S. 1 Nr. 5 AufenthG)

  6. Innehaben einer Berufsausübungserlaubnis, wenn eine solche erforderlich ist (§ 9 Abs. 2 S. 1 Nr. 6 AufenthG)

  7. Ausreichende deutsche Sprachkenntnisse (Niveau B1; § 9 Abs. 2 S. 1 Nr. 7 AufenthG)

  8. Vorhandensein von Grundkenntnissen der Rechts- und Gesellschaftsordnung und der Lebensverhältnisse im Bundesgebiet (also Schule/Ausbildung/Studium in Deutschland oder Test Leben in Deutschland oder Einbürgerungstest abgeschlossen; § 9 Abs. 2 S. 1 Nr. 8 AufenthG)

  9. Ausreichender Wohnraum für sich und die Familie (§ 9 Abs. 2 S. 1 Nr. 9 AufenthG)

  10. Gültiger Pass und gesicherte Identität (§ 5 Abs. 1 Nr. 1a, Nr. 3 AufenthG)

  11. Keine andauernden Ermittlungen/kein anhängiges Strafverfahren gegen den Antragsteller (siehe § 79 Abs. 2 AufenthG)

  12. Kein Ausweisungsinteresse (keine negativen AZR/SIS/VIS-Einträge), keine Sicherheitsgefahr, keine Vorstrafen (§ 5 Abs. 1 Nr. 2, Nr. 3 AufenthG) und keine Einreisesperre (§ 11 AufenthG)

  13. Keine speziellen Ablehnungsgründe (§ 10 AufenthG (vorheriger Asylantrag)) und keine Erlöschensgründe (§ 51 AufenthG) vorhanden

The requirements for a permanent residence permit are met with the appropriate documents (e.g., proof of income demonstrates sufficient means of subsistence). The fulfillment of these requirements is frequently the subject of administrative and judicial proceedings.

Required documents: Residence permit

The documents required for a permanent residence permit depend on the responsible immigration authority and the type of permit. The required documents are usually listed on the immigration authority's website. Therefore, it is not possible to provide a definitive answer regarding which documents are needed for a permanent residence permit application in every case. Contrary to a widespread misconception, the permanent residence permit application process is 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 ) . Nevertheless, a certain standard has developed in the administrative practice of immigration authorities regarding the required documents (which is subject to the discretion of the case workers at the authority).

In most cases, the following documents are required to apply for a residence permit:

  1. Proof of personal data: Application form for the 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 pension insurance periods: Pension insurance record

  10. Proof of language proficiency: Language certificate

  11. 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

  12. Only required if applying through an authorized representative (e.g., a lawyer ): Power of attorney

Apply for a residence permit online

The permanent residence permit can be applied for online at the responsible immigration office. The links to the online applications for a permanent residence permit at the municipal immigration offices for the 10 largest cities are as follows:


Advantages of a residence permit

The residence permit has the following advantages :

Path to a permanent residence permit

In practice, switching from one type of residence permit to another makes no difference.

The path from residence permit to naturalization

Naturalization with a permanent residence permit is the standard procedure for naturalization (see Section 10 Paragraph 1 Sentence 1 No. 2 of the German Nationality Act ). Naturalization with a permanent residence permit is therefore easily possible.

Next steps: Residence permit

First, check which type of residence permit you can apply for (e.g., residence permit for Blue Card holders , for self-employed individuals , or for family reasons ). Next, you need to find out from your local immigration office which documents are required for your specific type of residence permit. Then, you must submit the required documents to the immigration office by mail or other means to apply for the 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 for residence permit

The legal basis depends on the type of residence permit . The most important legal basis for a residence permit is Section 9 of the Residence Act (AufenthG) . The other types of residence permits refer to Section 9 of the Residence Act . The legal bases for the remaining residence permits are:

Important laws regarding residence permits

The most important laws regarding residence permits are the following:

Important rulings on residence permits

The most important rulings regarding the residence permit are the following:

Frequently asked questions about residence permits

What is the difference between a permanent residence permit and a settlement permit?

There is no difference between an unlimited residence permit and a settlement permit; both terms refer to the same type of unlimited residence (see Section 9 of the Residence Act). However, the term "unlimited residence permit" is foreign to the law and therefore incorrect. The technically correct term is settlement permit.


When does one have the right to a permanent residence permit?

A legal entitlement to a permanent residence permit generally exists after five years of lawful residence with a residence permit (see Sections 9 and 9a of the German Residence Act). Of particular practical relevance is also a "sustainably" secured livelihood through an employment contract with a successfully completed probationary period or comparable income. However, the requirements for a permanent residence permit can vary considerably depending on the type of permit. Significantly shorter timeframes apply to certain groups (especially skilled workers) (see Section 18c of the German Residence Act).


