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Permanent Settlement Permit
Lawyer declares permanent residence in Germany: Overview page permanent/unlimited residence in Germany.
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About this Page
There are various types of permanent residence in Germany. The most important permanent residence permit is the settlement permit . The settlement permit is primarily (but not exclusively) regulated in Sections 9 et seq. of the Residence Act (AufenthG) and is of enormous practical importance for foreigners as an important step toward integration. The settlement permit consolidates residence and makes it independent of the temporary purpose of residence (e.g., employment contract). In some cases, it is also a necessary intermediate step on the path to naturalization.
On this page, you will find all the necessary information on permanent residence and permanent residence permits. The step-by-step guides to the settlement permit are divided according to the type of permanent residence permit (e.g., settlement permit for skilled workers , EU permanent residence permit , and EU permanent residence card ).
Table of Contents
1. Permanent residence: settlement permit
2. Permanent residence: EU permanent residence permit
3. Permanent residence: EU permanent residence card
4. FAQ
5. Conclusion
6. VISAGUARD Guides for Permanent Residence
1. Permanent residence: settlement permit
There are numerous different forms of permanent residence or settlement permit. The basic form of permanent settlement permit is the settlement permit pursuant to Section 9 of the Residence Act (general settlement permit) . A general settlement permit requires a residence permit of five years, a secure livelihood, and B1 language skills.
There are numerous variations and modifications to the general settlement permit. For example, the settlement permit for skilled workers modifies the required length of stay, while the settlement permit for the self-employed imposes additional requirements regarding the success of the self-employed business. Further exceptions also apply to the settlement permit for spouses . The respective requirements can be found in the corresponding VISAGUARD guides.
Specialist Articles on the Topic
2. Permanent residence: EU permanent residence permit
Strictly separate from the settlement permit is the so-called EU long-term residence permit ( Section 9a of the Residence Act ), which is also a permanent residence permit and the best existing residence permit in Germany. The EU long-term residence permit is a permanent residence permit based on the European Permanent Residence Directive. However, the EU long-term residence permit does not permit residence throughout Europe. However, the EU long-term residence permit can be recognized in other European countries. Further information can be found in our guide to the EU long-term residence permit .
3. Permanent residence: EU permanent residence card
When considering permanent residence rights in Germany, the EU permanent residence card is also relevant. It can be issued to EU citizens and their family members . The issuance of the EU permanent residence card is governed by the Freedom of Movement Act (FreizügG/EU) and not the Residence Act. Despite their similarity in name, the EU permanent residence card should not be confused with the EU permanent residence permit.
