EU permanent residence permit

Description

You can live, work or study in the countries of the European Union (except Ireland, Denmark, Great Britain) under simplified conditions.

Who can apply for the permit?

Nationals (and their family members and children) from so-called third countries. Third countries are all countries except: EU countries, Switzerland, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway.

An unlimited residence permit is also possible in the form of a settlement permit. Whether a settlement permit or an EU permanent residence permit is advisable for you depends on your individual circumstances. The Foreigners Office will be happy to provide information.

Applying and making an appointment

Please submit the application form and the required documents online or by post. After your application has been checked, you will receive an appointment for a personal interview.

Prerequisites

• You have been living legally in Germany for five years (previous periods of study and training are counted at 50 per cent).
• You have a valid residence permit that was not issued for a temporary purpose (studies) or for humanitarian reasons.
• Your livelihood is secure.
• You have sufficient knowledge of the German language and basic knowledge of the legal and social system of the Federal Republic of Germany.
• You have sufficient living space for you and your family members.

Required documents

• Fully completed application form for EU permanent residence
• Valid passport or passport substitute
• biometric passport photo(photo booths are available at the Foreigners Office)

Proof of secure means of subsistence and accommodation:

for employees:

• Salary slips (certificate of earnings for the last three months)
• Completed confirmation of the employment relationship

for self-employed persons/freelancers:

• Proof of profit after tax (last income tax assessment notice, current profit and loss account from tax advisor)
• Proof of health insurance
• business registration(if required under trade law)
• Certificate from the tax office (information on tax matters)

Proof of sufficient living space

• declaration of domestic community
• For rented flats: Rental agreement stating the size of the flat in square metres and account statements on the rent amount or
• housing certificateor
• For owner-occupied flats: Purchase contract stating the size of the flat in square metres and, if applicable, proof of instalment payments for loans and monthly housing benefit/house allowance.

Proof of adequate pension provision:

• Waiting period information from the German Pension Insurance (at least 60 months of compulsory or voluntary contributions to the statutory pension insurance), information on the waiting period information can also be obtained from the municipal insurance office in the KVR(Implerstraße 11/ 4th floor)
  or

• Proof of entitlement to comparable benefits from an insurance or pension institution or an insurance company.

Further proof (if available):

• Certificates of school-leaving qualifications/ vocational training in Germany
• Proof of completed studies
• Proof of completed integration course

Please note

Further documents may be required in individual cases.

Legal basis

§ 9a Residence Act
EU Directive 2003/109/EC