What are the advantages of a residence permit?

A permanent residence permit offers long-term planning security, as it does not need to be renewed. This saves costs and administrative effort. Furthermore, it grants unrestricted access to the labor market (free choice of profession, including self-employment), removes restrictions on specific purposes (such as employment or studies) (see Section 9 of the German Residence Act), and provides better protection against deportation. It also improves creditworthiness with banks and facilitates family reunification.

Is a permanent residence permit a prerequisite for naturalization?

No, it is not a mandatory requirement. Some residence permits (e.g., the Blue Card) also entitle the holder to naturalization even without a settlement permit. However, the settlement permit is the "classic" path to naturalization. A settlement permit is a prerequisite for naturalization if the current residence permit does not entitle the holder to naturalization (e.g., for holders of the opportunity card (§ 20a AufenthG)).


Can I travel with a residence permit without a passport?

No. A permanent residence permit is not a substitute for a passport, but merely proof of the right to reside in the country. For travel abroad (even within the EU/Schengen Area), a valid passport from the home country or a recognized passport substitute is mandatory. This is also stipulated by Schengen law, which cannot be unilaterally changed by Germany. Anyone traveling without a passport risks problems during checks and being denied entry or exit, even if they hold a permanent residence permit.

Residence permit in other glossaries

The term "settlement permit" can also be found in the following glossaries:

Sources and references regarding the residence permit

( Government resources and literature )

[1] Federal Ministry of the Interior M. Migration, Integration; Refugees; European [1] Harmonisation, General Administrative Regulation on the Residence Act of 26 October 2009, § 9 Residence Act

[2] Residence permit in the procedural guidelines for residence in Berlin (VAB), as of 23.12.2025, § 9 AufenthG

[3] Application guidelines of the Federal Ministry of the Interior and for

Homeland on the Skilled Immigration Act (Federal Law Gazette I 2019, p. 1307) under

Consideration of the law and the regulation for the further development of

Skilled immigration (Federal Law Gazette I 2023, No. 217, p. 1 or Federal Law Gazette I 2023, No. 233, p. 1), Section 9

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

[5] Erbs/Kohlhaas/Hadamitzky/Senge, Strafrechtliche Nebengesetze (AufenthG), 259th ed. October 2025, § 9 para. 1

[7] BeckOK AuslR/Maor, 46th ed. 1.10.2025, AufenthG § 9 Rn. 1-15

[8] BeckOK MigR/Beiderbeck, 24th ed. 1.1.2026, AufenthG § 9 Rn. 1-23

[9] Lisken/Denninger/Bäcker, Handbook of Police Law, 8th ed. 2026, Chapter 8, paras. 69, 70

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

[11] Wabnitz/Janovsky/Schmitt, Handbook of Economic Criminal Law, 6th ed. 2025, Chapter 21, paras. 101-101f

[12] von der Decken/Franz in Munich Lawyers' Handbook on Social Law, 6th ed. 2024, § 32 para. 18-24

[13] /Wißmann in Munich Handbook on Labour Law, 6th ed. 2024, § 30 para. 15, 16

[14] Hammer/Klaus: Skilled Immigration Act (FEG): A signal with a question mark or a real quantum leap?, ZAR 2019, 137

[15] Kluth: On the transdisciplinary understanding of integration, ZAR 2016, 336

[16] Heinhold: Consolidation of residence permits for foreigners with humanitarian residence permits – Section 26 IV in conjunction with Section 35 of the Residence Act, ZAR 2008, 161

[17] Thiele: The integration requirement for third-country nationals under the Immigration Act, LSK 2007, 100521

[18] Wolfgang Tiede and Maximilian Yang: On the residence permit for spouses and minor unmarried children of Germans according to Section 28 Paragraph 2 of the Residence Act, in DVBl. (Deutsches Verwaltungsblatt), Issue 2/2015, pp. 66–72.

[19] Section 9 of the Residence Act as promulgated on 25 February 2008 (Federal Law Gazette I p. 162), as last amended by Article 1 of the Act of 17 July 2025 (Federal Law Gazette 2025 I No. 173)

[20] Section 18c of the Residence Act as promulgated on 25 February 2008 (Federal Law Gazette I p. 162), as last amended by Article 1 of the Act of 17 July 2025 (Federal Law Gazette 2025 I No. 173)

Last updated: March 1, 2026


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