EU Permanent Residence Permit: Securing a Livelihood – What Exactly Does That Mean?

Anyone who wishes to remain in Germany long-term as a third-country national (i.e., non-EU citizen) and obtain a permanent residence permit in the EU must meet one important requirement: securing their livelihood . This article explains exactly what this means and what you need to consider – written in an understandable manner by a lawyer specializing in residence law.

What does “securing a livelihood” mean?

If you apply for a permanent residence permit for the EU, you must prove that you and your family can live in Germany without state assistance . Specifically, this means: You may not claim social assistance or comparable benefits (e.g., citizen's allowance). Your income must be sufficient to cover your own expenses for housing, food, clothing, healthcare, and more.

Which income counts?

The responsible authorities look not only at the amount, but also at the type and regularity of your income . Only private income is permitted – for example:

• Remuneration from a permanent or fixed-term employment contract

• Income from self-employment

• Pensions or retirement benefits (if these are already being received or contributions have been paid)

  
  

Public social benefits such as citizen's allowance, social assistance, or basic security may not be considered part of the cost of living. However, family benefits such as child benefit or parental allowance are harmless in some cases—they do not lead to the rejection of the application (see Section 2 Paragraph 3 of the Residence Act ).

What does “regularly and permanently” mean?

A job alone isn't enough if it's only short-term. The authorities will examine whether the income is likely to remain the same in the future (a so-called forecast decision). However, this doesn't mean you need a permanent employment contract. A fixed-term contract is also possible. For example, a period of twelve months may be sufficient – the crucial point is that you have already been employed for a longer period or that you have a regular income.

What about pension insurance and retirement planning?

Adequate retirement provision is considered proof that you can provide for yourself in the long term. If you or your spouse, with whom you live, pay or have paid contributions into the pension insurance scheme, this improves your chances. There is no minimum number of months of contributions, as is the case with a permanent residence permit , for example. The decisive factors are whether you have any retirement provision at all, how long you have lived in Germany, and your age.

Does the whole family need to be insured?

Yes. It's not enough to cover your own living expenses. The needs of your dependent family members living with you in Germany must also be covered from your income. The authorities consider your family an economic community in which everyone must be secure.

Health insurance – also a must

Another important point: You must provide proof of health insurance that offers the same coverage as Germans. This can be either statutory or private insurance—the main thing is that it covers the usual risks.

Conclusion: Securing a livelihood – a key to permanent residence

Securing a livelihood is one of the key requirements for obtaining a permanent residence permit in the EU . This includes a reliable income, retirement provisions, and the absence of subsistence-level public benefits. Since each case is unique, it is advisable to seek legal advice early on to avoid missing deadlines or making formal errors.