If you are already living and working in Germany with a temporary residence permit, now may be the right time to consider securing your long-term future. With a settlement permit (Niederlassungserlaubnis), you and your family can live in Germany permanently without restrictions, work freely, or start your own business.

In this article, we answer the most frequently asked questions: Who can apply for a settlement permit? What are the requirements? What are the benefits, and how does the application process work?

What is a Settlement Permit?

The settlement permit is a permanent residence title that allows you to live and work in Germany indefinitely. It offers legal certainty, professional freedom, and the opportunity to fully integrate into German society with your family.

Who Can Apply for a Settlement Permit?

Generally, individuals recognized as skilled workers (Fachkräfte) can apply for a settlement permit. This includes the following groups:

• Persons with a German or equivalent foreign vocational qualification (§18a AufenthG)

• Persons with a German or recognized/comparable foreign university degree (§18b AufenthG)

• EU Blue Card holders (§18g AufenthG)

• International researchers (§18d AufenthG)

General Requirements for Skilled Workers

If you belong to one of the groups listed above and meet the following conditions, you can apply for a settlement permit under Section 18c of the Residence Act:

• You have held a residence permit under §§18a, 18b, 18d, or 18g for at least three years

• You can support yourself financially without relying on public assistance

• You have made at least 36 months of contributions to the statutory pension system

• You are employed in a position permitted by your residence title

• You have German language skills at B1 level (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages – CEFR)

• You have basic knowledge of Germany’s legal and social systems, usually proven by the “Living in Germany”test

• You have sufficient living space for yourself and your family

Facilitated Requirements for EU Blue Card Holders

EU Blue Card holders benefit from simplified conditions:

• At least 27 months of qualified employment with pension contributions

• A1 level German skills (If you have B1 level, the required time is reduced to 21 months)

• Proof of basic legal and social knowledge (usually via the “Living in Germany” test)

• Proof of sufficient income and adequate housing

Special Provisions for Graduates of German Universities or Vocational Training

If you completed your studies or vocational training in Germany, you may benefit from reduced requirements:

• You have held a residence permit as a skilled worker for at least two years

• You are employed in a job permitted by your residence permit

• You have contributed to the pension scheme for 24 months

• You have B1 level German skills and passed the “Living in Germany” test

• You have sufficient living space

Immediate Settlement Permit for Highly Qualified Professionals

Particularly highly qualified professionals such as scientists with special expertise or senior-level academic teachers may be eligible for an immediate settlement permit upon arrival in Germany:

• You can prove you have completed academic training

• You can support yourself without public assistance and are expected to integrate well into German life

Settlement Permit for the Self-Employed

Entrepreneurs and self-employed persons can apply for a settlement permit under Section 21(4) of the Residence Act, provided they:

• Hold a valid residence title for self-employment

• Have been actively self-employed for at least three years

• Can demonstrate that their business is sustainable and successful

• Can support themselves and their family members permanently

Settlement Permit for Spouses of Skilled Workers

If your spouse already holds a settlement permit as a skilled worker, you may also apply for your own settlement permit after three years, provided that:

• You have had a residence permit for at least three years

• You work at least 20 hours per week and are authorized to do so

• You and your spouse live together in a marital household

• You have B1 level German language skills

• You have passed the “Living in Germany” test

Application Fees

Applying for a settlement permit involves a fee. Depending on your residence status, fees can go up to approximately €150. The exact amount depends on your individual case and can be confirmed by your local foreigners authority (Ausländerbehörde).