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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.