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How to Get Permanent Residency (PR) in Germany?

If you have worked or lived in Germany based on a temporary residence visa, you can apply for a permanent one, too. In this piece, you will get to know how to get PR in Germany, its eligibility criteria and the application process.

What Is the Eligibility Criteria to Apply for PR Process in Germany?

There are some specific criteria that applicants must fulfil before applying for PR in Germany. They are listed below.

Have a valid passport no matter the country.
Have at least B1 level German proficiency.
Hold German Health Insurance.
Have no criminal record registered in their name.
Must be in good health to work or study in the country.
Must earn enough to support themselves and their family's stay.
Have enough evidence to prove their marriage in case they join through a partner visa.
Can show proof of their admission to any German University.
Pass the 'Life in Germany' test to qualify for the application process.

How to Get PR in Germany from India?

Here's a step-by-step explanation regarding how to get permanent residency in Germany. Follow these steps sequentially for a flawless experience:

Step 1: Register Your German Address

In scenarios like applying for the German immigration process from your home or before the completion of 90 days in the country, you must first register your German address. It is one of the requirements mentioned by the officials that you need to fulfil to get permanent residency. The officials can also charge you a fine and reject your request if you don't. After you register the address, you will get a document to attach along with the application form.

Step 2: Get Health Insurance and Bank Account

Another requirement is that applicants must have health insurance in Germany. So, if you don't have one, apply for it. Remember, in the application process, they rarely accept foreign policies, so it should be from one of the German companies.

In addition, to show that you are able to support yourself and your family while you stay in Germany, open a German bank account. Then, transfer all your funds into the account and show the bank statement as proof along with the application.

Step 3: Get an Appointment and Fill out the Form

Next, there is a form available for acquiring Germany's permanent residence. However, to get hold of it, you need to set an appointment in the local immigration office and pick up the form on the allotted date. Remember, the sooner the appointment, the better it is. This is because immigration offices are generally crowded, and you do not want to surpass 90 days because of the delay.

Step 4: Show up Early

On the day when officials call you, make sure you show up as early as possible. You might have to wait for your turn in a queue. When your turn comes, present all the required documents. They will take a 10-minute interview to check if the papers are fine and genuine.

Step 5: Make Payment

After your interview, the officials will direct you to the payment counter. Next, you must submit the application fee for further processing. It can be either through cash, bank, or EC card. If all goes well, you can go home and wait for some time for officers to approve your request.

What Documents Are Necessary to Apply for PR in Germany?

One of the most important things to keep in mind while learning how to get PR in Singapore is what documents are necessary for applicants while filing. To avoid any confusion, they are listed down in bullets.

Identification proof
Immigration pass
Passport with a validity of six months
Name changing certificate and deed poll, if required
Two passport-sized photos
Certificate of the highest degree of education
Proof of the individual’s date of birth
Current employment letter with every detail of your employment
Registration certificate showing details of shareholders and owner in case of self-employed business
Signed consent issued by the Tax department to obtain financial documents

There are other documents too that are necessary if you fall under a particular category like:

For Employed Individuals

Contract of employment
Previous six-month salary statement
Employer's current certificate as issued in the last fourteen days
Pension insurance documentation certificate

For Self-Employed Individuals or Freelancers

The current tax assessment notice
Audit report carried by a professional auditor, tax consultant or tax agent
Any other document that officials may ask

What Are the Different Pathways to Apply for Permanent Residency in Germany?

If you are wondering how many years does it take to get PR in Germany, the answer is four years. But if you choose certain pathways, you can get it before the period. To name it, these include:

PR in Germany for Graduates
PR in Germany for Highly Qualified Professionals
PR in Germany for EU Blue Card Holders
PR in Germany for Self-employed
PR for Family Members of Someone with German Residency

Go through the following sections to find details of how to apply for German permanent residency using a particular path.

1. PR in Germany for Graduates

This category is for those students who have graduated from a vocational school or German University and have continued working in Germany for two years. However, there are other criteria to fulfil before seeking how to get PR in Germany after studies.

Eligibility Criteria

Your job must be connected to the vocational training or education you have received in Germany.
You must be fluent in at least B1 level German language and pass the ‘Life in Germany’ exam.
Your pension insurance should not be due until the next 24 months.

Application Process

International students who graduated from Germany cannot apply for permanent citizenship after completing their studies even if they have stayed for many years in the country. First, you need to find a reputable job, work for at least two years, and then apply for PR.

2. PR in Germany for Highly Qualified Professionals

Highly Qualified Professionals can get permanent residency as soon as they enter the country. It refers to someone specialising in a particular field, a teacher at German University or an assistant with executive functions. However, the eligibility criteria are as follows:

Eligibility Criteria

Can integrate German life into their way of living
Is academically trained
Have the capability to afford their own expenses without any public assistance

3. PR in Germany for EU Blue Card Holders

Holders of EU Blue Card can get Germany permanent residency in just 33 months of their stay in Germany. However, your work profile must be as per your qualification. Also, it would help if you made your contribution to the statutory pension insurance fund. Other eligibilities are:

Eligibility Criteria

Must be fluent in A1 German language
Can settle in the German way of living
Hold adequate space to spend a lifetime

4. PR in Germany for Self-Employed

If you have been working in Germany for the last three years and currently hold a residence visa issued by officials allowing your stay, you can get PR in Germany. However, make sure you are self-employed at the time of applying. In addition to this, you must prove that you have enough sources to cover your and your family’s expenses.

