Last updated on October 15, 2025
Germany Permanent Residency through Marriage
Permanent residency in Germany through marriage is for those who are married to German citizens and have lived in Germany for at least three years. So if you are including those who are married to German citizens or any other person who is an EU citizen but has lived in Germany with you for three years. You can apply for permanent residency. Obtaining permanent residency offers a pathway to long-term settlement and integration into German society. As you know, Germany is one of the most vibrant countries in the European Union.
In this blog
In this comprehensive guide, we will explain to you the steps and requirements for getting permanent residency in Germany based on marriage. Let’s start the discussion and follow these steps:
Step 1: Check the Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for permanent residency in Germany based on marriage, you must meet several key criteria:
Duration of Marriage for Germany PR: Typically, you both must have been married and living together in Germany for a certain period, often around three years. Exceptions may apply in certain circumstances, such as if the couple has children together.
Legal Marriage: The marriage must be legally recognized in Germany according to German marriage laws.
Residency Requirements for Germany PR: Both spouses must have legal residence in Germany, with the non-German spouse holding a valid residence permit throughout the marriage.
Step 2: Complete Documentation For German PR
Applicants for permanent residency based on marriage must complete some documents to support their application. The required documentation may include the following:
Proof of Identity: Your valid passports, birth certificates, and any other relevant identification documents for both spouses.
Passport-size picture: You must provide a passport-size picture to the office.
Marriage Certificate: A certified copy of your marriage certificate demonstrating the legality of the union.
Proof of Spouse’s Status: Proof of German citizenship or permanent residency status of your spouse.
No criminal background: a certificate of no criminal background.
Proof of Shared Household: Documents confirming that you both shared residence in Germany, such as rental agreements or utility bills, etc.
Proof of legal stay: You must prove that you have been staying in Germany legally for the last three years. You can, of course, show that by submitting the temporary residence card that you received in your first application.
Financial Documents: You should provide documents that show financial stability, including bank statements, employment contracts, and tax returns.
Health Insurance: Proof of health insurance coverage for both spouses, as required by German law.
Language Proficiency: A certificate of at least B1 in the German language exam.
Integration Course Certificate: A certificate that you get after completing the integration course.
Author keynote for you to know
When you move to Germany as an EU family member or you get married to a German citizen, then you should continue your proper life as a common family from your first day. This means staying together in one place and sharing everything together, e.g., bills, insurance, joint ownership, etc. This will help you in your PR application and make the PR application process smoother without any complications.
Second, people do not take it seriously when it’s about language and integration. You have to understand that sooner or later you have to pass the language- and integration-related exam to be eligible for PR, so why not do it from day one? The more you know about the culture, language, and other integration processes, the better you contribute to the German system. As a matter of fact, you apply for PR because you want to stay longer or permanently, so why not learn the language and integrate yourself not only for the government but also for yourself and your career?
At the end, you should know that this will be helpful when you apply for citizenship, so do not be lazy in such matters. The earlier you do all the things, the better it will be for you and for your application process in the future for PR and passport, and every country wants its immigrants to be integrated with the system, so you should take this as an opportunity to indulge in the system and play a better role in that country. And in this blog, we are talking about German PR, so relate this last point to this country, meaning indulge yourself in the German system and value that.
Step 3: Submission of PR Application
Submit your application for permanent residency to the local Foreigners’ Office (Ausländerbehörde) or Immigration Office (Einwohnermeldeamt), depending on the jurisdiction. Find out more about the immigration offices in German cities.
Step 4: Interview & Background Checks
After submitting your application for German permanent residency, you have to wait for an interview and a background check. When you apply for permanent residence, the immigration office in Germany checks your background to make sure everything is okay and you have not been involved in anything wrong in the past, just in case. Furthermore, you may be required to attend an interview to discuss your application and undergo background checks to verify the authenticity of the information provided.
Author Note for you
A lot of people ask this question that interview is compulsory when you apply for permanent residency in Germany if you spouse is German then yes because immigration office have right to call for interview even if you apply for PR as a common worker but for spouse based PR in German the office is more interested to know whether you relation is going smooth and proper and you are properly involved as a family e.g. living together, have share responsibility and paying all the utilities etc together just like other typical family. So it is best to be ready for an interview in any case. Another thing is the interview is ordinary interview so if nothing is wrong then you would be worry about any interview.
