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 for Germany PR
To be eligible for permanent residency in Germany based on marriage, you must meet several key criteria:
Length 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: Documentation proving the German citizenship or permanent residency status of your spouse.
No criminal background: a certificate of no criminal background.
Proof of Residence: Documents confirming that you both shared residence in Germany, such as rental agreements or utility bills.
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 completion certificate from an integration course may be required to demonstrate knowledge of German society, culture, and legal system.
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.
Step 5: Decision for PR
After reviewing your application and conducting any necessary checks, the immigration authorities will make a decision 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 submit the application for German PR today, your time will be counted from today. You will receive your decision around 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 or 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 not only count 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 obtain German permanent residency. 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?
You must fulfill the basic requirements to apply for permanent residency in Germany, even if you are applying on behalf of your spouse. Failure to submit the necessary documents may reduce the chances of a positive decision. Remember that a German language certificate, such as a B1 level, is a basic requirement.
How can I improve my chances of getting permanent residency through marriage in Germany?
If you want to enhance your chances of obtaining German PR based on your spouse, consider the following:
Residing Together: Ensure that both you and your spouse reside at the same address in Germany.
Stable Life: Demonstrate that you are actively living and working in Germany, maintaining a stable family life.
Compliance with Laws: You are following the German laws and regulations, including being a proper taxpayer.
Shared Assets: Possess joint property, such as a house or business, to indicate stability and commitment.
Legal Marriage: Ensure that your marriage is legal and valid according to German laws.
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 obtain 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. This means there won’t be any specific time period mentioned on the decision letter. However, the card issued to you is valid for a specific period of time. Don’t worry; you can easily renew it once it expires without any trouble.
Is a background check important for German PR?
Yes, your background check is important, and the immigration office spends time verifying 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. We suggest living your life properly and avoiding any wrongdoing during your stay, while adhering to German laws as a law-abiding citizen. Otherwise, you may encounter issues with your PR in Germany.
What is the cost of Germany permanent residency for a spouse?
Generally, the application fee is 113 euros if you apply for a Permanent Settlement Permit for family members of Germans. However, we highly encourage you to check the immigration website for confirmation.
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 we recommend attending the interview confidently without becoming nervous.
What other European country gives PR in 3 years, rather Germany?
In order 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 permanent residency 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, does 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. If you get divorced during the application process, there are high chances of receiving a negative decision for your German PR.
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. It is important to rely on the official resources and procedures outlined by the relevant immigration authorities to ensure the most precise and up-to-date information for your application.
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.