Eligibility Criteria to Set up a Business

Requires an economic interest or demand of the product and service in a particular region.
Must show the ability to finance their business through his or her own capital or via any loan commitment.
Individuals above 45 years of age must present adequate provision certificates for old age pension.

Eligibility Criteria for Freelancers

Present substantial evidence of funding his or her projects.
Provide the requisite licences for the particular field of work.
Requires old age pension provision certificates for individuals above 45 years.

5. PR for Family Members of Someone With German Residence

This category is for those who have a close family member who is a permanent citizen of Germany and is successfully employed in the country. However, remember you can only apply for PR once you have completed three years of stay.

Eligibility Criteria

Fluent in B1 level German
Hold a valid work permit
Contributed to the pension insurance fund
Have proof that you intend to continue living as a German citizen
Have enough personal income and do not need social security assistance for the purpose.

If you are a dependent family member of a permanent German citizen, you need a five-year stay proof.

What Is the Processing Time and Fee to Get PR in Germany?

After submitting your application and documents and completing your interview successfully, you must wait for 2 to 3 weeks for the officials to revert.

Additionally, as far as the cost to get PR in Germany is involved, the officials charge you a standard fee of €135 for the permit and €200 if you are self-employed.

How to Track PR Application Status in Germany Online?

Often applicants get impatient after submitting their application forms. In other words, they need to know the status of their visa. Fortunately, you can track it online using the simple procedure mentioned below:

Visit the official website of VFS.
Click on ‘Track your Application.’
A dialogue box will appear asking for information relating to your application reference number, date of birth, and captcha.
Fill in the required information and click on the ‘Submit’ button to find your status.

What Are the Benefits of Obtaining a Permanent Residency in Germany?

Applicants first need to apply for a 90 days visa and then send an application for permanent residency. The benefits that come along include:

You don't need to reapply for PR in Germany during your indefinite stay.
There is no objection relating to the job change requirement. Residents can also start a business even if it has no relation to their educational qualifications and training.
Enjoy social security assistance like unemployment benefits.
Easy approval of bank loans.
Once individuals complete eight years in Germany, they can apply for neutralisation as German citizens.
Get admission to any German University and get financial assistance while completing the course.

Timing and Address of German Visa Application Centres in India

State	Address
Puducherry	VFS Global Services Pvt Ltd, Eswaran Kovil Street, No 32, 605001, Puducherry.
Hyderabad	VFS Global Services Pvt Ltd, 8-2-700, Srida Anushka Pride, 3rd Floor, Road 12, Banjara Hills, 500034, Hyderabad.
Chennai	VFS Global Services Pvt Ltd, Third floor, Fagun Towers, No 74, Egmore, Ethiraj Salai, 600008, Chennai.
Trivandrum	Germany Visa Application, 1st Floor, Asiatic Business centre, Attipara Village, T C 2/2408-3, Kazhakuttom, 685583, Trivandrum.
Kochi	Germany Visa Application Centre, First floor coastal chamber, MG Road Ravipuram, 682015, Kochi.
Bengaluru	Germany Visa Application Centre, First floor, No 11, Global Tech Park, O’ Shaughnessy Road, Langford Town, 560025, Bangalore.
Goa	Germany Visa Application Centre, Gera Imperium, Patto, Panaji, Goa.
Pune	Germany Visa Application Centre, 4th floor, F Core Marvel Edge, Viman Nagar, Bajaj Finserv, 411014, Pune.
Ahmedabad	Germany Visa Application Centre, Emerald House, First floor, Off CG Road, Near Parimal Garden Cross Road, 380006, Ahmedabad.
Mumbai	Germany Visa Application Centre, Urmi Axis Building, 3rd floor, Behind Famous Studio, Mahalaxmi, West Mumbai, 400011.
Kolkata	VFS Global Services Pvt Ltd, Rene Tower 5th Floor, Plot AA-I, 1842, Rajdanga Main Road, Kasba, 7000107, Kolkata.
Jaipur	VFS Global Services Pvt Ltd, First Floor, Mangalam Ambition Tower, Agrasen Circle, Subhash Marg, C-Scheme, 302001, Jaipur.
Gurgaon	VFS Global Services Pvt Ltd, 4th Centre, ILD Trade Centre, Sohna Road, Sector 47, 122001, Gurgaon.
Chandigarh	VFS Global Services Pvt Ltd, Elante offices, Unit B209, Entry Gate No 3, Office Block B, Plot 178-178A, Phase 1, Industrial and Business Park, 160002, Chandigarh.
Jalandhar	VFS Global Services Pvt Ltd, Aman Plaza, 3rd floor, Plot 310, Mahavir Marg, Lajpat Nagar, Nakodar Chowk, Opposite Lovely Autos, Jalandhar, 144001, Punjab.
New Delhi	VFS Global Services Pvt Ltd, Mezzanine level, Shivaji Stadium Metro Station, Baba Kharak Singh Marg, Connaught Place, 110001, New Delhi.

In the above sections, we have mentioned every detail one needs to know how to get PR in Germany. Therefore, refer to the headings to avoid confusion regarding the eligibility criteria, necessary documents, and application procedure.

Frequently Asked Questions

All

Can someone lose their German permanent residence permit?

If a person leaves Germany for taking short trips, they need not worry about losing a permanent residence permit. However, if the vacation exceeds six months, they may lose it.