Germany permanent residency through work
Permanent residency in Germany allows you to stay long-term in Germany without applying for a temporary residence permit after two or three years. But for German PR you have to complete certain requirements.
In this blog
In this blog post, we will outline the requirements and steps involved that allow you to get a German permanent residency through work. If you follow these steps and understand the requirements, you will make your process smooth and get your permanent residency in Germany easily. Let’s start the discussion with each step:
Step 1: Determine Eligibility for Germany PR
You can determine your eligibility in different ways, as we discuss below:
In the case of normal jobs
To qualify for permanent residency through work in Germany, you typically need to have a valid job offer from a German employer.
Your occupation must be in demand in Germany, and you must meet the necessary qualifications and experience requirements for the job.
You must stay at least five years in Germany while holding a proper job and paying taxes accordingly.
You should not be get long-term social benefits.
In the case of skilled jobs (PR Through Blue Card)
Blue Card holders become eligible to apply for permanent residency in Germany after just 33 months of employment as blue card holders.
It’s important to note that this period is further reduced to 21 months if you have attained a sufficient level of German language proficiency (B1 level).
In the case of highly qualified worker
If you are a highly qualified worker, e.g., research scientist, teacher, or professor, you have specialized technical expertise that meets the standards of the federal employee agency. In such a case, you do not need to wait for some specific time, e.g., 3 years or 5 years. You can apply anytime.
Step 2: Complete Required Documents
To get Permanent Residency (PR) in Germany, also known as Niederlassungserlaubnis, you must meet specific criteria set by the German authorities. Below are the main requirements:
Legal Residence: You must have legally resided in Germany for a certain period. Usually, this period is five years. However, certain categories of applicants, such as highly skilled workers or graduates of German universities, may be eligible for permanent residency in a shorter time frame. E.g., if you are a blue card holder, then your time count will be different, which we already explained in step one.
Stable Income: You must submit documents to proof that you have stable income during this time and you were not getting any social benefits. You can submit your employment contracts, bank statements, or tax returns.
House Contract: Submit your house contract where you live. if you have your own house then submit ownership letter.
Integration with German : You, as an applicant, are required to fulfill integration requirements, which typically include language proficiency and knowledge of German society, culture, and legal system. You can show this through language certificates and integration course that you have completed if not then you cannot get PR.
However, if you are a blue card holder and want to apply for German permanent residency,. You are exempt from such integration, but complete basic language requirement.
Contribution to Social Security: You must have made contributions to the German social security system, such as pension and health insurance payments. if you are working then of course you automactically contribute to the social security system e.g. pension, insurance etc.
Clean Criminal Record: You must have a clean criminmal record at the time of application e.g. submit PCC.
Health Insurance: You must have proof of health insurance, either through private health insurance or statutory health insurance in Germany.
Language Certificate: You must have a German language completion certificate, e.g., the level should be B1.
Step 3: Apply for Permanent Residency
After completing your five-year stay and meeting the integration requirements, you can apply for permanent residency.
If you are a blue card holder, then you can apply for permanent residency before five years, e.g., after completing 33 months.
You can Submit your application for permanent residency (Niederlassungserlaubnis) at the Foreigners’ Office. You have to submit your application form, application fee receipt and other related doc. Find your local Foreigners office or immigration office.
Step 4: Receive Your Decision
The immigration office will review your application and make a decision on granting permanent residency. If positive you will get Germany residency for indefinate period.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between skilled worker PR and PR based on general work?
If you are a skilled worker and have a Blue Card, you can apply after 33 months. However, if you are just a normal worker living and working in Germany, you have to be eligible for permanent residency after completing five years of residence.
What is the average processing time for Germany PR based on work?
In general, the average processing time for German permanent residency based on work is 6 months. This means you have to allow immigration authorities to review your case and wait for at least 6 months to receive a response or decision.
What is the difference between German PR and citizenship?
If you get a German PR based on work or if you are a Blue Card holder, it means you receive long-term residence in Germany, which is indefinite. However, the in citizenship you get a passport, you become a citizen of Germany and gain certain rights, such as voting in elections and traveling to other countries outside of EU that allow german citizen to visit without a visa.
Can a Blue Card holder get PR earlier?
Yes, if you hold an EU Blue Card in Germany, you will be eligible to apply for PR after 33 months and yes you can get early PR as compare to ordinary worker or residence holder. However, you must complete at least A1 level of the German language.
How to get German PR in less than two years?
Yes German permanent residency in around 2 years, or even less, if you count in months. You can apply for German PR after completing your 21 months in German. However you must hold an EU Blue Card in Germany and have completed the B1 level of the German language with completion certificates.
What is the application cost for German permanent residency?
In general, the cost for German PR is 113 euros. However, if you have a skilled worker visa or residence permit and want to apply for German permanent residency,. You have to pay 147 euros as an application fee for your PR. Additionally, if you are self-employed, you have to pay a 124 euro fee for a PR application.
Can I get permanent residency in Germany with a freelancer visa?
If you have a freelancer visa in Germany and have completed at least 3 years in the country,. You can be eligible to apply for German permanent residency as a self-employed individual or freelancer.
Can I apply for German permanent residency after completing my graduation in Germany?
After completing your graduation in Germany, if you find a job and pay the taxes properly then yes you can be eligible to apply for German permanent residency after completing two years of residency.
What is the basic language requirement for getting PR in Germany?
You must complete B1 level of the German language before apply for german PR.
If I am married to a German citizen, will the German PR requirement be the same?
If you are married to a German citizen, you have the right to apply for German permanent residency after three years. You will also receive some exemptions compared to those applying for German permanent residency based on work. For more detailed information, read our blog about German PR through spouse or marriage.
Can my German permanent residency have an expiry date?
German permanent residency is for an indefinite period of time. However, the card issued to you have a expiration date. This means you can apply for a new card after it expires without submitting any new applications or documents.
Can I work in other European countries with German PR?
You cannot work in other european countries with German PR until you get a new residency permits from that country. German PR only allow you to work and live in Germany.
Can I apply for permanent residency in Germany after completing vocational training?
If you complete your vocational training in Germany, you will be eligible to apply for German PR after completing two years of residency. In addition, it’s also essential for you to have a relevant job, to be a taxpayer, and to hold a B1 level German language certificate.
What are the “highly qualified” workers mean?
Highly-qualified workers in Germany include researchers with specialized technical expertise and teaching professionals in universities, PhD doctors, etc.
When can highly qualified workers apply for a PR in Germany?
Highly qualified workers can apply for a German PR at any time. There is no specific time period requirement, unlike other types of permanent residency in Germany E.G. worker, blue card holder and family members.
Disclaimer
While we make an effort to offer accurate and current information, it is advisable to independently verify the details on the official German immigration website for absolute accuracy and clarity.
Our blog’s objective is to offer helpful information and direction for completing the application process for Germany permanent residency through work.
What do we hope from you?
We hope that this blog post helps you understand the process of applying for and getting Germany permanent residency through work.
If you have any questions to ask, you are welcome to leave a comment below or get in touch with us at support@migratewisdom.com.
