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. If you’re considering settling in Germany and obtaining permanent residency through work, you’re on the right track. Germany offers PR to skilled workers to get long-term residency status in Germany.
In this blog
In this blog post, we will outline the requirements and steps involved in obtaining 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 secure 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 spend 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 demonstrate a stable source of income to support yourself and your dependents without relying on social welfare benefits. This can be evidenced through employment contracts, bank statements, or tax returns.
Accommodation: You must have suitable accommodation in Germany. This could be in the form of a rental agreement or proof of property ownership.
Integration: Your integration into German society is a crucial aspect of obtaining permanent residency. You, as an applicant, are required to fulfill integration requirements, which typically include language proficiency and knowledge of German society, culture, and legal system. This can be demonstrated through language certificates and integration course completion. Remember that if you are a blue card holder and want to apply for German permanent residency,. You are exempt from such integration, except for the language requirement.
Contribution to Social Security: You must have made contributions to the German social security system, such as pension and health insurance payments. This requirement ensures that you have actively participated in the German economy and society.
Clean Criminal Record: You must provide a police clearance certificate or equivalent document from their home country, demonstrating a lack of criminal convictions.
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.
Note: Some exceptions may apply based on your nationality or if you hold a Blue Card, which may waive the integration requirements.
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.
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: Attend PR Interview
In Germany, when you apply for permanent residency, you might need to attend an interview. This interview is important for your residency approval. Prepare by gathering all your original documents. Keep them satisfied in case they ask for anything during the interview.
Step 5: Wait for Immigration Response
The immigration office will review your application and make a decision on granting permanent residency.
If the PR application is approved by immigration, you will receive permanent residency status, which gives you indefinite stay and work rights in Germany.
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 obtain 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, if you obtain citizenship through a passport, you become a citizen of Germany and gain certain rights, such as voting in elections and traveling to other countries 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. However, you must complete at least A1 level of the German language.
How to get German PR in less than two years?
You can obtain German permanent residency in around 2 years, or even less, if you count in months. You can apply for German PR after 21 months of residing in Germany. This applies to those who already 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, securing a job in your profession, and paying taxes properly,. 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?
To apply for and obtain German permanent residency, you must successfully complete the B1 level of the German language.
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. When your PR application is approved, you receive permanent residency in Germany indefinitely. However, the card issued to you after the approval of your PR will have an 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?
If you get German permanent residency, you can certainly move to other European countries and continue living there for a limited period of time. However, you cannot work there without obtaining the necessary documents or residency permits from those countries. Once you acquire residency in another European country, you will then be eligible to seek employment. Nonetheless, having German PR can facilitate obtaining residency in other European countries more easily.
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 for obtaining a permanent settlement permit in Germany?
Highly-qualified workers in Germany include researchers with specialized technical expertise and teaching or scientific personnel in prominent positions.
When can highly qualified workers apply for a permanent settlement permit in Germany?
Highly qualified workers, such as researchers with specialized technical expertise or professors in reputable institutes with prominent positions. If you are included in those, you can apply for a German permanent settlement permit at any time. There is no specific time period requirement, unlike other types of permanent residency in Germany.
What is required to apply for a permanent settlement permit as a highly-qualified professional in Germany?
To apply for a permanent settlement permit, highly-qualified professionals may need approval from the Federal Employment Agency. Additionally, you must provide evidence of academic training.
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. 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 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.