The most important point that we have to highlight here is that you should follow the system and law and value it at any level because during your stay, if you are involved in any illegal activities or crime, etc., then you would reduce the chances of getting German PR, even though you are the spouse of a German citizen. It is common that the country first takes care of its system and values those who respect their system and follow the rules. So avoid getting involved in any illegal act.
.
Step 5: Decision for PR
After reviewing your application and conducting any necessary checks, the immigration authorities will decide on your permanent residency application. If approved, you will be issued a permanent residence permit (Niederlassungserlaubnis) for an indefinite period.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply for permanent residency in Germany through marriage?
- You should check your eligibility first.
- Gather all the documents that are needed for getting a German PR.
- Submit your application to the immigration office located in your city with all the documents.
- Wait for a background check and give an interview if asked by the migration office.
- Get your decision for permanent residency in Germany through marriage.
How long does it take to get permanent residency?
It will take around 6 months to obtain German permanent residency. If you apply for German PR today, your time will be counted from today. You will receive your decision within 6 months in most cases.
How do I count the duration of marriage for German PR?
When applying for German permanent residency, remember that your marriage should be at least two years old in Germany. If you have completed two years of marriage, you may be eligible to apply for permanent residency through marriage to your spouse. However, there are other important factors to consider before applying for German PR through a spouse visa or residency.
How do I count my legal stay for German PR?
To apply for German PR, you must count not only your marriage period but also your legal stay in Germany. The legal stay must be at least three years, meaning that when you apply for German PR, you must have already stayed in Germany for at least 3 years.
Is a language test compulsory for German PR based on marriage?
Yes, you must pass the German language exam to get German PR. You must have at least a B1 German language certificate before applying for German PR through a spouse or marriage. There are many tests available, such as TestDaF or DTZ, among others.
Can I get permanent residency without passing the German language exam?
If we give you a straight answer, then NO, because language is a basic requirement for PR, even if you are a spouse. Without complete language, you cannot get German PR.
How can I improve my chances of getting permanent residency through marriage in Germany?
If you want to improve your chances of getting German PR based on your spouse, then you have to have a proper married life in Germany, just like common people, e.g., staying together in one place, sharing a complete household, doing a job, and paying taxes, etc. If you present some documents regarding these points in your application, then, of course, you make your application solid and improve your chances of getting a positive decision for your PR.
How to get the application form for permanent residency in Germany?
You can download the application form from the immigration website located in your area or city. Alternatively, you can GET this form from the Einbürgerungsamt. If you are living in Germany, you likely know how to access this form.
How long is the validity of Germany’s permanent residency?
If your application is approved, you will receive permanent residency in Germany for an indefinite period, BUT you have to renew this from time to time, just like you apply for a new ID or passport in your country after expiry.
Is a background check important for German PR?
Yes, your background check is important, and the immigration office verifies that everything is in order and that you are living properly in Germany during this time. Remember, your background check is crucial in obtaining your PR in Germany. They do not issue a decision without checking your background.
Does the time I spend outside of Germany count towards my residency requirement for permanent residency?
If you visit another country, including your own, for a short-term visit or stay, the time spent outside of Germany is generally still counted towards your PR residency requirement. For example, if you visit your country and spend 2 months there, this short stay would not interrupt the continuous residency requirement in Germany. However, longer stays outside of Germany might pose issues for your permanent residency application, except in certain situations.
What are the interview questions for permanent residency in Germany?
The interview will be about your past life in Germany with your spouse. For instance, questions may be about your social life, work, living situation, the documents you submitted, etc. It’s a standard procedure, and you have to attend this just like normal.
What other European country gives PR in 3 years, other than Germany?
To get quick permanent residency based on your spouse in three years, Poland is also a good option for you. Poland allows you to apply for Polish PR after completing three years of marriage. Read more details in a related blog about Poland’s spouse-based PR.
If I get divorced during the German PR application process, will it affect my decision?
If you get divorced, even during the process of applying for German permanent residency based on marriage or spouse, it would affect your case. You would likely receive a negative decision because you were applying based on your marriage to a German citizen or EU national who resides in Germany with proper residency. So with divorce, you will lose this right eventually.
Read more helpful posts
Germany permanent residency for workers
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 Germany’s permanent residency through the marriage application process.
What do we hope from you?
We hope that this blog post helps you understand the process of applying for and getting permanent residency in Germany through a spouse or marriage.
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.
Found this helpful? Share with others who might benefits
