Application for a Settlement Permit
All information on applying for a settlement permit or permanent residence permit (online application, application form (PDF), proof of access).
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Here you learn ...
how you can apply for a settlement permit
Download the application form (PDF) for the settlement permit
how to apply for a settlement permit online
when and how you can prove receipt of your application
Table of contents
1. Apply for a permanent residence permit
2. Application form for a settlement permit (PDF)
3. Apply for a permanent residence permit online
4. Verifiable delivery/access to permanent residence
5. FAQ
6. Conclusion Application for settlement permit
1. Apply for a permanent residence permit
Applying for a settlement permit in Germany is an important step for foreign nationals who wish to live and work permanently in Germany. For the application to be successful, certain requirements must be met . Once all requirements have been met and all documents have been collected, the application can be submitted to the responsible immigration authority. Many applicants mistakenly assume that an appointment at the immigration authority is required to apply for a settlement permit. In fact, the application is not bound to any specific form and can be submitted in a variety of ways.
In addition to a personal appearance, there are also the following options for applying for a settlement permit:
Apply for a settlement permit online (contact form)
Apply for a settlement permit in writing by post
Applying for a settlement permit by email
Application for a settlement permit through a lawyer
What many people don't know: In theory, a settlement permit can even be applied for through a bailiff . Private individuals can hire bailiffs for private service of documents for a fee. In theory, you could hand over your application documents to a bailiff, who will then deliver them to the immigration office. However, this procedure is only relevant in very rare exceptional cases (e.g., in preparation for court proceedings).
2. Application form for a settlement permit (PDF)
Most immigration authorities do not have a special form for applying for a settlement permit – and there is a good reason for this: the application is not bound to any particular format (see above). You can therefore submit your application informally, for example simply by email or post with the sentence " I hereby apply for a settlement permit ". Such an informal application is legally effective and triggers the three-month period for a possible action for failure to act . You should simply ensure that you can prove that it was actually received . For example, personally dropping the application into the authority's mailbox without witnesses is not advisable.
Some immigration authorities, however, provide PDF forms for the settlement permit (see, for example, the application for a settlement permit (PDF) at the Munich immigration authority ). This does not usually apply to smaller immigration authorities, however. If you would like to use an application form to apply for a settlement permit at a smaller immigration authority, you can request the relevant PDF document from the clerk responsible for you. If your authority does not have such a document, you can generally also use the residence permit form (PDF) from the Berlin immigration authority . All you have to do is enter “unlimited/unlimited” or “settlement permit” in the PDF document for the purpose of your stay. If you submit this PDF application form for a settlement permit to your responsible authority (e.g. by email or printed out and sent by post), it constitutes a legally binding application for a settlement permit.
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. Our specialised attorneys are always by your side. Contact us to book an online appointment with a German immigration lawyer!
3. Apply for a permanent residence permit online
Many immigration authorities in Germany (particularly in the major cities of Berlin, Munich, Düsseldorf, Frankfurt am Main, and Hamburg) have now developed online systems for applying for residence permits and settlement permits. All forms can be completed online, and the necessary documents can be uploaded as PDF files to the immigration authorities' servers or electronic files if the necessary requirements for applying for a settlement permit are met.
For the larger immigration authorities, you can find the online portals for applying for a settlement permit here:
When using online portals for settlement permits, however, care should be taken to select the correct category of settlement permit. Some authorities differentiate between different types of settlement permits (e.g., settlement permit for skilled workers and settlement permit for the self-employed ).
4. Verifiable delivery/access to permanent residence
If you are applying for a settlement permit, it is especially important to retain proof of application . Unlike applications for work permits, applications for settlement permits are often not given priority by the immigration authorities – particularly in large cities like Berlin or Munich, significant delays or even the loss of documents are common. Proof of receipt is not only useful in your own interest, but also necessary if you wish to file a so-called action for failure to act with the administrative court after three months of inactivity. Without proof of application submission, it is difficult to prove the delay in processing the application by the authorities (or the expiration of the three-month deadline).
Legally binding evidence for the application for a settlement permit is the following:
Application in person: Receive confirmation letter at the appointment
Online application: Take a screenshot of the submission (date must be visible)
Application by email: (Automatic) confirmation of receipt from the authority required
Application by mail: Registered mail required (tracking number )
Application by lawyer: Confirmation by electronic justice system (beA)
Application by bailiff: Certificate of service is issued
The safest way to provide proof of application is to have it submitted by a lawyer or even a bailiff. Of course, these cases involve additional costs.
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. Our specialised attorneys are always by your side. Contact us to book an online appointment with a German immigration lawyer!
5. FAQ
How can I apply for a permanent residence permit?
The application is informal and does not require a personal appointment with the authorities. The application can be submitted online using the contact form, by email, by mail, or through a lawyer. Even service by a bailiff is theoretically possible, but is rarely used.
Can I apply for a permanent residence permit online?
Yes, many major cities such as Berlin, Munich, Hamburg, and Frankfurt offer online application portals. All documents can be uploaded there and forms can be filled out digitally. It's important to select the correct application category (e.g., skilled worker or self-employed).
Why is proof of access so important?
Legally sound proof of application protects against delays and is a prerequisite for a possible action for failure to act after three months. Acceptable proof includes, for example, confirmation of receipt for email applications, screenshots for online applications, registered mail for mailings, or a certificate of service from a bailiff. The most reliable method is for the application to be submitted by a lawyer with beA confirmation.
6. Conclusion
Applying for a settlement permit is a key step for anyone who wants to live permanently in Germany. The most important thing to remember is that the application can be submitted informally and is not tied to a specific format (or deadline). A settlement permit can also be applied for by email, mail, or via an online portal. However, it is crucial that you can prove that the application has been received by the immigration authorities. Proof of receipt is essential in the event of delays or a lawsuit for failure to act. If you want to be on the safe side, you should submit your application with legally binding proof (e.g., by registered mail, email with confirmation of receipt, or via a lawyer). This way, you can avoid unnecessary waiting times and lost documents and safeguard your rights in the process.
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